What if Lent isn’t about giving things up — but about discovering what God wants to give you?

• (00:00) - Introduction: The Lent You Didn’t Plan

In this Qorbono reflection, we explore a covenantal approach to Lent — not a bottom-up checklist of sacrifices, but a top-down season of grace. Drawing on the Catechism, Scripture, and the Fathers, we examine how Lent becomes a time of intensified receptivity: a season in which the Lord initiates specific transformations in our lives.

Through practical guidance and a personal testimony of unexpected grace, we uncover what might be called “the Christmas hidden in Lent”—the gift God wishes to place under the tree of sacrifice.

If you’ve ever felt Lent devolve into spiritual dieting, this conversation will help you rediscover its true purpose: not deprivation, but preparation.

What is the purpose of Scripture?

The answer to this question might seem obvious until you start thinking about it. What is the purpose of Scripture in our lives? Does reading the Scripture and knowing the Word of God matter? How does it affect my daily life?
This talk is broken into three main parts: 

1. Overview of Scripture and purpose in our life
2. Difficulties in properly interpreting Scripture
3. Cover specific passages and show how they are typically misinterpreted

By the end of this talk, you will have a better sense of the structure and purpose of Scripture. You will better understand why it is important to read it, and, you will proceed with care to avoid misinterpreting what the Bible says.

Please keep in mind that my first name used to be Naji (as stated in the talk) and that I changed it to Michael but most people still refer to me or know me as Naji!