-
-
2026 Lenten Reflections with Bishop Hying
Welcome to Conquered by Christ, a study program inspired by the Sunday Gospel readings during the season of Lent. Join Bishop Donald J. Hying each week as we reflect on all that Jesus has conquered – Satan, sin, division, sickness, death, etc. – leading up to Easter and Christ’s ultimate victory on the Cross.
Download Complete Study Guide
Perfect for individuals, families, and small groups, this five-week program includes videos from Bishop Hying, discussion guides, prayers, saintly role models, and ways to grow in virtue during this Lenten journey.
On this page, you will find all the resources for each week of Lent. A printable study guide for each week also can be found with Bishop Hying's videos below.
En español
-
-
-
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
– John 16:33
-
-
Small Group Study TipsGetting Started
-
Preparation
If you are using the Conquered by Christ Lenten Study with a small group, prepare for each session by downloading and printing copies of the study guide, finding the week’s Gospel reading in your Bible, and setting up a laptop or TV to play Bishop Hying’s video. Consider having a crucifix and candle on the table.Session Steps
- Allow time for introductions, hospitality, and fellowship
- Pray the opening prayer together
- Have a participant read the Gospel to the group
- Spend 2-3 minutes silently meditating on the Gospel and the reflection questions, writing down words or phrases that jump out
- Take 5-10 minutes to share insights and discuss the Gospel
- Watch Bishop Hying’s video
- Use the questions to prompt personal reflection and group discussion (15-20 minutes)
- Review the featured saint and weekly virtue
- Pray the Stations of the Cross together using Bishop Hying’s video
-
-
Temptation in the DesertFirst Week of Lent
-
Opening Prayer
Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects. 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.
Gospel Reflection – Matthew 4:1-11
Read and reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel. Consider the reflection questions below.- Where in your life are you being tempted to rely on yourself instead of trusting the Father?
- In what ways is the devil trying to distract or discourage you from living your call as a disciple of Christ?
- How does the desire for comfort, control, or recognition compete with your desire to follow Jesus faithfully?
- How does Jesus’ use of Scripture challenge you to deepen your prayer life and reliance on God’s Word?
- As you begin Lent, what concrete step can you take to place your life more fully under Christ’s victory?
-
-
-
Video & Reflection
Watch this week's video with Bishop Hying. After watching the video, use the questions below for personal reflection and group discussion.Bishop Hying calls us to “the desert within our hearts.” What prevents you from regularly seeking silence and solitude? What would it look like practically to carve out time in this “desert” in your daily life this Lent?
Bishop Hying contrasts our culture’s message to “satisfy your own desires” with Christ’s teaching that the path to freedom is the path of self-denial. When has saying “no” to something actually brought you greater freedom?
-
-
- Featured Saint: St. Anthony of the Desert
- This Week's Virtue: Temperance
- Closing Prayer: Stations of the Cross
-
St. Anthony of the Desert
Featured SaintSt. Anthony of the Desert (251-356) is known as the Father of Christian monasticism and a towering witness to a life wholly conquered by Christ. After hearing the Gospel call to renounce possessions, Anthony withdrew into the Egyptian desert, where he devoted himself to prayer, fasting, and radical simplicity. Like Christ in the wilderness, he endured intense spiritual trials, battling temptation and the devil with humility, perseverance, and trust in God. Anthony taught that true freedom comes through purity of heart and detachment from passing things, reminding believers to take responsibility for their sins and remain vigilant throughout life. His witness shows that prayer, sacrifice, and love for Jesus are powerful weapons against evil, making him a fitting guide for the beginning of Lent.
-
This Week's Virtue
TemperanceTemperance is the virtue that orders our desires and helps us seek what truly satisfies rather than what offers temporary comfort or control. In the Temptation in the Desert, Jesus perfectly embodies temperance by resisting the urges of hunger, power, and pride, choosing instead complete trust in the Father’s will. By practicing temperance, we allow Christ to conquer our disordered desires and attachments. This virtue frees us to live with greater self-control, clarity, and openness to God, strengthening us to follow Christ faithfully even in times of trial.
-
Closing Prayer
Stations of the CrossTo conclude the session, pray the Stations of the Cross. Use Bishop Hying’s video below. If time does not permit praying all the Stations, consider praying a decade of the Rosary.
-
TransfigurationSecond Week of Lent
-
Opening Prayer
O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual sight made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory. 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.
Gospel Reflection – Matthew 17:1-9
Read and reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel. Consider the reflection questions below.- In the Transfiguration, Christ reveals to Peter, James, and John what lies ahead in His glorified body. What hope or encouragement does this give you?
- What are the Transfiguration moments in your life, when the clouds seemed to part and you were able to see the glory of God?
- Jesus says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” What do you hear in these words in relation to your life? How can Christ help you to not be afraid?
