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-2-

Second Beatitude Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted

Mt 11 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jn 18 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they
know what I said. 22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus
with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? {with...: or, with a rod)
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Phil 2 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the thongs of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

He 5 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; I in that...: or, for his piety)
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

He 12 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
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Holy Week in The Home

The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday is the holiest of the year. This is the week we focus on the surpassing love of Jesus for us as He proves it by giving up His life for us. All the love of God is poured out on us during this week. We need to pause from our hustle and bustle of ceaseless activity to reflect on that wonderful love and receive it powerfully into our hearts. We need to let the precious Blood of Jesus wash us in the bath of purification and renewal so that we can be filled with the new life of Jesus Christ. So that the love of Jesus can just fill our being and bring us joy and peace. Father and heads of households, somehow you must bring that love of God home to your family or household. Help those in your household to be aware and appreciative of the love that Jesus has for them this Holy Week. Besides the beautiful liturgies in Church during Holy Week, bring the spirit of this Holy Week into your home to build on and Expand what you experienced in Church. Perhaps you could read and talk about part of the account of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus at the end of one of the Gospels. Or maybe you can find some other better way to celebrate Holy Week in your home.

Father Alvin J. Quade
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Reflection for Palm Sunday

When you come to me in communion, Lord Jesus, I am happy and content. I forget my woes and worries in my love for you. If I go from happiness into depression, I feel awful, yet I forget that during the first Holy Week, you made the same journey.

How excited you must have been when the crowds welcomed you in Jerusalem, and when at last it seemed that they understood your message.

Yet a few days later they were howling for your blood, wishing you dead. The praise of Palm Sunday made the sufferings of your Passion worse. It would be difficult for any human being to take such a strain, yet you were more, for you were God.

Your state was divine, you were the equal of God our Father, yet you humbled yourself to become one like us. Not only were you born for us, but you humbled yourself to die fo us, all because of the will of your Father. How can I thank you, Lord, for all that you have done for me! As usual, I forget to thank you for your gifts, for your grace.

I´m inclined to presume on you for all that I need.

When I think of your sufferings, I realize that my own are as nothing.

Thank you for keeping me alive today, able to look forward to tomorrow. Thank you for the food I eat, for the clothes I wear, for the house I live in. Thank you, Lord, for the grace to keep going until you call me to yourself. It´s a long road that knows no ending, but I can travel it in confidence, since I know that you are there waiting for me at the gate of heaven. Amen.

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Palm Sunday, in Christianity, is the Sunday before Easter.
It is the first day of the Holy Week. Palm Sunday celebrates
the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem,
where people spread palm leaves and clothing before Him.

Please, take a few moments to picture in your mind
Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey,
and people welcoming him with Palm leaves.
Over the next few days Jesus would be crucified
and then rise from the dead.

May you have a blessed Palm Sunday!

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Christ entered Jerusalem amidst the shade of the palm
Greeted by thousands upon thousands who meant him no harm
He entered knowing full well his fate on the cross
A selfless sacrifice to save us all from eternal loss

I beseech you my brethren please do not turn away
He is with us with each moment of every day
He arrived on a donkey, with humility he came
But in heaven our saviour does gloriously reign

My redeemer, my brother, my best friend, my Lord
His message of love should not be ignored
For just as he found comfort in the sea of the palm
Find solace in our saviour for he will bring your life calm

(Joseph Youssef)

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Palm Sunday Prayer

Almighty Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your Son to be born of woman and to die on a cross, so that through the obedience of one man, estrangement might be dissolved for all men. Guide our minds by his truth, and strengthen our lives by the example of his death, that we may live in union with you in the kingdom of your promise. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Prayer after Communion - Palm Sunday

Lord, you have satisfied our hunger with this Eucharistic food. The death of your Son gives us hope and strengthens our faith. May his resurrection give us perseverance and lead us to salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Palm Sunday Opening Prayer

Almighty, ever-living God, you have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled your will by becoming man and giving his life on the cross. Help us to bear witness to you by following his example of suffering, and make us worthy to share in his resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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-3-

Third Beatitude Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Lc 19 41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation."

Lc 22 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more
earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."

Lc 7" 11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Zac 12 10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart...
13,1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Jn l2 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Jn 20 " Mary saw two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not"

Ap 21 " 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

Is 35" 8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
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-4-

Fourth Beatitude Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Lc 23 47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a
righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done,
smote their breasts, and returned.

Jn 1 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no
guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that
Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him,
Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said
unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith
unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of man."

Rm 3 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the
prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that
believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely
by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation
through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance
of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth
in Jesus.
Rm 5 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we
have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so,
but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience;
and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by
the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Mt 5 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till
all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he
shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called
great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness
of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Lc 18 9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised
others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood
and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers,
or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off,
would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be
abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Lc 7 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house,
and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat
in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began
to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with
the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he
were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There
was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they
had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered
and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to
the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet:
but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman
since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed
my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom
little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began
to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
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The Season of Lent and the Blessed Virgin Mary

The commentary in the Sacramentary of the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the votive Mass, "Holy Mary, Disciple of the Lord," says about Lent:

Lent is a "journey" for the faithful, during which they "more diligently listen to the word of God and devote themselves to prayer with greater earnestness" [SC 109], and during which they are ready to bear the cross with greater zeal, so that with minds and hearts renewed they may reach a more worthy celebration of the Easter festival. In this way they show themselves true disciples of Christ, hearing his words and seeking to make them their own (see Luke 8:15), following in his footsteps in self-denial (see Matthew 16:24), and striving to stand by his cross in faithful witness (see John 19:26).

