Old Covenant to New Covenant: A Sacramental Journey
This Lent, St. Francis is journeying through the covenants of the Old Testament.
Alongside these covenants, we will also explore the 7 Sacraments of the Church and how to bridge the Old Testament covenants with the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ.
Covenant with Adam
1st Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Psalm 51: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned
2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
The original covenant of love and fidelity. In the Garden of Eden, God made the original covenant with Adam, giving him dominion over all the Earth. Adam and Eve broke that covenant, which began the journey of God to reestablish that covenant time and again, showing His constant love for all His children.
Reflective Questions
God sees in your heart the gifts he created with you that even we do not see. How do you think he identifies these gifts and supports us to use them through his work? How do you respond when you are called to serve Christ? What is the vocation you are being called to serve? If others could suddenly “see” the real you, would you be afraid, nervous, or ashamed? Why and what would you change?
Practice of Hope
Prepare yourself for Mass, and focus on the openness of Jesus Christ during the readings, homily, Eucharist, and your parish community. Reflect on your engagement in the liturgy and how it affects you. Enter a difficult conversation you’ve been meaning to have with an open heart and mind.