Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday after Ash Wednesday


We are still in the first four days of Lent.  Today and tomorrow we read the 58th chapter of the book of the prophet Isaiah.  These powerful words have such a contemporary message: True fasting will lead us to act justly and caring for those who are most in need.

On every Friday of Lent we abstain from meat as a sign of our common penance.  It represents our efforts to abstain from - to do without - so many other patterns that get in the way of our happiness and wholeless.

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,
 - forgive us our sins.
Lord, I know how much you love me.  It is hard for me to feel it sometimes, but I know your love is always with me.    Help me to use your love as a way to persevere in my Lenten intentions.  I am weak, but I know with your help, I can use these small sacrifices in my life to draw close to you.


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