The Blessed Virgin Mary was such a disciple. One of the prefaces in the Marian Mass, "The Commending of the Blessed Virgin Mary," sums up the Marian outlook for Lent:

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

At the foot of the cross of Jesus,
by his solemn and dying wish,
a deep bond of love is fashioned
between the Blessed Virgin Mary
and his faithful disciples:
the Mother of God is entrusted to the disciples
as their own mother,
and they receive her as a precious inheritance from their Master.

She is to be forever
the mother of those who believe,
and they will look to her
with great confidence in her unfailing protection.
She loves her Son in loving her children,
and in heeding what she says
they keep the words of their Master.

Through him the angels of heaven
offer their prayer of adoration
as they rejoice in your presence for ever.
May our voice be one with theirs
in their triumphant hymn of praise.
(Preface 13)

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-5-

Fifth Beatitude Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Lc 23 " 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (Calvary: or, The place of a skull) 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Lc 23 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this
man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Lc 10 " 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow
when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

Mt 18" 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. {talents: a talent is ounces of silver, at a hundred and eleven cents the ounce) 25 But forasmuch as he
had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. {worshipped him: or, besought him) 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion,
and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. {pence: the Roman penny is the eighth part of an ounce, which after five shillings the ounce is seven pence halfpenny; about fourteen cents} 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee
all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."

Jc 2 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (alone: Gr. by itself) 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: spew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. {without: some copies read, by) 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.


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From JohnofGod:

PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS FOR ...HOLY WEEK




QUOTES FROM THE SUFFERING SERVANT (JESUS)



"My soul is sorrowful even to death." (Mark 14:34)

"Could you not keep watch for one hour?" (Mark 14:37)

"Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave Me?" (John 18:11)

"My kingdom does not belong to this world." (John 18:36)

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

"It is finished." (John 19:30)

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THE LAST SEVEN WORDS

O Jesus, Son of God,
You were born in a stable
and died on the Cross
for our salvation.

Say to your heavenly Father
at the hour of my death:
"Father, forgive him."

Say to your loving Mother:
"Behold your son."

Say to my soul: "This day you shall be with me in Paradise."

"My God, my God, do not abandon me" in that hour.

"I thirst," my God, yes, my soul thirsts for you,
the fountain of living waters.

My life passes like a shadow.
Yet a little while and "it is finished."

So, my Savior, from this moment and for all eternity,
"Into your hands, I commend my spirit."

Lord Jesus, receive my soul. Amen.

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INTERCESSIONS

Jesus, our Savior, from your pierced
heart the Church was born,
- by your holy Cross, give us new life.

Jesus, our Savior, the centurion proclaimed
you were God's Son,
- by your holy Cross, increase our faith.

Jesus, our Savior, you called the good
thief into paradise,
- by your holy Cross, call us.

Jesus, our Savior, you cured the sick
and raised the dead,
- by your holy Cross, save us.

+ + + + + + + +

You would like to know God?
Look at the Crucifix.

You would like to love God?
Look at the Crucifix.

You wonder what God is and what He is like?
Look at the Crucifix.

You wonder who you are and what you are worth?
Look at the Crucifix.

You wonder how merciful God is?
Look at the Crucifix.

You wonder how much He wants you in Heaven?
Look at the Crucifix.

You wonder what He will do to help you get there?
Look at the Crucifix.

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PRAYING FROM YOUR SUFFERING

Meditation on the Passion is not a matter of fine words and lofty thoughts. "Speak to the Lord from the pain of your heart; this is the prayer He appreciates most," St. Theresa says. The Saint goes so far as to say that Jesus turns from His own sufferings to comfort those who approach Him from the "pain of their heart."
Are you sad or troubled? Look at Him in the Garden of Olives. See the sorrow that so filled His heart that, though He is patience itself, He admits and complains of His sufferings. Or look at Him bound to the pillar, in pain, His flesh torn, because He loves you. Or look at Him carrying the cross, pushed on with scarcely time to breathe. He will turn to you with kindly and compassionate eyes, and forgetting His own sorrow He will console you, because you go to Him. (Way of Perfection)

Let the pain of your heart, born from your own sorrow and your compassion for a suffering world, guide you in this prayer. You will receive that blessing promised by Jesus Himself when He said, "Blessed are the sorrowing, for they shall be consoled."

