Posted March 21, 2014

Used with permission of  Creighton University Online Ministries

Invitatory:

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”

Collect:

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance, you may lead us in sincerity of heart to attain the holy things to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Readings:

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46

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Daily Meditation:

Help us open our hearts to you. We hear of the vineyard owner whose tenants killed his servants and then his son. Let us be called open our hearts and lives to the challenge of your Gospel. It is possible to say it every day

“Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and be given to a people that will produce its fruit.” — Matthew 21

Intercessions:

Let us pray to Christ our Savior, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection:: Lord, have mercy on us.

You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory, – bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven.

You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier’s lance, – heal our wounds.

You made the cross the tree of life, – give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.

On the cross you forgave the repentant thief, – through which we are cleansed of our sins.

Closing Prayer:

Loving God, Caring parent, I am a child who so often turns my back on your love. Please accept my small acts of sorrow today and help to release me from the self-absorption that closes my heart to you. As I journey through Lent, let me remember the feast you have prepared for me in the resurrection and let me be filled with thanks to you.

Conclusion:

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen.