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are witnesses. Alleluia. Abide in My Word R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. GOSPEL Prayer over the offerings A reading from the holy Gospel Receive, O Lord, we pray, these offerings according to John 15 26-16:4a of your exultant Church, and, as you have “The Spirit of truth will bear witness to given her cause for such great gladness, me.” grant also that the gifts we bring may bear At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, fruit in perpetual happiness. Through “When the Counsellor comes, whom I Christ our Lord. shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Communion Antiphon Jn 20:19 Father, he will bear witness to me; and you Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples and also are witnesses, because you have been said to them: Peace be with you, alleluia. with me from the beginning. I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. Prayer after communion They will put you out of the synagogues; Look with kindness upon your people, O indeed, the hour is coming when whoever Lord, and grant, we pray, that those you kills you will think he is offering service to were pleased to renew by eternal mysteries God. And they will do this because they may attain in their flesh the incorruptible have not known the Father, nor me. But I glory of the resurrection. Through Christ have said these things to you, that when our Lord. their hour comes you may remember that I told you of them.” V/ The Gospel of the Lord. MEDITATION OF THE DAY Grace, Response, And Transformation Praying at the river’s edge in Philippi, Lydia probably didn’t realize that she was also in the path of a second river—a stream of divine grace! One of the worshippers present on that Sabbath was the apostle Paul, and the message he shared about Jesus changed her life dramatically. Lydia’s story is a beautiful example of what conversion looks like. Conversion is a transformation with two main ingredients: grace from God and our response to his grace. Lydia certainly received an outpouring of grace that day. It appeared in the form of a messenger—Paul. Through his words, Lydia heard about Jesus, and as she kept listening, “the Lord opened her heart” (Acts 16:14). Today, we might say that she was “deeply touched” by the message. She was moved by grace! But Lydia didn’t just receive grace; she responded to it. She listened intently to the message, and as she felt her heart being moved, she asked to be baptized. She probably shared her experience with her household as well, because they too were baptized. This is the pattern of conversion: God gives his grace, we respond, and the result is a powerful transformation. The best part of conversion is that God wants us to continue experiencing it for the rest of our lives. He wants this pattern of grace, response, and transformation to keep happening, because there are always areas in our lives that need a greater shift toward the direction of Jesus. 101

Abide in My Word This type of “ongoing conversion” can happen anytime and anywhere. Often, as in Lydia’s case, the Lord opens our hearts as we’re praying or as we are listening to a “messenger” like the Scriptures or the words of a friend. Whenever we sense Jesus calling us to make a change in how we think or act, we can be sure he is offering us grace so that we can take his words deeper into our hearts and respond. POINT TO PONDER: Lydia stepped into the river of God’s grace on that Sabbath, and she let it take her deeper and deeper into his love. May we do the same! VERSE TO REMEMBER: Lydia , listened, and the Lord opened her heart. (Acts 16:14) QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Like Lydia, when I receive God’s grace, do I respond to it? PRAYER: “Lord Jesus, open my heart to your words of life.” MIDDAY PRAYER is sinking. Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 Be pleased, O LORD, to rescue me; V/ O God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me. O let there R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. be rejoicing and gladness for all who Glory be... seek you. Let them ever say, “The LORD is great,” who long for your salvation. Hymn: Refer to pg 192 Wretched and poor though I am, the Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Lord is mindful of me. You are my Psalm 40:10-14.17-18 rescuer, my help; O my God, do not THANKSGIVING AND PLEA FOR delay. HELP Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, Scripture Reading Col 2:9.10a.12 but a body you prepared for me (Heb In Christ dwells the whole fulness of the 10:5) deity bodily and you share in this fulness Your justice I have proclaimed in the in him. You were buried with him in great assembly. My lips I have not baptism, in which you were also raised sealed; you know it, O LORD. with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Your saving help I have not hidden in my V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. heart; of your faithfulness and salvation I R/ When they saw the risen Lord, have spoken. I made no secret of your alleluia. merciful love and your faithfulness to Concluding Prayer, as in Morning the great assembly. Prayer. O LORD, you will not withhold your DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK compassion from me. Your merciful love PRAYER and your faithfulness will always guard Refer to pages 195-197 me. For I am beset with evils too many to be counted. My iniquities have overtaken me, till I can see no more. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart 102