(Courtesy "Following Jesus Christ" by Passionist Missionaries)

MAY THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST
BE EVER IN YOUR HEARTS

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PSALM 22 (excerpt)

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why so far from my call for help, from my cries of anguish? My God, I call by day, but you do not answer; by night, but I have no relief...I am a worm, hardly human, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they curl their lips and jeer; they shake their heads at me: "You relied on the LORD--let him deliver you; if he loves you, let him rescue you"...trouble is near, and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; fierce bulls of Bashan encircle me. They open their mouths against me, lions that rend and roar. Like water my life drains away; all my bones grow soft. My heart has become like wax, it melts away within me. As dry as a potsherd is my throat; my tongue sticks to my palate; you lay me in the dust of death. Many dogs surround me; a pack of evildoers closes in on me. So wasted are my hands and feet that I can count all my bones. They stare at me and gloat; they divide my garments among them; for my clothing they cast lots.

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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING TO JESUS

Lord, I give You thanks for dying on the cross for my sins.

(St. Paul of the Cross)

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SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY
Dictated by Jesus, April 2000




Agony in the Garden

Jesus says: "I suffered the Agony in the Garden for those who were obstinate in their choices against their own salvation. I saw the great numbers of souls who would fall to their perdition despite My sacrifice."

Scourging at the Pillar

Jesus says: "I suffered the mortification of the Scourging for those who commit sins of the flesh."

Crowning with Thorns

Jesus says: "I submitted to the Crowning with Thorns for those who have a proud heart. These are the ones whose thoughts, words, and actions are centered on self."

Carrying of the Cross

Jesus says: "I carried the Cross with great love in My Heart for sinners. Each step was for more souls. Every fall was for the lukewarm. My last fall was for lukewarm priests."

Crucifixion

Jesus says: "My Mother's presence at the foot of the Cross gave Me strength to embrace the Cross. My Mother will intercede for all those who seek strength in embracing their own crosses."

(Triumphant Hearts Prayer Book)

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LITANY OF THE PASSION

Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, the eternal Wisdom,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, conversing with men,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, hated by the world,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, sold for thirty pieces of silver,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, prostrate in prayer,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, strengthened by an angel,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, agonizing in a bloody sweat,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, betrayed by Judas with a kiss,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, bound by the soldiers,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, forsaken by your disciples,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, before Annas and Caiaphas,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, struck by a servant on the face,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, accused by false witnesses,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, declared worthy of death,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, spit upon in the face,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, blindfolded,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, smitten on the cheek,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, thrice denied by Peter,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, delivered up to Pilate,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, despised and mocked by Herod,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, clothed in a white garment,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, rejected for Barabbas,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, torn by sources,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, bruised for our sins,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, regarded as a leper,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, covered with a purple robe,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, crowned with thorns,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, struck with a reed,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, demanded for crucifixion,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, condemned to death,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, given up to your enemies,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, laden with the Cross,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, led as a lamb to the slaughter,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, stripped of your garmenets,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, fastened with nails to the Cross,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, wounded for our iniquities,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, praying for your murderers,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, reputed with the wicked,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, blasphemed on the Cross,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, reviled by the malefactor,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, giving Paradise to the thief,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, commending Saint John to your Mother as her son,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, forsaken by your Father,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, given fall and vinegar to drink,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, testifying that all things written concerning you were accomplished
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, commending your spirit into the hands of your Father,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, obedient even unto death,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, made a propiation for us,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, taken down from the Cross,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, laid in a sepulcher,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, rising gloriously from the dead,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, ascending into heaven,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Advocate with the Father,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, sending down the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, exalting your Mother,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, who shall come to judge the living and the dead,
Have mercy on us.

Be merciful,
spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful,
graciously hear us, O Lord.

From all evil,
deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin,
deliver us, O Jesus.
From anger, hatred, and every evil will,
deliver us, O Jesus.
From war, famine, and pestilence,
deliver us, O Jesus.
From all dangers of mind and body,
deliver us, O Jesus.
From everlasting death,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your most pure conception,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your miraculous nativity,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your humble circumcision,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your baptism and fasting,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your labors and watchings,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your cruel scourging and crowning,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your thirst, and tears, and nakedness,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your precious death and Cross,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your glorious resurrection and ascension,
deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your sending forth the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete,
deliver us, O Jesus.

On the day of judgment, we sinners,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would spare us,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would pardon us,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would bring us to true penance,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would pour into our hearts the grace of the Holy Spirit,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would defend and propagate your Church,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would preserve and increase all societies assembled in your holy Name,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would bestow upon us true peace, humility, and charity,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would give us perseverance in grace and in your holy service,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would deliver us from unclean thoughts, the temptations of the devil, and everlasting damnation,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would unite us to the company of your Saints,
we beseech you, hear us.
That you would graciously hear us,
we beseech you, hear us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world;
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world;
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world;
have mercy on us.
Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.


"15 St. Bridget prayers"



As Saint Bridget for a long time wanted to know the number of blows Our Lord received during His Passion, He one day appeared to her and said: "I received 5480 blows on My Body. If you wish to honor them in some way, say 15 Our Fathers and 15 Hail Mary's with the following Prayers (which He taught her) for a whole year. When the year is up, you will have honored each one of My Wounds."

