The Illuminated Life and Copper Serpents: Lent Spiritual Exercises

These exercises will each require a colloquy. In a colloquy, we speak and listen as the Spirit moves us. We write/talk as a friend to a friend or as a child to a parent or mentor. Whatever the context, be “real,” speaking from the heart. Make sure to leave times of silence for listening.


Exercise 1

John 8:2-11 (Jesus meets the woman caught in adultery)

Imagine the scene. Notice how Jesus looks at the woman. Listen to his words to her and 

the crowd. Speak to Jesus or the woman in a colloquy.

Consider: How is this woman “seen”; by the Pharisees and by Jesus?

Have you felt seen by Jesus? Do you want to be seen by Him?

Write a colloquy to Jesus or the woman about being unseen, seen, or feeling judged.


Exercise 2

Luke 15:1-7 (a colloquy with the Good Shepherd)

Read the passage about the love of the shepherd for the one sheep. 

Consider: Do you know what it’s like to be lost and then found?

Have you acted as a “good shepherd” to another person?

Note the rejoicing when we come home or let ourselves be found.

Write a colloquy to God about being lost and found.