EVENING PRAYER Abide in My Word offer gifts and sacrifices. V/ O God, come to my assistance. Magnificat Ant: The Spirit of truth who R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. proceeds from the Father will be my Glory be... witness, and you will also bear witness Hymn: Refer to pg 193 to me, alleluia. Ant: The Bridegroom is here; go out Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 and welcome him. Alleluia. INTERCESSIONS Psalm 45:11-18 Let us pray to Christ the Lord, who THE MARRIAGE OF THE KING bathed the world in glory through his Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to resurrection. With joyful hearts let us meet him! (Mt 25:6). say: Listen, O daughter; pay heed and give R. Christ, our life, hear our prayer. ear:forget your own people and your Lord Jesus Christ, you walked with your father’s house.So will the king desire disciples on the way, be with your your beauty.He is your lord, pay homage Church on its pilgrimage through life. R. to him. Do not let us be slow to believe, but And the daughter of Tyre shall come ready to proclaim you as victor over with gifts;the richest of the people shall death. R. seek your favour.The daughter of the Look with kindness on those who do not king is clothed with splendour;Her robes recognise your presence, reveal yourself are threaded with gold. to them, so that they may welcome you In fine clothing she is led to the king; as Saviour. R. Behind her are her maiden companions, Through the cross you have brought Brought to you. They are escorted amid reconciliation to all peoples in your gladness and joy;they pass within the body, grant unity and peace to all nations. palace of the king. R. Sons will be yours to succeed you Judge of the living and the dead, forgive fathers;you will make them rulers over the sins of the faithful departed. R. all the earth.I will make your name for Private Intercession ever remembered. Thus the peoples will praise you from age to age. Ant: The Bridegroom is here; go out Our Father... and welcome him. Alleluia. Concluding Prayer Scripture Reading Heb 8:1b-3a God of mercy, may our celebration of We have such a high priest, who has your Son’s resurrection help us to taken his seat at the right hand of the experience its effect in our lives. We ask throne of the Majesty in heaven, a this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your minister of the sanctuary and of the true Son who lives and reigns with you and tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up. the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and Now every high priest is appointed to ever. 103

Abide in My Word groan within me. Hope in God; I will praise him yet again, my saving presence For night prayer refer to page 182 and my God. Ant: You have come to mount Zion and 19 TUESDAY, MAY 19TH to the city of the living God, alleluia. Tuesday of the sixth week Scripture Reading Acts 13:30-33 of Easter (White) God raised Jesus from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had Today’s Rosary: come up with him from Galilee to The Sorrowful Mysteries Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses “Remember to care for the soul more before the people. We ourselves are than the body, since the former remains, proclaiming this good news to you that the latter perishes.” —St. Alcuin what God promised our ancestors he has brought to fulfilment for us, their MORNING PRAYER children, by raising up Jesus, as it is V/ Lord, open our lips, written in the second psalm, “You are my R/ And we shall praise your name. son; this day I have begotten you.” Glory be... Hymn: Refer to pg 192 Benedictus Ant: In a little while the Ant: You have come to mount Zion and world will no longer see me, but you will to the city of the living God, alleluia. see me, for I live and you will live, alleluia. Psalm 43 Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 LONGING FOR THE TEMPLE I came into the world as light. (Jn 12:46) INTERCESSIONS Give me justice, O God and plead my The spotless Lamb of God takes away cause against a nation that is faithless. the sins of the world. Let us give thanks From a man who is deceitful and cunning to the Father, and say: rescue me, O God. R. Source of all life, raise us to life. You, O God, are my strength; why have Source of all life, remember the death you rejected me? Why do I go mourning, and resurrection of the Lamb slain on the oppressed by the foe? cross, listen to his voice as he lives for ever, making intercession for us. R. O send forth your light and your truth; they will guide me on. They will bring Now that the old leaven of wickedness me to your holy mountain, to the place and evil is destroyed, may we always where you dwell. feed on the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. R. And I will come to the altar of God, to God, my joy and gladness. To you will I Grant that today we may put aside all give thanks on the harp, O God, my God. friction and jealousy, and show greater concern for the needs of others. R. Why are you cast down, my soul; why 104