PRAYERS APPROVED BY POPE PIUS IX

THE FIRST PRAYER
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary---

O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from all eternity in the Divine plan.
Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples, having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time Thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst foretell them Thy coming Passion.
Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: "My Soul is sorrowful even unto death."
Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.
Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou was crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages.
In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission of all my sins. Amen!

SECOND PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

O Jesus! True liberty of angels, Paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of-cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Saviour, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation. Amen!

THIRD PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy Loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged Thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulled Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy Limbs.
I beg of Thee, 0 Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee. Amen.

FOURTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.

FIFTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless lost and unfortunate sinners.
Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: "This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." I beg of Thee, 0 Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy. Amen.

SIXTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou was fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary: "Woman, behold thy son!" and to St. John: "Son, behold thy Mother!"
I beg of Thee, 0 my Saviour, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my affliction and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen.

SEVENTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: "I thirst!" suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee, 0 my Saviour, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts; and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.

EIGHTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the vinegar and gall which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.

NINTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when, plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou was abandoned by Thy Father, saying: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, 0 my Saviour, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.

TENTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Who art the beginning and end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou was plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.

ELEVENTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me, hide me in Thy Wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.

TWELFTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Mirror of Truth, symbol of unity, link of Charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou was covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable Blood. 0 Great and Universal Pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal Flesh for Love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done! May the fruit of Thy sufferings be renewed in my soul by the faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy Love increase in my heart each day, until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, 0 Sweetest Jesus, in Heaven. Amen.

THIRTEENTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Strong Lion, Immortal and Invincible King, remember the pain which Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted, Thou didst bow Thy Head, saying: "It is consummated!" Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee, Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.

FOURTEENTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

0 Jesus! Only Son of the Father, Splendor and Figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!" And with Thy Body all torn, and Thy Heart Broken, and the bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst Expire. By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee, 0 King of Saints, comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.

FIFTEENTH PRAYER
Say one Our Father and One Hail Mary---

Jesus! True and fruitful Vine! Remember the abundant outpouring of Blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press.
From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross, Thy delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very Substance of Thy Body withered, and the Marrow of Thy Bones dried up. Through this bitter Passion and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.

CONCLUSION


O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.

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-6-

Sixth Beatitude Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God

9 1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
41 must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comet,, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, {anointed...: or, spread the clay upon the eyes of the blind man) 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
Mc 12 28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The fast of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none
other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto hirn, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Jn 17 1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Ps 23" 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?
or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;
who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD,
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O God of Jacob.

2 Cor 3 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. {by the...: or, of the Lord the Spirit}

1Jn 3 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

1 Cor 7 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: {that belong...: Gr. of the Lord) 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34, There is difference also between a wife and a virgin.
The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.


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-7-

Seventh Beatitude Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

1 Cor 5 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,
not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be yc reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

Eph. 2, 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Jn 14, 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

Jn 20, 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Ps 85, 8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps."

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LENT DAY 1 - BACK TO BASICS

At the beginning of baseball season, the coach has to bring his players back to basics. He has to remind them of the three-point stance, the mechanics of throwing, the timing of a swing, the importance of keeping your eye on the ball, etc. It doesn't matter how great of a season a player had the year before. He has to begin spring training with the basics because before he can do spectacular things in a sport, he must make sure he is doing the simple and elemental things well.

The same is true in the spiritual life. Lent is a time to get tuned up, to get back to basics, to remember the fundamentals. This is why the Church asks us to look at the beginning of the book of Genesis, the story of the creation and the fall.

We've heard it often; it's probably emblazoned in our minds-but we need to hear it again: "The Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being." On Ash Wednesday, we hear echoes of this in the words, "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return."

Today we are reminded that our lives come from God. Our very existence comes from God. We are owed nothing. We have nothing coming to us. Every breath we take is a reminder of our dependency upon God; every beat of our heart is a reminder that God is the Lord.

As we begin our Lenten journey, let us take a few minutes to reflect on the reality that without God we are nothing and to give thanks that God loved us into being.

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A Prayer for Lent
"O Lord, behold here before You a soul who exists in this world in order to allow You to exercise Your admirable MERCY and manifest it before heaven and earth. Others may glorify You through their faithfulness and perseverance, thus making evident the power of Your grace. How sweet and generous You are to those who are faithful to You!

Nevertheless, I will glorify You by acquainting others of Your goodness to sinners and by reminding them that Your MERCY is above all malice, that nothing can exhaust it, and that no relapse, no matter how shameful or criminal, should allow the sinner to despair of forgiveness.

I have offended You grievously, O Beloved Redeemer, but it would be still worse if I were to offend You by thinking that You were lacking in goodness to forgive me. I would rather He deprive me of everything else than the TRUST I have in Your Mercy.

Should I fall a hundred times or should my crimes be a hundred times worse that they actually are, I would continue to trust in Your MERCY. Amen"



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LENT DAY 2 - INTO THE GARDEN

We begin at the beginning by entering the garden. One of the first things we notice is that God planted a garden in Eden and placed the first humans in it. This tells us that God's intention for us is a garden, a place of delight, color, vitality, energetic engagement of our powers. He wants us to have life and life to the full.

