Interior Healing through the Sorrowful Mysteries - Week 2 -The Scourging at the Pillar
The Scourging at the Pillar
Week 2, Day 1: The Reality of Sin and Its Consequences
As we enter the second week of our Lenten journey, our focus shifts to the Scourging at the Pillar. This sorrowful mystery invites us to contemplate the reality of sin and its consequences, both in Jesus' suffering and in our own lives.
Scripture: Isaiah 53:5
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
This prophecy speaks profoundly to the suffering Jesus endured for our sake, highlighting the gravity of sin and the depth of His love for us.
Reflection
The Scourging at the Pillar is a stark reminder of the physical and spiritual consequences of sin. It's easy to underestimate the impact of our wrongdoings, but Jesus' willingness to bear such pain for our redemption underscores the seriousness with which we should approach our own sins and their repercussions on our relationship with God and others.
Reflect on your own life and the times you’ve been indifferent to the effects of your actions. How can recognizing the reality of sin and its consequences lead to a more sincere repentance and a deeper appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice?
Application
Examination of Conscience: Take some time today for a thorough examination of conscience. Reflect on your actions, thoughts, and omissions, considering their impact on your relationship with God and those around you.
Act of Contrition: After reflecting on your sins, make a heartfelt Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow and commitment to change. If possible, plan to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Lent.
Learning from the Saints: Read about the lives of saints who had profound conversions after recognizing the gravity of their sins, such as St. Augustine or St. Mary Magdalene. Let their stories inspire you towards a deeper conversion of heart.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I reflect on the suffering You endured during the Scourging at the Pillar, help me to grasp the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Fill my heart with true repentance and a fervent desire to live according to Your will. May Your sacrifice inspire me to turn away from sin and to seek Your healing grace. Thank You for bearing the weight of our sins and for the gift of reconciliation. Amen.
On Day 1 of Week 2, let us commit to a sincere examination of our lives, acknowledging the reality of sin and its consequences. Inspired by Jesus' sacrifice and the example of the saints, may we seek forgiveness and healing, embracing the path of conversion and renewal.
Week 2, Day 2: The Virtue of Purity
The Scourging at the Pillar
On the second day of our second week, we focus on the virtue of purity through the lens of the Scourging at the Pillar. This mystery of the Rosary invites us to reflect on the sanctity of our bodies and the call to live in purity of heart, mind, and spirit.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
This passage reminds us of the profound dignity and worth of our bodies as dwelling places of the Holy Spirit, urging us to respect and honor ourselves and others in all aspects of our lives.
Reflection
The virtue of purity extends beyond mere abstention from physical impurity; it encompasses purity of heart, speech, and thought. In a world that often trivializes the sacredness of the human body and detaches love from its true meaning, the call to purity is both counter-cultural and deeply freeing.
Chastity, often misunderstood, is actually a pathway to deeper freedom rather than a restriction of it. This concept can be explored from both a psychological and spiritual perspective.
Psychologically, practicing chastity helps individuals gain control over their impulses and desires, rather than being controlled by them. It fosters self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. By choosing not to act on every impulse, people develop a stronger sense of self and a clearer understanding of their values and priorities. This self-mastery is a form of freedom, as it liberates individuals from being slaves to their passions and urges.
Spiritually, especially within the Catholic tradition, chastity is seen as a way to purify one's love for God and others. It is not merely about abstaining from sexual activity outside of the context of marriage but is about orienting one's whole life towards genuine love and away from selfishness. This spiritual journey towards love is fundamentally liberating. It frees individuals to love others selflessly, without using them for personal gratification.
Chastity also opens the door to deeper relationships. When individuals live chastely, they learn to value others for their whole selves, not just their physical aspects. This can lead to richer, more fulfilling relationships that are based on mutual respect and genuine affection.
