In this new four part video series, Father Michael Himes draws insights from the Lenten Sunday liturgical readings, and in particular the stories of water (the Samaritan woman at the well), light (the cure of the man born blind) and life (the raising of Lazarus) from the Gospel of John. These are the readings for Lent 2002 (year A) and are also recommended for use with the RCIA (no matter what year it is in the cycle of readings). These videos help us reflect on the implications of our baptismal faith and are perfect for use with people preparing for baptism, prayer groups and Lenten adult education classes. The four video programs in the set are:

What Is Temptation Really? In this video, Father Himes draws upon all the scriptural readings for the first two weeks of Lent. With humor and insight, he demonstrates how these stories give us an overview of all of salvation history, from creation to new life in Christ. Here we are challenged by the question ?What is temptation really?? and discover the answers of Genesis and Luke. Here we discover the freedom of God?s action in the call of Abraham and the Transfiguration story. All this invites us to reflect on the power of Baptism.

Danger and Desire: In this video, Father Himes examines the readings of the Third Sunday in Lent. Water is a primal symbol and Father Himes shows its varied dimensions in the Scriptures. Water gives life, but it also takes life. Himes takes us on a reflection into the depth of baptismal imagery—showing how Christian commitment requires dying to self in order to rise with Christ.

God Sees Into the Heart: In this video, Father Himes examines the readings of the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The theme of this week is ?light and darkness.? We learn how ?God sees into the heart? with the unlikely choice of David for king. We discover how the ?man born blind? only sees Christ when he ?testifies.? Here, too, is a vivid description of the Easter Vigil in the early Church, when people literally stumbled through the darkness to receive the light of Christ.

Endless Possibilities: In this video, Father Himes examines the readings of the Fifth Week of Lent. In the Gospel of John, says Himes, there is not a wasted word. Everything is carefully planned out and the story of the raising of Lazarus is a clear example. When Jesus weeps and is troubled in this scene, there is a foreshadowing of the reaction of the disciples to Jesus' death. Himes takes us on a fascinating journey into the depth of this story. In doing so he brings us to the insight that life for Lazarus, and for us, holds endless possibilities. Death will not have the last word. The living God will.

Each videocassette is between 25 and 30 minutes running time.
Four-tape set with study guide.