Session 4 - The Carrying of the Cross

Lord, grant us strength of purpose that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.

The above prayer is from stations of the cross celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991.  Through this prayer we are presented with a challenge to reflect more deeply about how we carry the crosses we bear.  Join the group this Saturday as we reflect on Jesus' carrying of the cross in "The Passion of the Christ."

Passion of the Christ - The Scourging

This was for the week of 3/22.

Brothers in Christ,

This week we will view what is the most difficult part of the movie for me to watch.  Before "The Passion of the Christ" I accepted the scourging as being akin to a harsh whipping but as it turns out it was so much more.   

Jesus knew he would be scourged. He knew that before he died from the torture of the cross he would have to endure a brutal beating at the hands of the Romans. He accepted that beating, and his body was ripped open at the post. He was taking the punishment of the sins of the world so that we might not have to suffer the consequences of our transgressions. By his stripes we are healed.

 

See you Saturday!

The Passion of the Christ, Session 2

I greatly appreciated the opportunity to view and discuss the first session, the of the movie with the group.  This week the session will cover the time between the Agony in the Garden and the Scourging when Jesus was accused of blasphemy.

As I think about what to draw out of this part of the movie two main things come to mind, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the rejection of Jesus.  When applied to my own life I must admit there are instances when I've been much like the Pharisees in these two areas.  I pray we all receive the grace to increase our faith and strengthen our resolve to do God's will.

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus has spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three time."  Matthew 26:75

Lenten Journey - "The Passion of Christ"

Brothers in Christ,

Our Lenten Journey this year will revolve around the movie "The Passion of Christ."  This journey through the passion which will be viewed in five separate sessions:

• Agony in the Garden
• Accusations of Blasphemy
• Scourging at the Pillar
• Carrying the Cross
• Crucifixion

As we embark on this journey and witness the price Christ paid for our sins, I pray each of us gain virtue and prove to be the men God created us to be this Lenten season. 

I look forward to seeing you Saturday!

In Christ!

Sam Berning

Lenten Journey - Passion of the Christ

As part of our Lenten journey, we will be watching the Passion of the Christ over the next five weeks, beginning this Saturday (3/8).  Although this can be a difficult movie to watch, it is a small sacrifice to make to commemorate the much greater sacrifice made by our Savior, and will certainly help us to begin to appreciate the magnitude of that sacrifice.

Planned Parenthood Vigil - April 12, 2014

As part of the commemoration of the 40 Days of Life, Our Lady of Fatima will be conducting a vigil at the Planned Parenthood facility at 7155 E 38th Ave, near Stapleton, on Saturday, April 12, 2014.  Band of Brothers will be covering the 11:00 a.m. to noon time slot.  All are strongly encouraged to support this important ministry.