In essence, chastity is about freedom because it enables individuals to live in alignment with their deepest values and beliefs. It allows for the cultivation of self-control, the development of healthy relationships, and the pursuit of a pure love that seeks the good of the other. Through chastity, individuals are freed to love more fully, more selflessly, and more truly.
Reflect on how the culture's view of the body and sexuality compares with the dignity bestowed upon us by God. How can embracing the virtue of purity lead to greater freedom, joy, and respect for yourself and others?
Application
Practical Steps for Purity: Identify areas in your life where you struggle with purity (thoughts, actions, media consumption) and take concrete steps to address them. This might involve setting boundaries, finding accountability partners, or letting go of a sinful relationship.
Spiritual Reading: Spend some time reading about the lives of saints who were known for their commitment to purity, such as St. Maria Goretti or St. Joseph. Reflect on their courage, faith, and the sacrifices they made to remain faithful to God’s call.
Prayer for Purity: Incorporate a daily prayer for purity into your routine, asking God to purify your heart, mind, and body, and to help you see yourself and others through His eyes.
Quote from the Saints
St. John Paul II, known for his teachings on the Theology of the Body, once said, "The body, in fact, and it alone is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It was created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden from eternity in God, and thus to be a sign of it."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of my body, a temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me to honor You by living a life of purity in thought, word, and deed. Grant me the grace to see the dignity and worth You have placed in myself and every person. May the example of Your saints inspire me to live in purity, respecting the sacredness of the gift of sexuality and all human relationships. Amen.
On Day 2 of Week 2, let us reflect on the call to purity as an invitation to live in deeper communion with God and one another, honoring the dignity of our bodies and the bodies of others as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Week 2, Day 3: The Healing Power of Repentance
The Scourging at the Pillar
Today, we meditate on the healing power of repentance, inspired by the contemplation of the Scourging at the Pillar. This mystery encourages us to recognize our sins and turn back to God with a contrite heart, embracing His mercy and forgiveness.
Scripture: Psalm 51:17
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
This psalm, attributed to King David after his own realization and confession of sin, highlights the profound beauty and necessity of repentance in our relationship with God.
Reflection
Repentance is not merely about feeling guilt or shame for our actions; it is about a transformative change of heart that turns us away from sin and back towards God's infinite love and mercy.
The essence of true repentance includes several key elements:
Recognition: The first step is to recognize and admit to oneself and to God that what one has done is wrong. This awareness is crucial for repentance because without acknowledging the wrongdoing, there can be no true change.
Remorse: True repentance involves sincere remorse or contrition for the wrongs committed. This remorse is not just about fearing punishment or the consequences of one's actions but feeling genuinely sorry for having offended God and hurt others.
Resolution to Change: Repentance must be accompanied by a firm resolution to avoid sinning in the future. This involves a commitment to change one's behavior, make amends where possible, and seek to live a life more aligned with one's values and faith.
Confession: In many religious traditions, including Catholicism, confession to God (and, where applicable, to a priest in the sacrament of Reconciliation) is an important aspect of repentance. Confession is a powerful act of humility and honesty, opening the way for forgiveness and grace.
Making Amends: Whenever possible, true repentance involves making amends or restitution for the harm caused. This step demonstrates a willingness to take practical steps towards repair and reconciliation.
Spiritual Renewal: True repentance leads to spiritual renewal. It is an opportunity to grow closer to God and to deepen one's faith. Through the process of repentance, individuals can experience God's mercy and forgiveness, which are transformative forces that renew the heart and spirit.
Repentance is a journey rather than a one-time event. It's an ongoing process of self-examination, acknowledgment of one's faults, and turning back to God. True repentance brings freedom and healing, allowing individuals to break free from the chains of past mistakes and to embrace a future marked by growth, love, and deeper spiritual alignment.
Consider your own experiences of repentance. How has admitting your faults and receiving God’s forgiveness led to healing and transformation in your life? How can you more fully embrace the sacrament of reconciliation as a means of experiencing God's mercy?
