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WOF 011: Into the Desert of Lent

As we move deep into Lent, the liturgical season of “going into the desert”, Bishop Barron explains why these 40 days are needed and meaningful. He unveils the season’s biblical basis and offers practical advice on celebrating it well. A listener asks how to respond to secular critics of Mother Teresa, such as the late atheist polemicist, Christopher Hitchens.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:25 – Update on Bishop Barron’s Spanish lessons
  • 1:58 – Why are people drawn to Ash Wednesday and Lent?
  • 3:57 – What’s the purpose of Lent and where did it come from?
  • 5:34 – What significance do the “40 days” have?
  • 6:02 – Desert people throughout the Bible
  • 10:03 – First temptation of Jesus in the desert
  • 13:01 – Second temptation of Jesus in the desert
  • 16:25 – Third temptation of Jesus in the desert
  • 20:15 – The persistence of spiritual warfare
  • 21:48 – Practical recommendations for Lent
  • 25:23 – Great books to read during Lent
  • 27:03 – Bishop Barron’s favorite “life of Christ” books
  • 28:28 – Question from listener: how to respond to critics of Mother Teresa?

Bonus Resources