Closing Examen:
This is our final day of Lent. Tomorrow begins the Triduum. Thank you for accompanying us. As we end this stage of our journey, we invite you into the practice of EXAMEN, in prayer in which you are invited to return to a previous prayer period in order to become more attentive to the movements of God in our heart. To help guide this time of examen, you are invited to revisit resources from all of Lent.
Use the following questions as a guide.
It is common that when we read, watch, or listen to new content, we are intellectually engaged but don’t always make a heart connection. Take time to reflect on how the content you’ve explored this Lent may have moved your heart and spirit.
As you look back over the week, which day(s) produced a strong emotion or left you wanting to explore more?
· Was there a resource you read or watched but didn’t have time to unpack or process? Take some time to do that today.
· Have a conversation with God about your Lent. Where did you experience interior freedom or a lack thereof as you learned about anti-racism?
Share with God what engaged you this Lent as you continue on the journey towards anti-racism. Share any frustrations or fears with God that you’ve experienced.
FAMILIES: The above examen works with children, too; reword as necessary.
Sin to Overcome Racism (USCCB)
We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son the grace we need to overcome the evil of racism and to build a just society.
We ask for your help in following your Son, so that prejudice and animosity will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person.
Mary, friend and mother to all, through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other.
We ask for your help in calling on your Son, seeking forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love and respect one another.
Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus warms our hearts: pray for us. Amen.