Almsgiving is the practice of giving to those in need. It is a way of showing
love and compassion for others. Almsgiving can also be a way of expressing
our gratitude for God’s blessings. Almsgiving is an important part of Lent,
as it allows us to share with those in need and to be an example of mercy in
the world.
This week is also the feast day of St Oscar Romero (Patron of our 6th Form building)
Day 1 – We start with scripture
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Read this Gospel passage.
A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Luke
R. Glory to You O Lord
Then Jesus told them this parable: “There was once a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. He went looking for figs on it but found none. So he said to his gardener, ‘Look, for three years I have been coming here looking for figs on this fig tree, and I haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it go on using up the soil?’ But the gardener answered, ‘Leave it alone, sir, just one more year; I will dig around it and put in some fertilizer. Then if the tree bears figs next year, so much the better; if not, then you can have it cut down.’
13:6-9
The Gospel of the Lord
R. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Spend some time in pairs or threes and talk about the questions below. When you’re finished, share with the rest of the class. Are there points you agree or disagree with?
Discussion Questions:
What does the gardener’s plea for “one more year” reveal about God’s nature?
In the context of the parable, what might “bearing fruit” symbolize in our lives?
Click below to “Add Comment” and capture some of what has been said in your form for others to see.
Lord, like the fig tree, we know you seek fruit from us. Forgive our barrenness. Grant us, like the gardener’s plea, more time to grow. Help us, in this to accept your grace, dig deep, and bear fruit that honors you. Amen.
St Peter and St Paul…
Pray for us.
St Oscar Romero…
Pray for us.
Amen
Day 2 – Forgiveness
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
We all make mistakes. We all get hurt by other people. It might be what they do or say. Equally, it could be not doing or not saying something that causes the pain.
It’s called being human. Making mistakes is part of the journey.
God our Father,
We’ve made mistakes and we are sorry. Please help us to see our faults and the grace to try to put them right. When others hurt us, help us to forgive. When we hurt others, help us to say sorry and try to fix it.
Amen.
St Peter and St Paul…
Pray for us.
St Oscar Romero…
Pray for us.
Amen
Day 3 – Who was Oscar Romero?
Saint Óscar Romero was the Archbishop of San Salvador who became a powerful voice for the voiceless during a time of immense violence and social injustice in El Salvador.
Saint Óscar Romero’s life is a powerful reminder that young people can be agents of change and that faith demands action in the pursuit of justice.
A Voice for Justice:
A martyr is someone who has killed because of their faith. He was assassinated while celebrating Mass in 1980, a martyr for his faith and his commitment to social justice.
His legacy inspires young adults to:
- Be courageous in their convictions.
- Advocate for those who are marginalized.
- Live their faith in a way that makes a positive difference in the world.
Lord God,
When we see injustice let us speak out. When we see people being mistreated, let us be a voice for them. Guide us in our words and actions to be agents of positive change in the world. Through the intercession of St Oscar Romero, let our lives reflect your glory.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son. Amen.
St Peter and St Paul…
Pray for us.
Amen
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