Our Journey together
Beloved Lent Family,
I hope the start of your fast yesterday went well. I would love to hear how your day unfolded, whether you participated in an ash ritual, attended church, or had any moments that spoke to your heart, moved you, or brought new insights and "aha" moments.
Yesterday, my mom, Therese, my friends, Melanie and Ethan, and I attended Catholic Mass in Gianyar, a city about 30 minutes from Ubud. However, it took us nearly an hour to get there. Everything seemed to conspire to delay us: our driver forgot he was supposed to take us to Mass, and all the roads leading to the church were blocked. I have to admit my temper started to rise, an interesting challenge given that one of my Lenten commitments is to fast from anger and frustration.
Of course, during this fast, each of us will likely be triggered by the very things we are trying to let go of, so this is all part of the practice. I had envisioned how the evening would go, but God had entirely different plans.
When we finally arrived, the church was so packed that we ended up sitting in the parking lot, watching the Mass on a screen. Yet, despite these challenges, the experience was profoundly beautiful. We each received the grace that was meant for us as we began this Lenten journey. On the return drive, silence filled the car, we were simply immersed in the peace of God.
Yesterday, I failed on the way to church. And again today. But this time, I quickly remembered my intention, used my breath to calm myself, and paused to ask for God's grace to soothe my inner turmoil. I love how each day is a small step. This fast is bringing awareness to something that had become unconscious, and integrating prayer into the moment is proving transformative.
Our Journey Together
For the next two days, we will ease into our fast, making adjustments and settling into this new rhythm. During this time, I will keep communication minimal so we can focus on attuning to our fast.
From Sunday onward, until the end of our pilgrimage, our journey of deepening our relationship with God will unfold much like the way friendships develop.
“Genuine relationship always takes time. It is always messy. It also involves mistakes, missteps, pain, causing pain to others, forgiveness, reconciliation, compassion, and rest. This is not a contest. It is about making a home with God.” ~ John Mabry
Week 1 (March 9–15): Recognizing Our Image(s) of God & Healing Our Relationship with God
When we meet someone new, we don’t see them as they truly are, we see them through the lens of our past experiences. If we’ve been hurt before, we might assume this new person will hurt us too. If we’ve been let down, we might be reluctant to trust. These preconceived ideas, shaped by past wounds, societal conditioning, or fear, create barriers between us and genuine, open-hearted friendship.
The same is true with God. We cannot deepen our relationship with the Divine if we are still looking through the stained glass of fear, judgment, or misconception. Perhaps we were taught to see God as distant and punitive, or maybe we carry disappointments from unanswered prayers. These distortions must be acknowledged and healed before we can truly encounter the living God.
Week 2 (March 16–22): Meeting & Getting Acquainted with God
Once the walls of misunderstanding have been cleared, the next step is spending time together, getting to know God beyond ideas or assumptions. In friendships, we explore where and how to meet our new companion.
The same is true in our relationship with God. Now that we have begun healing our image of God, it’s time to ask: Where does God like to meet us? Some find God in silence, others in community worship, nature, scripture, music, or acts of service. At the same time, we must ask: Where do I feel most alive in my connection with God? This phase is about discovering both, where God delights in meeting us and where we feel most attuned to meeting God.
Week 3 (March 23–29): Male & Female Spirituality
Just as men and women develop friendships differently, our experiences of God can be shaped by our innate spiritual tendencies. While both men and women are called to deep intimacy with the Divine, their spiritual expressions often carry unique qualities; nurturing and creation on one side, initiation and mission on the other. Recognizing these differences enriches our collective journey.
Week 4 (March 30–April 5): Deepening Our Friendship with God
At this stage, our relationship moves beyond shared experiences into the depths of the soul. We uncover what truly matters to God: His desires, His ways of loving. In turn, we allow God into the deepest parts of ourselves. Our relationship with God becomes something unshakable, transforming us from the inside out.
Week 5 (April 6–12): The Dark Night of the Soul
After all the deep moments of closeness, there comes silence. The same God who once felt near now seems distant. Prayers feel empty. It can be confusing, even painful.
This is what the mystics call the Dark Night of the Soul, a spiritual friendship crisis. Just like in human relationships, if we remain faithful through the distance, love grows deeper, stronger, unshakable.
Week 6 (April 13–20): Holy Week, Intimacy with God
Every true friendship, every love story, moves through seasons: curiosity, connection, deepening, crisis, and finally, intimacy.
Holy Week is the apotheosis, the moment of ultimate closeness with God. It is standing beside Christ in His deepest suffering, not as distant observers, but as intimate friends who stay. This is the week when God holds nothing back. Love is fully revealed. It is not just a historical remembrance; it is an invitation to enter into the very heart of God.
Weekly Check-Ins & Spiritual Offerings
Weekly Check-Ins & Guest Speakers (Sundays): Each Sunday, we will reflect on the week’s theme and host a guest speaker. These talks will be recorded for those unable to join live. Marie and I are still working on the best time for these sessions, given our spread across eight time zones. I will confirm the schedule on Sunday.
Way of the Cross (Fridays): This optional prayer tradition will take place on Fridays during Lent. I will set the time based on interest and time zones.
Group Rosary (if there is interest): If enough participants would like to pray the Rosary together, we will organize a group prayer session. Marie will send a poll in the WhatsApp group, and I will set the time based on interest.
That’s it for today! Sending you all blessings as we step deeper into this Sacred Time.
