Posted March 18, 2015

Used with permission of  Creighton University Online Ministries

Invitatory:

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

Collect:

O God, who reward the merits of the just and offer pardon to sinners who do penance, have mercy, we pray, on those who call upon you, that the admission of our guilt may serve to obtain your pardon for our sins. 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 49:8-15; Psalm 145; John 5:17-30

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Daily Meditation:

Grant us your forgiveness. We know that this whole journey is about our reconciliation. We know that God wants to forgive us. We know we are preparing to renew our Baptismal promises, and “refuse to be mastered by sin.” Today we hear the invitation and ask more earnestly.

In the marvelous discourse that follows his sign of healing, Jesus says, “I am not seeking my own will but the will of him who sent me.” I am filled with a sense of sorrow and gratitude, as I see what he did for me.

I tell you for certain that everyone who hears my message and has faith in the one who sent me has eternal life and will never be condemned. They have already gone from death to life. – John 5:24

Intercessions:

Let us give thanks to God, our Father: through the power of the Spirit he purifies our heart and strengthens us in love. Let us humbly ask him: Lord, give us your Holy Spirit.

Help us to receive good things from your bounty with a deep sense of gratitude; -and to accept with patience the evil that comes to us.

Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments, -but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.

May we abstain from what we do not really need, -and help our brothers and sisters in distress.

May we bear the wounds of your Son, -for through his body he gave us life.

Closing Prayer:

Loving and merciful God, I am so aware of my sins and weaknesses. But as painfully aware of my faults as I am, Let me also remember your tender love, your gentle and limitless forgiveness. I come before you filled with pain and guilt but look into your eyes and see the forgiving love I so long for in my life. Help me to forgive the same way. Teach me to love as you love.

Conclusion:

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

Amen.