- What is your plan to spend some one-on-one time each day with the Lord this Lent?
-
-
-
Video & Reflection
Watch this week's video with Bishop Hying. After watching the video, use the questions below for personal reflection and group discussion.Bishop Hying says we see “a foreshadowing of the Resurrection and Easter in the great gift of the Transfiguration.” How does viewing Lent as a journey toward resurrection (not just toward suffering) change your Lenten practices?
Despite being “the icon of God’s mercy,” Mother Teresa experienced “an intense, dark night” where she identified with what “Jesus experienced on the cross.” How does her example change your understanding of spiritual darkness or dryness?
-
-
- Featured Saint: St. Teresa of Calcutta
- This Week's Virtue: Fortitude
- Closing Prayer: Stations of the Cross
-
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Featured SaintSt. Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) is a radiant witness to hope that perseveres even in darkness. Called to serve “the poorest of the poor,” she dedicated her life to caring for the sick, dying, and forgotten, bringing Christ’s light to those burdened by despair. Through her Missionaries of Charity, she revealed the dignity of every human life and reflected Christ’s compassion to the world. Though surrounded by suffering, Mother Teresa also endured a profound inner darkness, remaining faithful to God despite feeling his absence for many years. Like the Transfiguration, her life reminds us that Christ strengthens his followers with hope and purpose, even when glory is hidden. By persevering in love, she shows how Christ conquers despair, both in the world and within the human heart.
-
This Week's Virtue
FortitudeFortitude is the virtue that gives us strength to remain faithful in the face of fear, suffering, and uncertainty. In the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals His glory to strengthen the apostles for the trials ahead, especially the Cross. Through this glimpse of Christ’s victory, despair is conquered and hope is restored. Practicing fortitude allows Christ to fortify our hearts, helping us persevere through hardship with courage and trust, confident that suffering is not the end and that God’s glory awaits those who remain faithful on the journey.
-
Closing Prayer
Stations of the CrossTo conclude the session, pray the Stations of the Cross. Use Bishop Hying’s video below. If time does not permit praying all the Stations, consider praying a decade of the Rosary.
-
Woman at the WellThird Week of Lent
-
Opening Prayer
O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be lifted up by your mercy. 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.
Gospel Reflection – John 4:5-42
Read and reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel. Consider the reflection questions below.- Christ already knows everything about you, yet He still offers you “living water.” Are there struggles or sins you have been holding back from Him? How can you invite Christ into your heart to conquer them?
- How does the Samaritan woman inspire you to share your faith with others? Can you think of someone in your life who would benefit from hearing about your relationship with Jesus?
- Is there someone in your life from whom you feel separated or estranged? How might Christ be calling you to reconciliation?
- Have you ever felt God calling you in unexpected places or through unexpected people? What might He be asking you to notice today?
-
-
-
Video & Reflection
Watch this week's video with Bishop Hying. After watching the video, use the questions below for personal reflection and group discussion.Bishop Hying describes “how Jesus gently but very firmly leads someone to insight and to conversion, and ultimately to become an evangelizer herself.” How does Jesus’s approach challenge or refine your own way of sharing faith? What can you learn from His balance of gentleness and firmness?
Mary Magdalene “remains at the foot of the cross in Jesus’ hour of greatest need.” When has following Jesus required you to stand alone or stay faithful when others left? What gave you the strength to remain?
-
-
-
St. Mary Magdalene
Featured SaintSt. Mary Magdalene is a powerful witness to a life transformed and conquered by Christ’s mercy. After Jesus cast seven demons out of her, she became a devoted disciple, following him faithfully and supporting his ministry. Unlike many who fled in fear, Mary remained with Jesus at the foot of the Cross, sharing in His suffering and love. Her faithfulness was rewarded when she became the first to encounter the risen Christ and was entrusted with announcing the Resurrection to the apostles. For this reason, the Church honors her as the “Apostle of the Apostles.” Mary Magdalene’s life proclaims that no sin or darkness is beyond Christ’s power to heal, and that those who encounter His mercy are called to go forth and share the joy of new life with others.
-
This Week's Virtue
LoveLove, also called charity, is the virtue by which we love God above all things and love others as Christ loves us. In the encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus reveals a love that knows every sin, crosses every boundary, and still offers living water. His love conquers shame, division, and isolation, restoring dignity and inviting new life. When we allow ourselves to be conquered by Christ’s love, we are healed and renewed from within. This virtue then moves us outward, compelling us to share Christ’s mercy and hope with others.
-
Closing Prayer
Stations of the CrossTo conclude the session, pray the Stations of the Cross. Use Bishop Hying’s video below. If time does not permit praying all the Stations, consider praying a decade of the Rosary.
-
-
Man Born BlindFourth Week of Lent
-
Opening Prayer
O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. 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.
Gospel Reflection – John 9:1-41
Read and reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel. Consider the reflection questions below.- Where in your life do you feel unable to see God’s presence, guidance, or truth?
- Like the man born blind, have you experienced a moment when Christ opened your eyes to truth or understanding? How did it change you?
- How has Christ already brought healing – physical, emotional, or spiritual – into your life? How does this give you hope for areas still in need?
- Where in your life do you need courage to stand up for what you know is true, even when others doubt or oppose you?
-
-
-
Video & Reflection
Watch this week's video with Bishop Hying. After watching the video, use the questions below for personal reflection and group discussion.Bishop Hying says “what we see all depends on where we stand.” What situation in your life looks chaotic or difficult right now? How might it look different from God’s elevated perspective?
Our goal is to be so united with Jesus that when we look at the world and other people, we see everything through His vision. Think about one person you struggle with. How does Christ see them? What would change within this relationship if you adopted His vision?
-
-
-
St. Bartolo Longo
Featured SaintSt. Bartolo Longo (1841-1926) is a striking example of a life conquered by Christ’s mercy and light. Once a priest of Satanism, he experienced a profound conversion that led him back to the Catholic faith. From that moment, he dedicated himself entirely to prayer, the Rosary, and devotion to the Virgin Mary, becoming a powerful witness to God’s ability to transform even the darkest hearts. Known for his charity and tireless work for the poor, he helped establish the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompei. Canonized by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025, St. Bartolo reminds us that no one is too lost or too blind to receive Christ’s light. Like the man born blind, those who open their hearts to God’s truth are guided from darkness into faith, hope, and a life wholly devoted to His service.
-
This Week's Virtue
FaithFaith is the virtue by which we come to know, trust, and believe in God, even when we cannot see clearly or understand fully. In the healing of the man born blind, Jesus leads him from physical blindness to spiritual sight, inviting him to believe in the Son of Man. As Christ conquers darkness with the light of truth, faith grows through obedience, courage, and testimony. When we allow ourselves to be conquered by Christ in faith, our eyes are opened to see the world, ourselves, and God with clarity and trust.
-
Closing Prayer
Stations of the CrossTo conclude the session, pray the Stations of the Cross. Use Bishop Hying’s video below. If time does not permit praying all the Stations, consider praying a decade of the Rosary.
-
-
Raising of LazarusFifth Week of Lent
-
Opening 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.
Gospel Reflection – John 11:1-45
Read and reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel. Consider the reflection questions below.- In what ways have you experienced Christ bringing life or hope to situations where you thought there was only death or despair?
- Where do you need to trust that Christ has power over situations that seem impossible or hopeless?
- Who in your life might need the hope and life Christ offers, and how can you help bring that to them?
- How does witnessing Christ conquer death in this passage strengthen your faith in His victory over sin and suffering?
-
-
-
Video & Reflection
Watch this week's video with Bishop Hying. After watching the video, use the questions below for personal reflection and group discussion.Jesus purposely stays away so that He can manifest the glory of God in the raising of Lazarus from the dead. When has God’s apparent absence or delay in your life later revealed a greater purpose? Does this change how you view periods of waiting?
Bishop Hying says this passage “reminds us that we have an immortal soul, that God made us as eternal as He is, and his deepest desire is that we will live with him forever.” How does knowing you were made for eternity change the way you approach today’s problems or priorities?
-
-
- Featured Saint: St. Bernadette Soubirous
- This Week's Virtue: Hope
- Closing Prayer: Stations of the Cross
-
St. Bernadette Soubirous
Featured SaintSt. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) is a humble witness to Christ’s victory over suffering and death. A poor, sickly young girl from Lourdes, France, Bernadette was chosen by God to receive the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who led her to uncover the healing spring that would become a source of hope for millions. Through the waters of Lourdes, countless people have encountered physical and spiritual healing, pointing to Christ’s power to bring life where there is suffering and despair. Bernadette herself endured illness, misunderstanding, and hardship with quiet faith, trusting in God’s promises. Her incorrupt body remains a sign of the resurrection to come. Like the raising of Lazarus, her life proclaims that Christ conquers death and offers eternal life to those who believe and persevere in hope.
-
This Week's Virtue
HopeHope is the virtue by which we trust in God’s promises and look forward with confidence to eternal life. In the raising of Lazarus, Jesus reveals His power over death and points to the promise of resurrection for all who believe in Him. Even in grief and despair, Christ’s presence brings assurance that death does not have the final word. When we allow ourselves to be conquered by Christ through hope, our fear of death is transformed into trust. This virtue strengthens us to live with courage and peace, confident that life in Christ leads beyond the grave to everlasting joy.
-
Closing Prayer
Stations of the CrossTo conclude the session, pray the Stations of the Cross. Use Bishop Hying’s video below. If time does not permit praying all the Stations, consider praying a decade of the Rosary.
