40Days of Prayer & Meditation

WEEK THREEFebruary 25th - March 2nd, 2016

Daily Meditation: Bring us back to you.The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus is our lesson today. We beg to be open to the workings of the Spirit, that we might not settle for the consolations of this life alone.

A parable is not a picture of reality. It is an illustration using an imagined case to convey a message. But, for the parable to be credible, people must recognize real situations in the imagined one. The parable would have been very much credible in the time of the prophet Amos. He condemns the selfish me-first concern of Zion’s inhabitants, the rich and powerful ignoring the weak, while the people as a whole are facing collapse. That situation had not changed noticeably in Galilee in the time of Jesus and he told this parable, because he felt it was credible for his listeners.

Jesus presents us with a faith critique of our reality. Both Lazarus and the rich man die, for wealth has no say there. And now, deprived of the affirmation of peers and cronies, the rich man begins to see the light. We may have thought that perhaps in his loftiness the rich man was not even aware of the presence of that poor man at his door or at his estate’s gate, but he does recognize the beggar and he even knows his name: Lazarus. It was not a matter of his not being aware of the beggar’s presence and needs.

Today’s gospel reading challenges our attitude of me-first concern to the extent that such attitude may be present in us.

ColleCt:O God, who delight in innocence and restore it, direct the hearts of your servants to yourself, that, caught up in the fire of your Spirit,we may be found steadfast in faith and effective in works. 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 ReadingJeremiah 17:5-10;

Psalm 1:1-4, 6;Luke 16:19-31

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Jesus then said, “I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this?” - John 11

IntercessionsGod has revealed himself in Christ. Let us praise his goodness, and ask him from our hearts: Remember us, Lord, for we are your children.

Teach us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Church, that it may be more effective for ourselves and for the world as the sacrament of salvation. Lover of mankind, inspire us to work for human progress, seeking to spread your kingdom in all we do.

May our hearts thirst for Christ, the fountain of living water. Forgive us our sins, and direct our steps into the ways of justice and sincerity.

Closing PrayerLoving God, I hear your invitation, “Come back to me” and I am filled with such a longing to return to you.

Show me the way to return. Lead me this day in good works I do in your name and send your Spirit to guide me and strengthen my faith. I ask only to feel your love in my life today.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Daily Meditation: Help us open our hearts to you.W e 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

IntercessionsLet 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. Lord, have mercy on us. You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier’s lance, heal our wounds. Lord, have mercy on us. You made the cross the tree of life, give its fruit to those reborn in baptism. Lord, have mercy on us. On the cross you forgave the repentant thief, through which we are cleansed of our sins. Lord, have mercy on us.

Closing PrayerLoving 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.

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.

The ReadingGenesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Daily Meditation: We must celebrate and rejoice.The Saturdays of Lent have a wonderful spirit. Our lesson today takes us to the parable of the two sons: one who is ungrateful and leaves, but returns, and one who will not accept the forgiveness the father lavishes on the other.

The Lord is loving and merciful, slow to anger, and full of love; the Lord is kind to all, and compassionate to all his creatures.

IntercessionsLet us always and everywhere give thanks to Christ our Savior, and ask him with confidence: Lord, help us with your grace. May we keep our bodies pure, as temples of the Holy Spirit. May we offer ourselves this day to the service of others, and do your will in all things throughout the day. Teach us to seek the bread of everlasting life, the bread that is your gift. May your Mother, the refuge of sinners, pray for us, and gain for us your loving forgiveness.

Closing PrayerGod of infinite love, you shower me with limitless gifts in my life. In my every thought and action today guide me to the bright and loving light of your kingdom. Help me to be aware of the many ways you allow me to share in your life so intimately today. Thank you for the gifts you have placed in my life. Let me be grateful every moment of this day.

