Sanctuary Foundation: Lent Week 1 - The surprising secret of happiness
Dear Friend,
As we approach the first Sunday in Lent, I would love for you to begin an emotional journey with me. It is widely accepted that the seemingly infinite spectrum of human emotions can be summarised into six categories: happiness, anger, sadness, fear, disgust and surprise. The Easter story takes us on a journey through these six emotions as I hope to explore with you during the six weeks of Lent. They not only reveal a lot about the passions of Jesus, they also help us to understand our own emotional landscape, and that of those around us. I believe they can inspire us to empathy, compassion and hospitality.
This week we are looking at happiness. The happiness of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem to Hosannas and waving palms turned out to be self-seeking and short-lived. But the Easter message reveals how we can find a much deeper and long-lasting happiness through hospitality and sacrifice.
Please watch the short video below and then reflect on the questions below:
If you would like to use these videos for personal reflection or group discussion, here are some questions that could guide you.
1. The video suggests that "deep joy can come alongside pain and sacrifice." To what extent have you found that to be true?
2. In the letter to the Hebrews we are told to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross.” How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus' death for you brought him joy? Does it help you to 'run with perseverance'?
3. The war in Ukraine continues and people are still fleeing, Afghan refugees are stuck in temporary accommodation over 18 months after they were evacuated to the UK, many other vulnerable people are without homes and hope in our communities. With many opportunities for sacrificial joyful service all around us, what will you do?
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With blessings
Krish Kandiah
Director