Lenten Retreat Conf. No. 5: When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ

Lenten Retreat Conference No. 5: When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ Note: This audio is the fifth Friday Retreat Conference within the Lenten Season. When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ This fifth conference within the Lenten Devotional Season . . . . . . explains how the season of Lent developed over time in the Church. Originally, Lent focused on preparing new converts for baptism, but as Christianity became widespread, it shifted toward renewing the faith of all believers. By the Middle Ages, Lent took on two parts: the first emphasizing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for personal conversion, and the second . . . beginning around the fifth week (Passiontide) . . . focusing on the Cross and Christ’s suffering. Covering of Crosses and Images A key tradition during this time is the covering of crosses and images. This practice symbolizes a “fasting of the eyes,” helping believers recognize that they often take sacred things for granted. By temporarily hiding these images, the Church invites deeper reflection so that, when the Cross is revealed on Good Friday, it is encountered with renewed understanding and reverence. The conference emphasizes that the Cross is central to understanding Jesus. While the world resists suffering and self-sacrifice, Christ reveals that true life comes through self-denial, self-giving, and sacrifice. This is why Jesus teaches: to follow Him, one must first deny oneself, then take up the cross. Lent prepares believers for this call. Through spiritual discipline, they are strengthened to confront their own weaknesses and worldly tendencies, which often prioritize self-interest over God’s will. As Passiontide begins, the Church asks a deeper question: not just whether one follows Jesus, but how deeply one desires to follow Him, even to the Cross. The culmination comes on Good Friday, when the Cross is finally unveiled. This moment represents a profound revelation of Christ’s love and sacrifice, drawing believers to venerate and personally encounter it. From the Cross flows forgiveness . . . Jesus’ first words being “Father, forgive them” . . . highlighting mercy as the heart of the mystery. The conference encourages participation in the sacrament of reconciliation, especially during Lent, as a concrete response to Christ’s mercy. Overall, Lent is presented as a journey of conversion, leading believers to a deeper understanding of the Cross, which is the source and summit of Christian life. Listen to this devotional Lenten Retreat Conference and let it transform your heart. Listen to: When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Carrying the Cross: Italian Painter: Giovanni Bellini: 1500 The painting presents a quiet, intimate moment. Christ is shown close to the viewer, transforming the scene into a personal encounter . . . a call to contemplation and compassion.