It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the NOOMA series of short films (and if you tune in on Monday, March 3, I’ll be giving away the complete digital set of 24 NOOMA films at 2:00pm EST. You can click here to learn how the monthly giveaway works).

Below are some suggestions I’ve made for films that could be used in preparation for Ash Wednesday and every Sunday in Lent (plus a bonus film in preparation for your Parish Reconciliation Service!). Some notes:

• You’ll notice that I do not list the exact readings for each Sunday, merely the chapters. I do think it is beneficial to read the surrounding verses to give you some context whenever you pray with the readings.
• If you’d like some additional background on the  readings, you might like Sunday Connection from Loyola Press.
• It’s possible to download an individual film for the low, low price of $1.99.

Ash Wednesday | 03.05.2014

• Joel 2. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.
• Psalm 51. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
• 2 Cor 5-6. Be reconciled to God…now is the day of salvation.
• Matthew 6. Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.
• NOOMA Sunday | 004. Do we get so wrapped up in religion that we miss out on what’s important to God?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Routine, Church, Actions, Hypocrisy, Religion
  • Running Time: 12 min.

1st Sunday of Lent | 03.09.2014

• Genesis 2-3. The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life.
• Psalm 51. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
• Romans 5. Through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous.
• Matthew 4. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert.
• NOOMA Breathe | 014. Is our physical breath actually a picture of a deeper spiritual reality?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Spirit, Life, Image of God, Sacred, Breath
  • Running Time: 14 min.

2nd Sunday of Lent | 03.16.2014

• Genesis 12. Go forth…and I will bless you.
• Psalm 33. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
• 2 Timothy 1. He saved us and called us to a holy life.
• Matthew 17.  “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
• NOOMA Dust | 008. What does God see in us?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Self-Acceptance, Choices, Insecurity, Discipleship, Inadequacy
  • Running Time: 16 min.

3rd Sunday of Lent | 03.23.2014

• Exodus 17. In those days, in their thirst for water,the people grumbled against Moses.
• Psalm 95. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
• Romans 5. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
• John 4.  God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.
• NOOMA Rhythm | 011. Are our lives in tune with God’s plan for the world?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Relationship, Harmony, Full Life, Compassion, Truth
  • Running Time: 11 min.

4th Sunday of Lent | 03.30.2014

• 1 Samuel 16. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.
• Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
• Ephesians 5. Live as children of light…Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
• John 9. “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”
• NOOMA Name | 018. Are we so concerned with what others think that we miss out on being who God created us to be?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Fake, Self, Identity, Approval, Envy
  • Running Time: 12 min.

5th Sunday of Lent | 04.06.2014

• Ezekiel 37. I will put my spirit in you that you may live.
• Psalm 130. With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
• Romans 8. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
• John 11. “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
• NOOMA Matthew | 012. How do we deal with the pain we suffer when we lose someone we love?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Grief, Loss, Death, Mourning, Hope
  • Running Time: 14 min.

BONUS: Before Your Parish Reconciliation Service

NOOMA Lump | 010. What do we do when our past catches up to us?

• Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
• Topics: Guilt, Forgiveness, Shame, Unconditional Love, Hiding
• Running Time: 11 min.

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Image courtesy of ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net