Posted April 6, 2014

Used with permission of  Creighton University Online Ministries

Invitatory:

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

Collect:

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, one God, for ever and ever.

The Readings:

Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11; John 11: 1-45

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Daily Meditation:

Inspired by his love, guided by his example, change our selfishness into self-giving. Today we celebrate the Third Scrutiny, as we journey to the font with those preparing for Baptism. We are in our last week before Holy Week. It seems that there is so much left to do, to ask for, to be open to, to surrender, to change. Jesus assures us that he is the “resurrection and the life,” that if we place our faith in him, we will “never die.” “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say?

‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”

Today we beg for the graces we need and desire this week. We ask for courage in the journey ahead.

Intercessions

Let us praise our loving Redeemer, who gained for us this season of grace, and pray to him, saying: Lord, create a new spirit in us.

Christ, our life, through baptism we were buried with you and rose to life with you, – may we walk today in newness of life.

Lord, you have brought blessings to all mankind, – bring us to share your concern for the good of all.

May we work together to build up the earthly city, – with our eyes fixed on the city that lasts for ever.

Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness of our spirit, – so that we may grow in holiness through your constant care.

Closing Prayer:

Father, it’s so hard to love the world sometimes and to love it the way Jesus did seems impossible. Help me to be inspired by his love and guided by his example. Most of all, I want to accept that I can’t do it alone, and that trying is an arrogance of self-centeredness. I need you, dear God, to give me support in this journey. Show me how to unlock my heart so that I am less selfish. Let me be less fearful of the pain and darkness that will be transformed by you into Easter joy.

Conclusion:

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

Amen.