The Cross:  Dying That Leads To Life

Reflections with Michael Whelan SM

Screen shot of online video series "The Cross - Dying That Leads To Life" with Michael Whelan

Episode Titles:   (These episodes will be uploaded during the coming weeks of Lent)

  1. The Rhythm of Life
  2. Daily Life Choices
  3. Embracing Our Vulnerability
  4. Living The Dying
  5. Death And Life In The Wilderness
  6. The Cross - Transformation
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  • Dying is not simply something that happens at the end of life, or to the end of living.
  • At the heart of our lives there is a profound paradox: The surrender and letting go is a dying that allows us to live, the refusal to embrace the dying leads us away from life into death. Life is full of these moments where living and dying interact.
  • Dying is not the enemy of living but the servant of living.
  • When we resist the everyday dying that leads to a more authentic life, we can get stuck: we can get caught in a sort of ‘death-in-life’.
  • Life is constantly calling us to die to what is no longer needed and what is in fact getting in the way of our journey into life. Through that dying we grow in freedom and our humanity is deepened.
  • This brings us to the Cross. The Cross is the ultimate expression of the “I am with you” promise of the Exodus. It is also the assurance that lies behind the most often-repeated command in the Bible: ‘Don’t be afraid!’

These are some of the key reflections that Michael Whelan SM opens up for us with insight, depth and relevance in this special series on The Cross – Dying That Leads To Life.

Each of the 6 episodes in this video series begins with a striking visual reflection of the suffering at the heart of our humanity, which is the underlying context for Michael’s reflections on the foolish paradoxical wisdom of the Paschal Mystery.  Taking time to view this series introduction at the beginning of  each episode will create the reflective and prayerful atmosphere that enhances the viewing of this video series.

Michael’s reflections are supported with images and reflective pauses to ponder relevant and challenging questions.  Each episode, which runs for approximately 10 – 12 minutes, concludes with a prayer and questions for further reflection.

It is recommended that the episodes be viewed in sequence as the themes and insights are developed and deepened sequentially.

This series is ideal for personal reflection and prayer during Lent and Holy Week or for a communal / small group Lenten Program.

Sample Video

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The Rhythm Of Life