Lent Week 5

How to offer a Zoom Meditation

This method has worked well in providing simple content to parishioners. You will develop your own way of doing this through a process of learning what works best for your group.

A small group of five to ten participants will be very manageable but you may be happy managing a larger group.

Step One: Preparation

Download the scriptural meditation that has been prepared (you will find the link at the bottom of this post, along with an image for you to share). If you are unsure about using Zoom, you can find a simple guide here.

Invite parishioners and friends to the Zoom meeting. Be relaxed and enjoy the opportunity for people to be together in faith. Welcome each person individually and ask them to introduce themselves to the group.

Step Two: Prayer

Assign different people to the various parts.

Begin with a prayer.

Suggested prayer:

By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, your Son handed himself over to death. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Step Three: Gospel Reflection

This mosaic from the 1130s adorns the apse of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome (photo credit: Fr Lawrence Lew / Flickr)

A guided gospel reflection has been provided which can be used individually or with a group.

Ask a reader to read the chosen passage from the Bible (John 12:20-33) or using the downloaded sheet.

Before the second reading you may wish to read a brief reflection from a commentary.

Ask a reader to read the passage out loud for a second time.

Then introduce five minutes of sacred silence.

Technical Note: It is possible to ‘mute’ all the participants and it is recommended to do so at this time.

Once the five minutes of silence has finished mark this with an appropriate prayer.

Step Four: Sharing Time

Encourage the participants to share their reflections of the Bible passage on which you are meditating.

No one should feel obliged to share but it’s good to remind people that everyone has something to offer.

Technical Note: Zoom has a ‘hands up’ facility which helps so people can take turns sharing. You will know that only one person can speak at a time. So it’s important to be firm with participants so they don’t talk over each other.

Once everyone who wants to has had a chance to share you can finish the meditation with a prayer.