How does this life come to us? Through an acceptance of God's grace and a willingness to let that grace flow through us to others - a state that existed at the beginning of Creation.

God gives the first humans, Adam and Eve, practically free rein in the garden. The Church fathers saw this liberty as expressive of God's desire that we cultivate the earth and our powers as fully as possible, that we develop our skills as scientists, politicians, poets, lovers, and friends.

But there remains a tree from which we should not eat: "it is only from the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'you shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'" Why does this symbolic tree stand in the very middle of the garden? Because it represents the criterion of good and evil, that over which God alone has control. It is the standard by which the good life is to be distinguished from the tragic life.

The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and desirable for gaining wisdom. When that fruit was seized, when the man and woman tried to appropriate godliness for themselves, when they - and by extension all of us - make ourselves and our own wills the criterion of good and evil, the flow of grace is interrupted.

So it goes in the order of sin. Our autonomy and independence from God looks desirable, but in fact, it leads to deep vulnerability. (Adam and Eve realized that they were naked.) Ultimately, it leads to the expulsion from the Garden and introduction into the desert of self-regard and fear.

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The historical significance of the forty days may be traced to the time of Moses representing the Law and Elias the Prophets, who only approached God on Sinai and Horeb after purifying themselves by a fast of forty days. (Exodus 24:18, Kings 19:18).
.
Our Lord, after His Baptism, began to prepare Himself for public life by a
fast of forty days in the desert. Here He was tempted by Satan.
We prepare with 40 days of fasting and denial for the greatest feast
of the Christian Church, the Paschal Mystery of Easter.
.
It need not always be in denial and fasting but in a change of mind and heart, sometimes it is easier to give up on things, but more difficult to forgive.

Lent is about altering one's mind-set toward whole new ways of thinking and acting, with prayer, care for our neighbour and repentance for our sinfulness.

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LENT DAY 3 - THE GREAT LIE

Our God is a living God, and God wants us to share his life. This is why "God planted a garden in Eden...and he placed there the man he had formed." In Eden he gave us near total freedom as a sign of his good will and his desire that we fulfill ourselves in every direction. Politics, art, science, literature, philosophy, music, sports, entertainment - all that conduces to human flourishing is desired by God.

But then enters the serpent. Like us, the serpent is a creature of God. He is totally dependent on God for his life. He is not some sort of co-equal rival to God. The Church has always taught that evil is parasitic on the good, not a substantive opponent.

Nevertheless, he is a wily opponent. He forces Eve to wonder about the prohibition: "Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?" When she clarifies, he says, "You certainly will not die! God knows well that the moment you eat of it you will be like gods knowing good and evil."

This is the great temptation and the great lie. The serpent places in the minds of Adam and Eve the conviction that unless and until they determine the meaning and purpose of their lives, they will not be free. To put it in modern terms, their lives will not be lived to the fullest.

But the knowledge of good and evil is the godlike prerogative to set the agenda for one's life, to determine the difference between right and wrong. And this belongs to God alone. Just as he breathed life and being into us, so he breathes moral and spiritual purpose into us.

When we convince ourselves that we live on our own terms, we cease to be truly free and alive.

When Adam and Eve grasped at this knowledge, they were expelled from the garden, not because God is vindictive, but because it is the natural consequence of making oneself into God.

When we grasp at divinity, whatever life we have dries up. We become small souls, locked in the prison of our egotism, victims of the Great Lie.

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"Remove This Cup"

Jesus withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done." And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
LUKE 22:41-45

Not long before this sorrowful night, Jesus had declared to His apostles: "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' No, for this purpose I have come to this hour" (John 12:27).
How startling it is, then, to hear His outcry in the Garden: "Remove this cup from Me!" Is any prayer of Our Lord more unsettling than this? Hearing it, we are tempted to think that in this terrible moment, Jesus lost His courage, faltered in His resolve, shrank from His mission.
Yet Anne Catherine reminds us-as did the ancient fathers of the Church in commenting on this passage-that Jesus was not stumbling spiritually when He spoke this prayer. Rather, He was displaying clear and stunning evidence of His full humanity.
To be sure, He did not sin: He never chose nor even desired anything other than the Father's perfect will. Even now, He fortified this anguished petition, before and after, with firm declarations that He was submitting Himself completely to the divine plan. But in this dreadful hour, Jesus drank to the dregs that utterly human terror, wrenching the gut, no doubt familiar to every man or woman who has ever faced the grisly prospect of prolonged, excruciating pain.
"Remove this cup" was thus the natural groan of human flesh as it recoiled from the sight of its own bloody holocaust-even as the human soul of Jesus reached up to embrace the Father's will.