Application
Sacrament of Reconciliation: If possible, make a plan to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent. Use this opportunity to experience the healing power of God’s forgiveness.
Meditation on Psalm 51: Spend time meditating on Psalm 51, allowing its words to penetrate your heart and guide you in a prayer of repentance.
Acts of Reparation: Consider ways you can make amends for your sins, whether through specific actions towards those you have wronged or through acts of charity and service as a sign of your commitment to change.
Quote from the Saints
St. Augustine, a saint with a profound experience of conversion and repentance, once said, "I have loved you late, O Beauty so ancient and so new; I have loved you late. And see, you were within and I was in the external world and sought you there, and in my unlovely state, I plunged into those lovely created things which you made. You were with me, and I was not with you."
Prayer
Merciful Father, I come before You with a contrite heart, acknowledging my sins and the ways I have fallen short of Your glory. Grant me the grace of true repentance, that I may experience the depth of Your mercy and forgiveness. Heal my spirit and renew my heart, that I may walk in Your ways and live in the freedom of Your love. Amen.
On Day 3 of Week 2, let us recognize the healing power of repentance, not as an end in itself, but as a doorway to deeper relationship with God, marked by His mercy, forgiveness, and the transformative grace of a renewed life.
Week 2, Day 4: Mortification and Self-Discipline
The Scourging at the Pillar
On the fourth day of our second week, we reflect on the themes of mortification and self-discipline, illuminated by the Scourging at the Pillar. This sorrowful mystery invites us to contemplate the significance of self-denial and discipline as means to spiritual growth and closer union with God.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:27
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
Paul's words to the Corinthians underscore the importance of self-discipline in the Christian life. He likens the spiritual journey to an athlete's training, emphasizing the need for self-control and perseverance to attain the ultimate prize of eternal life with God.
Reflection
Mortification and self-discipline are often misunderstood concepts, seen as outdated or overly harsh. However, when approached through the lens of love and desire for holiness, they become powerful tools for overcoming sin and growing in virtue. By willingly embracing small sacrifices and practicing self-denial, we learn to detach from worldly desires and draw closer to God.
Reflect on areas of your life where lack of discipline or indulgence in comforts might be hindering your spiritual growth. How can embracing mortification and self-discipline lead to greater freedom and fulfillment in your relationship with God and others?
Application
Practical Mortifications: Choose a small, practical form of mortification to practice this week, such as fasting from a particular comfort or pleasure, waking up earlier for prayer, or limiting screen time to free up more time for reflection and family.
Spiritual Reading: Read about saints known for their practice of mortification and self-discipline, such as St. Francis of Assisi or St. Ignatius of Loyola. Reflect on how their sacrifices enriched their spiritual lives and how you might apply similar principles in your own life.
Daily Examination: Incorporate a nightly examination of conscience into your routine, focusing specifically on how well you practiced self-discipline throughout the day. Ask God for the grace to improve where you fell short.
Quote from the Saints
St Paul
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, lust, concupiscence and covetousness which is service of idols. Col. 3:2-5
Prayer
Lord Jesus, in the Scourging at the Pillar, You endured unimaginable pain and suffering out of love for us. Inspire me to embrace mortification and self-discipline, not as ends in themselves, but as means to grow in love and fidelity to You. Grant me the strength to make sacrifices joyfully for the sake of Your Kingdom and to find in them the path to true freedom and joy. Amen.
On Day 4 of Week 2, let us consider mortification and self-discipline not as burdens, but as opportunities to share in Christ’s sufferings in a small way, leading us to greater love, purity of heart, and spiritual maturity.
Week 2, Day 5: Accepting Suffering as Redemptive
The Scourging at the Pillar
Today, as we continue our contemplation of the Scourging at the Pillar, we turn our hearts towards the concept of redemptive suffering. This mystery invites us to reflect on the profound truth that our sufferings, when united with Christ's, can take on a salvific value for ourselves and others.
Scripture: Colossians 1:24
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, on behalf of his body, which is the church."
In this passage, Paul speaks to the mysterious reality that our sufferings can be united with those of Christ for the good of the Church. It's a reminder that nothing we experience is wasted when offered up in union with Jesus.
Reflection
The idea of redemptive suffering is counterintuitive to our natural aversion to pain and difficulty. Yet, the Christian understanding of suffering invites us to see it as something that, when embraced with love and trust in God, can contribute to our own sanctification and the salvation of the world.
Saint Pope John Paul II writes:
"In the Cross of Christ not only is the Redemption accomplished through suffering, but also human suffering itself has been redeemed. Christ, - without any fault of his own - took on himself 'the total evil of sin'. The experience of this evil determined the incomparable extent of Christ's suffering, which became the price of the Redemption... Every man has his own share in the Redemption. Each one is also called to share in that suffering through which the Redemption was accomplished. He is called to share in that suffering through which all human suffering has also been redeemed."
This profound statement highlights the belief that Christ's suffering on the Cross gave a new meaning to human suffering. It's no longer seen as purely negative or meaningless but as something that, when united with Christ's suffering, can participate in the redemptive work of Jesus. Suffering, therefore, becomes a means through which individuals can contribute to the salvation of others and grow in holiness themselves.
Saint Pope John Paul II encourages believers to see their sufferings as an opportunity to be co-redeemers with Christ, offering up their pains and trials for the sake of the Church and the world. This perspective transforms suffering from a mere affliction to be endured into a powerful instrument of grace and spiritual growth, echoing the mystery of the Cross where pain and love, suffering and redemption, are intimately connected.
In embracing this notion of redemptive suffering, Christians are invited to find purpose in their pain, knowing that their sufferings, when joined with those of Christ, can bear fruit in the lives of others and bring them closer to the ultimate love and sacrifice displayed on the Cross
Consider your current trials and sufferings. How might viewing them through the lens of redemptive suffering change your attitude towards them? How can you more consciously offer your sufferings in union with Christ for the benefit of others?
Application
Offer It Up: Begin each day by offering to God any sufferings or difficulties you anticipate, uniting them with Christ’s sufferings. Intentionally recall this offering throughout the day, especially in moments of pain or frustration.
Educate Yourself: Spend some time learning more about the theology of redemptive suffering. Reading materials by saints, popes, and theologians can provide deeper insights into how suffering can be a powerful means of grace.
Acts of Solidarity: Choose to perform an act of solidarity with those who suffer, such as visiting the sick, volunteering with the disadvantaged, or even just spending time in prayer for those undergoing trials. Let this act be both an offering of your own sufferings and a way to alleviate the sufferings of others.
Quote from the Saints
St. Padre Pio, a saint who bore the stigmata and experienced profound physical and spiritual suffering, said, "I offer my sufferings so that His will may be done fully and perfectly in me and in all His creatures."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to embrace my sufferings with faith, offering them up in union with Your Son’s sacrifice on the Cross. Teach me to see the redemptive value in every trial I face, using it as a means to grow closer to You and to serve Your Church. Grant me the grace to bear my sufferings with patience and love, knowing that they can be transformed into channels of Your grace for the world. Amen.
On Day 5 of Week 2, let us embrace the mysterious yet profound call to unite our sufferings with Christ's, trusting that in God's economy, no pain is wasted, and every act of suffering accepted in love can be a source of grace and redemption.
Week 2, Day 6: The Dignity of the Human Body
The Scourging at the Pillar
As we approach the end of the second week of our Lenten journey, today's reflection focuses on the dignity of the human body, a truth poignantly illustrated by the Scourging at the Pillar. This mystery not only reveals the depth of Christ's physical suffering but also underscores the sanctity of the body, which He embraced fully in His incarnation.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (revisited)
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
This passage, echoing our reflection on purity, calls us to a renewed appreciation of our bodies as sacred vessels of the Holy Spirit, deserving of respect and care.
