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This year we’re celebrating Lent with two opportunities: Audio Imagery focusing on the gospel for each week of Lent; and Meditative Reading of Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection by Pope Benedict XVI.  

If this is your first experience with Imagery or you’d like a refresher, click on Easter Series With Prayers posted on March 8, 2011 under the Ritual Menu.  You’ll find instructions for Imagery and Lenten prayers there.  To update, replace the gospel readings and Imagery exercises with the Audio Imagery for Lent presented here, or simply follow this presentation.

If you’ve chosen to do the Meditative Reading, please share your experience in the Comments section.  The book provides insights into The Mystery of Golgotha (the Crucifixion), which is the core of this Holy Lenten season.  You may be drawn to a teaching in each chapter that differs from those of another reader. By gifting others with your insights, everyone’s experience is enriched.

The Gospels of Mark

The first week of Lent focuses on Mark 1:12-15.  This first chapter is called a Prelude to the Public Ministry of Jesus–a time when John the Baptist preaches the coming of Jesus and baptizes believers as they confess their errors.

During this time, John the Baptist says to his new followers, “After me is coming someone who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  This statement foretells how Jesus baptism in the River Jordan by John will unfold, confirming that Jesus is sent by the Heavenly Father.

In Chapter 2 of Mark, Jesus begins his public ministry and the gathering of the apostles from Galilee to Capernaum.  As they travel, Jesus cures the sick and teaches in the synagogue. He then returns to Galilee and is baptized in the River Jordan, as foretold by John the Baptist.

Click Here for Audio Imagery:  Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1:12-15  

Close your eyes and breathe out three times.  See, feel, sense and know how, as Jesus comes out of the River Jordan, He sees the heavens tear apart and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, descend on him.  A voice then comes from heaven saying “You are my Son, the Beloved.  My favour rests on you.”  Breathe out one time and open your eyes.

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 Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9:2-10

The Gospel of Mark 9:2-10 confirms for the apostles that Jesus is the Son of God.  This announcement is made to Peter, James and John in the presence of the Prophet Elijah (born ninth century BC)  and Moses (born 1300 BC).  The events confirm that Jesus birth, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension have been God’s plan almost from the beginning, perhaps when God realized that humanity often has difficulty making spiritually sound decisions when faced with temptation.

Click Here for Audio Imagery, Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9.2-10

Close your eyes and breathe out three times – After overcoming Satan’s temptations, Jesus leads Peter, James and John up a high mountain.  There Jesus body becomes luminous, as He is transfigured.  Keep your eyes closed and breathe out one time.  Now see Elijah and Moses appear and speak to Jesus as the apostles, Peter, James and John, look on.  The apostles become frightened at these extraordinary events, when suddenly a cloud covers them in shadow and from the cloud comes a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved.  Listen to Him.”  Peter, James and John then discover themselves alone with Jesus Christ.  Breathe out one time and open your eyes.

May the spirit of Lent lead us to a joyous Easter!  Barbarah