Posted April 16, 2014

Used with permission of  Creighton University Online Ministries

Invitatory:

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

Collect:

O God, Who willed your Son to submit for our sake to the yoke of the Cross, so that you might drive from us the power of the enemy, grant us, your servants, to attain the grace of the resurrection. 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:

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Matthew 26:14-25

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Daily Meditation:

He freed us from the power of the enemy. This is the last day of Lent. It is “Spy Wednesday,” remembering the day Judas asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”

We read the third song of the Servant who suffers. And we sense the acceptance, the surrender and the peace of Jesus. I can imagine the treachery and tranquility of this day, as I go through the real life drama of my day. I can begin to feel the joy of the liberation being offered me.

If I haven’t done so already, this can be a wonderful day to pray through the Stations of the Cross.

The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Communion Antiphon Matthew 20:28

Intercessions:

Blessed be God, the giver of salvation, who decreed that mankind should become a new creation in himself, when all would be made new. With great confidence let us ask him: Lord, renew us in your Spirit.

Lord, you promised a new heaven and a new earth; renew us daily through your Spirit, – that we may enjoy your presence for ever in the heavenly Jerusalem.

Help us to work with you to make this world alive with your Spirit, – and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace.

Free us from all negligence and sloth, – and give us joy in your gifts of grace.

Deliver us from evil, – and from slavery to the senses, which blinds us to goodness.

Closing Prayer:

My Savior, do you invite me to share in the glory of the resurrection? Please stay with me as I struggle to see how accepting the crosses of my life will free me from the power of the one who wants only to destroy my love and trust in you. Help me to be humble and accepting like your son, Jesus. I want to turn to you with the same trust he had in your love. Save me, Lord. Only you can save me.

Conclusion:

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

Amen.