Reflection
In a world that often commodifies or dismisses the inherent worth of the human body, the Scourging at the Pillar stands as a stark reminder of its value. Jesus' willingness to endure such physical torment for our sake highlights the body's role in the divine plan for redemption and sanctification.
Saint John Paul II, known for his teachings on the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of the human body, especially through his "Theology of the Body," offers profound insights on this topic. In simple terms, he emphasized that our bodies are gifts from God and are meant to be treated with respect and love. He said:
"The body, in fact, and it alone is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It was created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden from eternity in God, and thus to be a sign of it."
In this quote, Saint John Paul II highlights that our bodies are not just physical shells; they are sacred because they make visible the invisible reality of our spirit and soul, reflecting God's own mystery. Our bodies have the unique ability to express love, show kindness, and carry out actions that can reflect God's love for us. Therefore, treating our bodies with respect and care is essential, not only for our well-being but as a way to honor God's creation and the divine image within us. This teaching encourages us to see the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, deserving of dignity and respect in every aspect of life.
Reflect on your relationship with your own body. Do you see it as a temple of the Holy Spirit, worthy of care and respect? How might this understanding transform your practices of self-care, your interactions with others, and your appreciation for the Incarnation?
Application
Holistic Self-Care: Commit to taking care of your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. This can involve healthier eating, regular exercise, adequate rest, and abstaining from harmful behaviors.
Mindful Consumption: Reflect on how media consumption might be affecting your view of the body—yours and others'. Choose to engage with media that honors the dignity of the human person.
Acts of Respect: Find ways to show respect for the dignity of others' bodies, perhaps through acts of service, advocating for the dignity of life, or supporting initiatives that care for the vulnerable.
Quote from the Saints
St. Teresa of Avila, a mystic who deeply understood the incarnation's significance, wrote, "Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, by enduring the Scourging at the Pillar, You sanctified our human nature and revealed the immeasurable worth of our bodies. Help me to honor my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, treating it with the care and respect it deserves. Inspire me to see Your face in others, recognizing the dignity of every person, and to serve them with love and compassion. Amen.
On Day 6 of Week 2, let us hold in reverence the gift of our bodies, acknowledging their role in our spiritual lives and their capacity to be instruments of God's grace and love in the world.
Week 2, Day 7: Compassion for the Suffering of Others
The Scourging at the Pillar
On the seventh day of our second week, as we conclude our reflections on the Scourging at the Pillar, we turn our focus towards the virtue of compassion. This mystery not only exposes the depths of Jesus' physical suffering but also calls us to open our hearts to the suffering of others, reflecting Christ's own compassion.
Scripture: Matthew 25:35-40
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ [...] ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
In this passage, Jesus identifies Himself with the suffering and marginalized, emphasizing that acts of compassion towards them are indeed acts of love towards Him.
Reflection
Compassion—suffering with others—goes beyond mere sympathy. It involves an empathetic response and a readiness to help alleviate others' pain. As followers of Christ, we are called to see Jesus in every person who suffers and to respond with love and action.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a saint known worldwide for her unwavering compassion and service to the poorest of the poor, once said:
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of true compassion. Mother Teresa's life was a testament to the power of unconditional love and the profound impact it can have on the world. Her words remind us that compassion requires us to look beyond our prejudices and judgments, to see the person in front of us as a fellow human being deserving of love and dignity.
Compassion, as Mother Teresa practiced and preached, is not just about feeling sorry for someone; it's about actively seeking to alleviate their suffering through acts of love, kindness, and understanding. It means putting ourselves in the shoes of others, recognizing our common humanity, and responding with an open heart.
In a world where it's easy to become indifferent or cynical, Mother Teresa's call to compassion challenges us to be agents of love and hope. It asks us to not only notice the suffering around us but to move towards it with a helping hand and a loving heart. Whether it's offering a kind word to someone who's struggling, volunteering our time and resources to help those in need, or simply treating others with kindness and respect, there are endless ways to practice compassion in our daily lives.