ColleCt:O God, who grant us by glorious healing remedies while still on earth to be partakers of the things of heaven, guide us, we pray, through this present life and bring us to that light in which you dwell. 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 ReadingMicah 7:14-15

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Daily Meditation: Form a new heart within.We are deeply aware that there is a struggle going on in us. We turn to God, that we might not become discouraged. We rely on God’s compassion and love for us. We acknowledge who we are sinners who experience the consequences of our selfishness but we know we are loved and we desire to be filled with hope. We go into this week renewed in our desire to continue our prayer, fasting and generosity toward others.

IntercessionsLet 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 PrayerLoving Father, so many times I turn away from you and always you welcome me back. Your mercy and love gives me confidence. Thank you for the invitation to share, fast and pray so that you can form a new heart within me. Your powerful compassion for my weaknesses leads me to ask for mercy and await with great hope the Easter joy you share with us.

ColleCt:O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be lifted up by your mercy. 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 ReadingExodus 3: 1-8a, 13-15

Monday, February 29, 2016

Daily Meditation: We cannot be saved without you.Today we are reminded of the terrible irony: a prophet is not well received at home. Jesus was not accepted by those who saw him as all too human. And, he was unable to act with power in their lives. Is this Lenten season getting us out of our comfortable complacency, and helping us see the prophetic one in our midst? Is it helping us listen better, reach out with deeper longing, find a greater intimacy with the only one who can save us?

My soul is thirsting for the living God: when shall I see God face to face? - Psalm 42

IntercessionsPraise to Jesus, our Savior; by his death he has opened for us the way of salvation. Let us ask him: Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways. God of mercy, you gave us new life through baptism, make us grow day by day in your likeness. May our generosity today bring joy to those in need, in helping them may we find you. Help us to do what is good, right and true in your sight, and to seek you always with undivided hearts. Forgive our sins against the unity of your family, make us one in heart and spirit.

Closing PrayerMerciful God, free your Church from the sins of this world and protect us from evil we see and the evil we prefer to ignore. We need your guidance, Lord for we cannot do this alone. Only with your help can we be saved. Thank you for your desire to save us and love us.

ColleCt:May your unfailing compassion, O Lord, cleanse and protect your Church, and, since without you she cannot stand secure, may she be always governed by your grace. 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 Reading2 Kings 5:1-15

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Daily Meditation: Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.We should ask God to remember his mercies and place our complete trust in God. In these days, we should place our lives in God’s hands, and let God forgive us. The challenge of the Gospel is to forgive as we have been forgiven. How often we are so very much harder on others than our God is on us! Today’s meditation is an important Lenten examination of conscience.

So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.

IntercessionsPraise to Christ, who has given us himself as the bread from heaven. Let us pray to him, saying: Jesus, you feed and heal our souls; come to strengthen us. Lord, feed us at the banquet of the Lord’s Supper, with all the gifts of your Easter sacrifice. Give us a perfect heart to receive your word, that we may bring forth fruit in patience. Make us eager to work with you in building a better world, so that it may listen to your Church and its gospel of peace. We confess, Lord, that we have sinned, wash us clean by your gift of salvation.

Closing PrayerGod of infinite love, I thank you for this reminder of your love and your call that we be more patient, gentle and compassionate with others. Here in the middle of Lent, I turn to you to beg for your help. Please soften my heart. Help me to let go of judging others. I ask you this, in Jesus’ name.

ColleCt:May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray, but make us dedicated to your holy service and at all times obtain for us your help. 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 ReadingMatthew 18:21-35

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Daily Meditation: Make us one in love and prayer.What divides us, and what might we do to let the Spirit of Unity draw us together? It is God’s desire that we be one with each other.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. - John 17:21

IntercessionsBlessed 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 PrayerGod, you love me as your own child. May I bend my life and will toward you so that I might accept your teaching and guidance. I am so grateful for your support in my life, now and in the eternal life you are preparing for me. I beg for your help and Spirit in my life today.

ColleCt:Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our hearts and be ever united in prayer. 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 ReadingJohn 17