FROM THE DOLOROUS PASSION

Jesus' anguish was so great that He trembled and shuddered as He exclaimed: "Father, if it is possible, let this chalice pass from Me!" But the next moment He added: "Nevertheless, not My will but Yours be done." His will and that of His Father were one, but now that His love had ordained that He should be left to all the weakness of His human nature, He trembled at the prospect of death.
Angels came and showed him, in a series of visions, all the sufferings that He was to endure in order to atone for sin; how great was the beauty of man, the image of God, before the Fall, and how that beauty was changed and obliterated when sin entered the world. They showed Him the satisfaction that He would have to offer to Divine Justice, and how it would consist of a degree of suffering in His soul and body that would gather together all the sufferings due to the sinful tendencies of all humanity, since the debt of the whole human race had to be paid by that humanity which alone was sinless-the humanity of the Son of God.
No tongue can describe what anguish and what horror overwhelmed the soul of Jesus at the sight of so terrible an atonement-His sufferings were so great, indeed, that a bloody sweat issued forth from all the pores of His sacred body. Our Redeemer, on Mount Olivet, was pleased to experience and overcome that violent repugnance of human nature to suffering and death which constitutes a portion of all sufferings.


Give me grace, Father, to drink whatever cup You have poured for me.
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How to Find Time in the Day for Lent

The fast pace of your life may seem to leave little time and energy for the traditional Lenten practices. But you can weave moments of spiritual awareness and service into even the busiest of schedules. The trick is to see Lenten practice as part of, rather than in addition to, each activity of your ordinary hectic day.

The three foundational practices of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Here’s how to think about them in a new way:

Praying Daily

If you make a habit of saying a little prayer whenever someone irritates you, cuts you off in traffic, or makes life difficult; when someone does you a favor, you experience great and friendly service, or when something joyful happens to you—you will soon find yourself praying your way through the day. Try this simple practice and you will be observing the Catholic Church’s call for greater prayer during the Lenten season. You will also find that this habit makes your life flow smoother, your self more centered, and your Spirit more aware of God’s presence.

A Different Type of Fasting

There are many ways to fast. Why not fast from criticism, gossip, judging others, or passing on rumors? Why not abstain from unwarranted fear and anxiety? You can also tell that inner voice inside your head that criticizes you to abstain from eroding your ability to be the confident, blessed person God calls you to be. These are beautiful ways to observe the Lenten call to fasting and abstinence.

Give of Yourself

Daily life also offers countless opportunities to give of yourself to others (alms), and most don’t involve dipping into your wallet. Give encouragement to the doubting, give a word of praise to the insecure, show kindness to someone who could use a friend, and offer a word of thanks to those whose service of others often goes unappreciated. Give the gift of your attention to someone who simply wants to be noticed. Tell your children stories about people whose values you admire when you gather at mealtime. Don’t be stingy with your smiles—give them freely to everyone you meet. And most important, give your love to those close to you. Hug them, hold them, and tell them what they mean to you. In this way you open your heart to God and others.

So no matter how busy your are in life, with some greater awareness and new perspectives you can consciously pray, fast, and give of yourself this Lent—and you will be ready to celebrate when a joyful dawn breaks upon you Easter morning.

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Some Advice from God

Lenten Meditations on Justice and Peace

by Robert Waldrop

Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9, Psalm 51, Matthew 9:14-15

Just in case you were wondering, God doesn't particularly approve of people who do pious religious-type activities and then go and exploit their workers. This is pretty important, Isaiah says it should be cried out "full-throated and unsparingly. . . like a trumpet blast!" God's advice is pretty simple. Set free the oppressed! Break every yoke of slavery! Share your bread! Shelter the oppressed and the homeless! Clothe the naked!! Don't turn your back on your neighbor! Think of it as God trying to give the human race a clue.


But do we get it? Obviously not. It would seem that there are many hungry, naked, and homeless people in this world. Many, perhaps most, of them are actively prevented from feeding, clothing, and housing themselves by their own efforts. Sometimes such persecution of the poor is blatant, in other situations it is very subtle. But the war on the poor is a reality. Even a cursory reading of the Holy Bible shows us the truth about this.


So we question ourselves, examining our consciences on this Friday of abstinence during Lent: how many yokes of slavery have I smashed? How many captives have I released? How many hungry people have I fed? How many naked people have I clothed? How many homeless people have I sheltered? But now I'm asking, how can I free captives, break yokes of slavery, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless? Do I really look like a full-service social services agency? Maybe not, but with community and cooperation, among people with open eyes that see, listening ears that hear, caring hearts that love, and willing hands that work, all these things, and more, can be done.


Prayer intentions:

For all those who are hostile towards poor people, that they will leave behind their fear and embrace their poor neighbor as a sister and brother, we pray to the Lord.
For all homeless people, that they will find shelter, we pray to the Lord.

For those who destroy the housing of the poor, that they will stop this persecution, we pray to the Lord.


Practice today:

+ Pick up at least five pieces of trash in a public place today and dispose of it properly.
+ Look at your list of poor people. Pray for everybody on the list. Think about the specific situations of each of these people. Think about talking with one of them to learn more about poverty.

+ Abstain from meat today and make your meals simple. Place the money you save by doing this into the Rice Bowl (or other collection for the poor).



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Stations of the Cross - Adapted, Maronite Liturgical Commission

The Stations of the Cross is a popular devotion used, through prayer and reflection, to follow Jesus Christ on his way to Calvary. The origins of this procession is lost in history, and not all stations of the cross, as we know them today, are confirmed in the bible, but they are most likely taught from the early pilgrims to Jerusalem. There are fourteen (14) stations of the cross that the Catholics venerate. (Some Protestant churches only have eight [8] stations, which are the ones specifically mentioned in the Gospel accounts. However, other Protestants use an expanded form of the Stations to maintain the traditional fourteen, but still include only events with a biblical basis, such as Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane.)