Mother Teresa's reflection on compassion invites us to consider how we can be more loving and less judgmental in our interactions with others. It encourages us to remember that every act of compassion, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in someone's life. In embracing compassion, we not only help heal the world, but we also grow in our own capacity to love and be loved.
Reflect on how you have responded to the suffering of others in your life. Are there opportunities you may have missed to show compassion? How can you more actively seek out and respond to those in need around you?
Application
Volunteer: Find a local charity or community service where you can volunteer your time and talents to serve those in need. Whether it's feeding the hungry, visiting the elderly, or helping the homeless, let your actions be a testament to your compassion.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the issues facing your community and the broader world—poverty, injustice, illness—and consider how you might contribute to solutions or offer support.
Prayerful Support: Commit to regularly praying for those who suffer. This can include personal prayers, joining a prayer group, or participating in prayer chains for specific needs.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You showed us the ultimate example of compassion through Your life, death, and resurrection. Open my heart to the sufferings of others and inspire me to act with love and compassion. Help me to see Your face in those who are in need, and give me the courage to serve them as I would serve You. Amen.
On Day 7 of Week 2, let us be moved by the suffering of Christ to see the face of Jesus in those who suffer around us, responding with the same compassion and love He has shown us.
Evaluation Day: Reflecting on Week 2 of Lent
As we reach the end of the second week of Lent, focused on the Scourging at the Pillar and exploring themes such as the reality of sin, the virtue of purity, the healing power of repentance, mortification and self-discipline, accepting suffering as redemptive, the dignity of the human body, and compassion for others’ suffering, today is a day for deep reflection and evaluation. This pause in our journey is an opportunity to assess our spiritual growth, to acknowledge areas where we've seen progress, and to identify aspects of our life that require further attention and surrender to God.
Reflect on the Reality of Sin and the Virtue of Purity
Consider the ways in which an awareness of sin has influenced your actions and choices this week. How have you responded to this awareness?
Reflect on your efforts to live out the virtue of purity in thought, word, and deed. What challenges have you faced, and how have you sought to overcome them?
Contemplate the Healing Power of Repentance
Think about moments this week when you experienced a call to repentance. Were you able to approach God with a contrite heart?
Evaluate the ways in which you’ve sought God’s forgiveness and the steps you’ve taken towards amendment of life.
Embrace Mortification and Self-Discipline
Assess your practice of self-discipline and any acts of mortification you undertook. How have these practices helped you to grow in spiritual discipline and self-control?
How has accepting suffering as redemptive changed your perspective on the trials and difficulties you’ve encountered?
Dignity of the Human Body and Compassion for Suffering
Reflect on your relationship with your own body this week. Have you treated it with the respect and care it deserves as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Consider the ways you have shown compassion towards the suffering of others. How have these acts of compassion deepened your understanding of Christian love and service?
Prayer of Reflection
Lord God, in the silence of this evaluation day, I come before You to reflect on the past week. Thank You for the grace to confront my sins, to seek purity, and to strive for repentance. Help me to recognize the progress I have made and the areas where I still struggle. Grant me the strength to practice self-discipline, to bear my sufferings with grace, and to treat my body with the dignity it deserves. Inspire me to show greater compassion towards those who suffer and to see Your face in the least of my brothers and sisters.
Resolution for Moving Forward
Based on today's reflection, identify one specific area you feel called to focus on in the coming week. It might involve deepening your understanding of God's mercy, committing to a new practice of self-discipline, or seeking tangible ways to serve those in need. Make a concrete plan for how you will implement this resolution in your daily life.
This day of evaluation is not merely an inward-looking exercise but a step towards greater transformation and alignment with God’s will. As we prepare to move forward, let us do so with hearts open to God’s refining work in us, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on our Lenten journey