Lent Talks

The word Lent comes from the Old English word for Spring, which points us towards a way of understanding Lent as a Springtime with God, a time of awakening, emerging and transformation in response to the warmth of God’s love.

This series of four Lent talks will pick up on strands of this theme. Each talk will be held on Zoom and will include time for reflection and conversation. Speakers and topics as follows:

Tue 24th Feb: Siobhan Burke on Belonging

“The world has never been more connected, yet people are lonelier than ever. The absence of belonging is the great silent wound of our times.” Toko Pa Turner

We are neuro-biologically wired for connection and belonging, yet for a whole host of reasons many of us struggle to find these things in today’s world. This reflective talk will explore how to find a deeper sense of home in who we are and how to cultivate a sense of greater belonging in the world.

Tue 10th Mar: ‘Greening’ from within – A Spirituality suited to Lent, by Sr Úna Agnew (a St Louis sister)

Lent in Old English (lencten), is derived from the lengthening of daylight at this time of year.  It other words, Lent tells us that Spring is in the air! To observe Lent well, we think we should do penance; something difficult, like fasting or saying extra prayers. All this is good, but what if we also focussed this year on the inner spring of God-given spiritual energy, derived from nature, that is burgeoning in our lives if only, we attend to it? Scripture, poets, and mystics can help guide us towards exploring the ‘springs of living water’ that facilitate a ‘greening’ from within, which we need in preparation for Easter. 

Tue 17th Mar: Kate Bruce on Embodying Hope in a Fractured World

How do we find and hold onto hope when there is much going on which speaks of division and despair? Further still – how can we embody hope in the places where we live and work?

This Lent reflection will reflect on resources to speak into these questions.

Tue 24th Mar: Margaret Silf on The Wisdom Years

Lent signifies springtime, but our later years can feel more like autumn, as we have to let go of much that we have cherished, just as the trees let their leaves fall.

But what if these years are also a new awakening to the unexpected gifts of ageing, the emergence of a wider perspective and a deeper wisdom , just as the first spring flowers emerge amid the winter frosts?

An invitation to recognise and embrace both the challenges and the blessings of our wisdom years.