Lent, A Journey Towards Freedom

by Lucah Flores, VD Missionary Disciple
Verbum Dei Tagaytay

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." - Exodus 20:2

The Verbum Dei Missionary family in Tagaytay facilitated a day of recollection with the staff of Bukid Kabataan on March 9, 2024, with the theme, “Lent, a Journey Towards Freedom.” This event was inspired by Pope Francis's message for this year's Lenten season. The Holy Father centered his message on the book of Exodus 20:2, “Through the Desert, God Leads Us to Freedom.” The staff expressed gratitude to their superior for allowing them to rest with the Lord for at least one day. “Sit back and relax,” the Lord said in the Third commandment. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work.” This recollection provided the staff with an opportunity to spend more time with the Lord. It was a time for them to pause, reflect, and meditate on the presence of the Lord in their lives. They believed that this experience would not only give them the energy needed to be more patient and understanding towards the abused children in the center where they work but also help them fulfill their mission wherever they are and whoever is with them.

The recollection commenced with a talk by one of the missionary disciples emphasizing that Lent is a journey to draw closer to Jesus. It is a journey hand in hand with Him towards triumph, victory over death, temptations, and all forms of sin. The preacher focused on Chapter 4 verses 1-11 of the gospel of Matthew for participants to contemplate Jesus's temptations in the wilderness for forty days. Subsequently, another talk centered on living with deeper joy derived from spiritual health through loving others as outlined in Rom. 12:9-21 by St. Paul. Participants had time to reflect on their Lenten journey during this day of recollection. Despite its brevity, it provided them with an opportunity to ponder their spiritual state during this season. They also had a chance to receive the sacrament of reconciliation which brought peace, hope, and freedom to them.

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Attending this recollection was indeed a privilege as they also received the sacrament of Holy Eucharist officiated by Father Titus, an SVD priest based in Tagaytay. Following the mass, a talk focused on emulating Jesus as a shepherd was delivered. The shepherd leads the flock towards greener pastures ahead. This exemplifies Jesus's concept of freedom – guiding His people towards a better life while living in faith and love first. To enhance sensitivity towards others' needs, participants reflected on the story of the multiplication of fish and loaves. The recollection concluded with a sharing session where participants expressed feeling blessed and thankful to the Lord for making it possible.

​One participant, a social worker at the center and newest staff member, shared her conviction that she was brought into the center by the Lord to care for abused children. She found inspiration in Matthew 4:1-11 when she reflected on the word “dinala.” This activity brought love and freedom not only to participants but also to those who accompanied them throughout this experience.

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