Lenten Reflection – 23 March – Monday of the Fourth week of Lent, Readings: Isaiah 65:17-21, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13, John 4:43-54
“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Jesus said to him, “Go, your son will live.”
The man believed the word
that Jesus spoke to him
and went his way. … John 4:50
Daily Meditation:
You give us new life.
We now begin the second part of Lent.
“When the Lord passes into our life and performs a miracle in each of us and each of us knows what the Lord has done in our life, it does not end there. this is the invitation to go forward, to continue on the journey, ‘seeking the face of God,’ the Psalm says, seeking this joy.” … Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 12 March 2018
Lo, I am about to create
new heavens and a new earth.
Isaiah 65:17 The First Reading
Intercessions:
Blessed be God the Father for His gift of this sacrifice of praise.
In the spirit of this Lenten season, let us pray:
Instruct us, Lord, in the ways of Your kingdom.
God of power and mercy, give us the spirit of prayer and repentance,
– with burning love for You and for all mankind.
Help us to work with You in making all things new in Christ,
– and in spreading justice and peace throughout the world.
Grant us the gift of simple faith,
– so that we may always and forever, sing Your praise.
Forgive us for failing to see Christ in the poor,
the distressed and the troublesome.
– and for our failure to grant honour to Your Son in their persons.
Closing Prayer:
“[Lord God] I believe in You, increase my faith.
All my hopes are in You, secure my trust.
I love You, teach me to love You more each day…
I adore You as my first beginning, I long for You as my final end.
I praise You as my constant helper
and call on You as my loving protector.
Guide me by Your Wisdom, correct me with Your Justice,
comfort me with Your Mercy, protect me by Your Power…
Lord, enlighten my understanding, enflame my will,
purify my heart, sanctify my soul.
Help me to repent of my past sins
and to rise above my human weaknesses
and to grow stronger as a Christian…”
(from the Universal Prayer by Pope Clement XI (1649-1721))
“I am of the same family as Christ – what more could I want?”
AnaStpaul 