Stations of the Cross
(Adapted, Maronite Liturgical Commission, Australia, Lent 2003.)

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
For by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Lord Jesus Christ, take me along that holy way you once took to your death.
Take my mind, my memory, above all my reluctant heart,
and let me see what once you did for love of me and all the world.

# By the Cross her vigil keeping,
# Mary stood in sorrow weeping,
# when her Son was crucified.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

1. Jesus is Condemned to Death

Pilate was certain of Jesus' innocence and he declared it to the Jews. Yet, he condemned him to death. Jesus accepted the unjust sentence for our sins because "the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6)

Teach us Lord, not to judge anyone. For you alone know what is in our hearts and our intentions. Strengthen us to bear the pain inflicted upon us by others through perjury and slander. Amen.

# While she waited in her anguish,
# seeing Christ in torment languish,
# bitter sorrow pierced her heart.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

2. Jesus Carries His Cross

Lord Jesus, you said "No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father. For this my Father loves me because I lay down my life to receive it back." (John 10:18)

Teach us Lord, that pain is not valued by its strength, but by our acceptance. The value of suffering is not by its severity, but in its acceptance, love and obedience to your will. Amen.

# With what pain and desolation,
# with what noble resignation,
# Mary watched her dying Son.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

3. Jesus Falls The First Time

Jesus is truly human and feels pain and suffering like every one of us but even more because he knows the greatness of the Creator and lowliness of creation. He languished and fell under the heaviness of the cross and the weight of our sins.

Teach us Lord, how to accept our human weakness when pain defeats us and weighs us down, and to bear it patiently. May we fix our eyes on you to strengthen us so that we may rise above our pain. Teach us also to be kind to the weakness of others and help them to rise above their pain. Amen.

# Ever patient in her yearning,
# though her tear-filled eyes were burning,
# Mary gazed upon her Son.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

4. Jesus Meets His Mother

Jesus suffers with his mother's suffering and Mary endures pain for her Son's pain. And we, in our families, experience the pain caused by parents to their children and by children to their parents. Teach us Lord Jesus, to know that the value of pain in our life refines our Christian conduct, and converts it into love and sacrifice. Amen.

# Who, what sorrow contemplating,
# on that passion meditating,
# would not share the Virgin's grief?
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

5. Jesus is Helped by Simon

They put the cross on Simon and made him carry it with Jesus.

Teach us Lord, how to bear our suffering, regardless of its kind or from where it comes, as a sign of our love for you and as repentance for our sins. Amen.

# Christ she saw, for our salvation,
# scourged with heartless acclamation,
# bruised and beaten by the rod.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

6. Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

Veronica walked the way of the cross and she wished to be kind to Jesus in his suffering. She wiped the sweat and blood from his face. Teach us Lord, to be kind towards the pain of others and open our hands to them to ease their suffering and to heal their wounds. Amen.

# Christ she saw with life-blood failing,
# all her anguish unavailing,
# saw him breathe his very last.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

7. Jesus Falls The Second Time

Jesus' bodily strength weakened on the long way to Golgotha under his heavy cross.

As for us Lord Jesus, our way to you is long and painful. Stretch out your hand towards us and draw us away from our Golgotha for we are longing for the light of your resurrection. Amen.

# Mary, fount of love's devotion,
# let me share with true emotion,
# all the sorrow you endured.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

8. Jesus Speaks to the Women

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were weeping and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children." (Luke 23:27)

Yes Lord, teach me to understand the meaning of real pain that you experienced for me. Your pain is caused by our sins. Teach us to repent from our sins and turn to you. Amen.

# Virgin, ever interceding,
# hear me in my fervent pleading,
# fire me with your love of Christ.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

9. Jesus Falls The Third Time

The way of the cross has been too long. The strength of Jesus the man has weakened. We also fall down and almost lose hope when our way of suffering becomes long.

Do not leave us, Lord Jesus, but draw us to yourself, so that we become stronger and rise from our falls and to continue on the way to Calvary with you and then to the resurrection. Amen.

# Mother, may this prayer be granted,
# that Christ's love may be implanted,
# in the depths of my poor soul.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

10. Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

They thought your were mocked and ridiculed when they took off your clothes leaving you naked. They failed to see that you are purity and brightness itself and your body shines with modesty.

Teach us Lord to understand the meaning of human modesty and allow us not to put obstacles in anyone's way by our lack of modesty. Amen.

# At the cross, your sorrow sharing,
# all the grief and torment bearing,
# let me stand and mourn with you.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

11. Jesus is Nailed to The Cross

Crucifixion was a means of torturing criminals. Isaiah prophesied: "he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors [people who act in violation of the law]; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12)

Teach us Lord, to accept whole heartedly, the suffering of life and particularly the pain of death, in order to make it, as you did, a redeeming and saving pain. Amen.

