Spiritual Reflections

Forgiveness Presentation Part 1
November 13, 2021
Sarah Hart reflects on the meaning and nature of Christian forgiveness, the role of the will, and the graces God provides for our healing. Sarah discusses why the Lord asks us to forgive, what forgiveness is and is not, and outlines some practical steps on how to forgive. 

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Forgiveness Presentation Part 2: Art Meditation
November 13, 2021
In the second half of Sarah Hart's presentation on Forgiveness, Sarah walks us through an art meditation reflecting on Michael Corsini's painting Let the Children of Divorce Come to Me (alluding to Mt 19:14). The Life-Giving Wounds ministry commissioned and collaborated with the artist to paint this sacred image, which is a dialogue with Picasso's masterpiece, The Tragedy. Even if you are not from a divorced, separated, or broken family, contemplating the beautiful, rich symbolism of this work can still serve as a profound encounter with Christ and vehicle of healing, comfort, and inspiration in our lives.

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Lenten Prayer Reflection by Fr. Jamie Workman, VG
March 25, 2021
Fr. Jamie Workman, Vicar General for the Diocese of Arlington, offers a Lenten Prayer Reflection on Jesus as the Vine, and we as the branches.  For your reflection, consider how the experience of victims/survivors has often been that, through no fault of their own, they were made to feel removed from Christ and no longer a part of the Vine; however, the Truth remains that each victim/survivor is desired to be a part of the Vine by Christ and the Church, and are essential to the unity of the Body of Christ. The process of being grafted back onto the Vine, while painful, with God's grace will make for a stronger bond. Following his reflection, Fr. Workman leads us in the rosary and time for silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. 

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Advent Reflection "Story of the Magi" by Deacon Robert Marques Silva
December, 2020
Deacon Silva helps us reflect on the Nativity story from a new perspective, where it is made known that far from a neat, clean, regal setting, Christ came to us in a humble manner. Jesus is greeted by shepherds and the Magi, each with their own shortcomings, but nevertheless part of God's plan. Deacon offers us questions to ponder as we reflect on our lives, and how despite the challenges and difficulties we have faced, we too are called to be a part of the story, bringing the gifts God has given us to serve others in our community. Download a copy of The Mystery of the Incarnation Text: An Intertextual Account of
Our Lord's Genealogy, Incarnation and Nativity(Revised Standard Version).

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Spiritual Reflection for Victims/Survivors by Fr. James Barkett
November 2020
Fr. James Barkett, pastor of St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax, VA, offers a Spiritual Reflection on Jesus calming the storm and how this relates to victims/survivors finding peace in their lives.

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Fr. Augustine Tran's Address to Parishioners on Fr. Michael Dobbins' Last Days
November 2020
Fr. Augustine Tran, parochial vicar of St. John Bosco in Woodstock, VA, talks to parishioners about Fr. Michael Dobbins' last days before he died of cancer in November 2020. Fr. Dobbins united his suffering with Christ's in reparation for the sins of priests and bishops.

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VAC Spiritual Retreat Talks by Fr. Robert Wagner
October 10, 2020
Fr. Robert Wagner presents two talks during the VAC Spiritual Retreat at St. Mary of Sorrows Historic Church. The first talk is "Struggling to Feel Welcome in the Church that Struggles to Welcome You" and the second is "Encountering Jesus Amidst the Chaos and Pain."  

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Homily on Redemptive Suffering by Fr. Michael Dobbins
September 2020
Very Rev. Michael Dobbins, former pastor of St. John Bosco in Woodstock, VA, on Job and how suffering changes us. Fr. Dobbins spoke about redemptive suffering and offering up his own suffering in reparation for his sins and those of his brother priests. Fr. Dobbins died about two months later of cancer.

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