# Fairest maid of all creation,
# Queen of hope and consolation,
# let me feel your grief sublime.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

12. Jesus Dies on The Cross

When you gave up your spirit into the hands of your Father, the curtain of the temple which covered the holy of holies was torn in two indicating the end of the old Covenant. The tombs were opened because your death conquered death.

All this happened while your Mother was standing under your cross, drinking with you the chalice of suffering to the end, for our salvation. Her suffering increases yours but her presence and participation in your mystery of redemption comforts you.

Grant the fathers and mothers who have suffered and still suffer for the pain of their sick and suffering children, the grace of making their anguish a redemptive offering, through their patience, love and faith. Amen.

# Mary, in your love, befriend me,
# At the judgement day defend me,
# help me by your constant prayer.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

13. Jesus is Taken Down from The Cross

Mary, the mother of Jesus, embraces her dead son. She alone understands why he accepted his death. She alone has joined her pain to his pain and made it a redeeming and saving pain. In their hearts illuminates the light of hope, which will in turn be a jubilant victory for the righteous ones who suffer.

Teach us, Mary, to understand the meaning of participation in redemption and to live it as you did. May we complete in ourselves the suffering of Christ that we have not yet endured. Amen.

# Saviour, when my life shall leave me,
# through your mother's prayer receive me,
# with the fruits of victory.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

14. Jesus Is Placed In The Tomb

All is fulfilled, all is complete. The enemies of Jesus have defeated him and hid him in a tomb... The Apostles have lost all of what they expected from Jesus. But Jesus, who carries the love of God to all people, did not remain in the tomb. For love is stronger than death. He rolled the large stone from the door of his tomb and rose to declare to the Apostles God's love for them and for those who will believe in God through their preaching.

Grant us Lord, not to despair in life because you are the resurrection and life. Give us love which conquers death. Amen.

# Let me to your love be taken,
# let my soul in death awaken,
# to the joys of paradise.
# Mary Mother of our Saviour,
# may we share in your Son's passion,
# leading us from death to life.

Final Prayer

O Eternal Father whom you have blessed the sign of the living cross
with the precious blood of your Son.
We ask your mercy to those who venerate this holy cross,
forgiveness of their sins
and entrance into eternal glory,
through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

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The Way of the Cross



This is a spiritual meditation to do during the Season of Lent. Just read it and reflect.



I. Pilate Condemns Jesus to Die
Meditation: Lord Jesus, often I judge others and fail to be understanding or loving. Help me to see the people in my life through your eyes, not the eyes of a Pontius Pilate.



II. Jesus Accepts His Cross
Meditation: Lord Jesus, you embraced your cross to redeem the world. Help me to embrace the crosses in my life -- the hardships, struggles, disappointments, pain. Only by recognizing my own weakness, can I discover your strength.



III. Jesus Falls the First Time
Meditation: Lord Jesus, you know how often I fall trying to follow you. Yet you are always there to life me up. Help me always to trust in your loving care for me.



IV. Jesus Meets His Mother
Meditation: Lord Jesus, your mother Mary's grief was surpassed by her love for you. So often you come to me in others and their love gives me new life. Help me to see how often you love me through the people in my life.



V. Simon Helps Carry the Cross
Meditation: Lord Jesus, sometimes I am indifferent to the needs of others in my life. I even neglect those whom I love. Help me to see that loving others is the surest way to find you in my life.



VI. Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Meditation: Lord Jesus, at times I am afraid to reach out to others. I do nothing when I should act, I say nothing when I should speak out. Give me a deeper and more courageous faith. Help me to trust that you are with me.



VII. Jesus Falls the Second Time
Meditation: Lord Jesus, failure and disappointment sometimes lead me to despair. I hide behind my pride and self-pity, withdrawing from you and others. Give me the hope I need and help me never to be afraid to begin again.



VIII. Jesus Speaks to the Women
Meditation: Lord Jesus, your great compassion for others overwhelms me. I feel petty and selfish when I think of you and the way you love. Help me to pour out my love, that you might fill me with your love.



IX. Jesus Falls the Third Time
Meditation: Lord Jesus, your failing strength makes me see how helpless I am. Without you, I can do nothing. Help me to rely on your strength, to see how much I need you.



X. Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Meditation: Lord Jesus, seeing you so cruelly humiliated makes me realize how I cling to my accomplishments, my possessions, my way. Help me to let go of those things in my life that prevent me from growing closer to you and others.



XI. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Meditation: Lord Jesus, I can never doubt your great love for me when I see you crucified. Help me to see your cross as the great sign of your love for me.



XII. Jesus Dies on the Cross
Meditation: Lord Jesus, your broken and lifeless body calls me to deeper faith. You chose death, even death on the cross. Help me to see my crosses as ways of loving you.



XIII. Jesus is Taken From the Cross
Meditation: Lord Jesus, seeing your body taken from the cross reminds me how fearful I am of letting go of my own life. I am frightened when I think of being unimportant, useless, helpless. Help me to place my life in your hands.



XIV. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
Meditation: Lord Jesus, when I see the great stone sealing your tomb, I feel alone and abandoned. Even though you sometimes seem distant or absent in my life, help me always to believe in your closeness and loving presence.