Abide in My Word Send into our hearts the spirit of the praying and singing hymns to God, and Gospel, that we may walk in the way of the prisoners were listening to them, and your commandments, today and for ever. suddenly there was a great earthquake, R. so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the Private Intercession doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer Our Father... woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about Concluding Prayer to kill himself, supposing that the God our Father, may we look forward prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with hope to our resurrection, for you with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, have made us your sons and daughters, for we are all here.” And he called for and restored the joy of our youth. We ask lights and rushed in, and trembling with this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, Son, who lives and reigns with you and and brought them out and said, “Men, the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and what must I do to be saved?” And they ever. said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” MASS And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. Entrance Antiphon Rv 19:7.6 And he took them the same hour of the Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory night, and washed their wounds, and he to God, for the Lord our God the was baptised at once, with all his family. Almighty reigns, alleluia. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced Opening Prayer with all his household that he had Grant, almighty and merciful God, that believed in God. we may in truth receive a share in the Resurrection of Christ your Son. Who V/ The word of the Lord. lives and reigns with you in the unity of R/ Thanks be to God. the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 138:1ac-2a.2bcd-3.7c-8 FIRST READING R. With your right hand you save me, A reading from the Acts of the Apostles O Lord. 16:22-34 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will Or: Alleluia. be saved, you and your household.” In those days: The crowd of Philippians 1. I thank you, LORD, with all my heart; joined in attacking Paul and Silas; and you have heard the words of my mouth. the magistrates tore the garments off In the presence of the angels I praise them and gave orders to beat them with you. I bow down toward your holy rods. And when they had inflicted many temple. R. blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them 2. I give thanks to your name for your safely. Having received this charge, he merciful love and your faithfulness. You put them into the inner prison and have exalted your name and your fastened their feet in the stocks. But promise over all. R about midnight Paul and Silas were 105

Abide in My Word righteousness and of judgement: of sin, because they do not believe in me; of On the day I called, you answered me; righteousness, because I go to the Father, you increased the strength of my soul. R. and you will see me no more; of judgement, because the ruler of this 3. With your right hand you save me; the world is judged.” LORD will accomplish this for me. O LORD,your merciful love is V/ The Gospel of the Lord. eternal;discard not the work of your R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. hands. R. Prayer over the Offerings , ALLELUIA See John 16:7.13 Grant, we pray, O Lord, that we may Alleluia. I will send the Spirit of truth to always find delight in these paschal you, says the Lord; he will guide you mysteries, so that the renewal constantly into all the truth. Alleluia. at work within us, may be the cause of our unending joy. Through Christ our GOSPEL Lord. A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 16:5-11 Communion Antiphon Cf. Lk 24:46.26 “If l do not go away, the Counsellor will The Christ had to suffer and rise from the not come to you.” dead, and so enter into his glory, alleluia. At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Now I am going to him who sent me; Prayer after Communion yet none of you asks me, `Where are you Hear, O Lord, our prayers, that this most going?’ But because I have said these holy exchange, by which you have things to you, sorrow has filled your redeemed us, may bring your help in this hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: present life and ensure for us eternal it is to your advantage that I go away, for gladness. Through Christ our Lord. if I do not go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convince the world of sin and of MEDITATION OF THE DAY Sin And Righteousness And Condemnation If you were to read today’s gospel passage out of context: Sin and righteousness and condemnation . . . (John 16:8 ) it might sound like the start to a fire-and-brimstone sermon. But it’s not. It’s a description of three key roles of the Holy Spirit. In this passage, the disciples are coming to the realization that Jesus won’t be with them forever. But Jesus assures them that he will send the Holy Spirit, the “Advocate,” to take his place. What was this Advocate going to do for them? Jesus lists three things, all of which apply to us as well. First, the Holy Spirit comes to show us our sin—but not to accuse us or overwhelm us with guilt. On the contrary, even as he shows us our imperfections, he sets our hearts at rest by telling us how merciful God is. That leads us to his second role: to show us the righteousness of Christ. Since Jesus is not walking with us in the flesh, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts about who Jesus is. He reveals Christ in the Scriptures, in Communion, and in our prayer. He shows us Jesus’ justice, his mercy, his compassion, and his power. Finally, the Spirit comes to bring condemnation. But this condemnation is not directed 106

Abide in My Word at us. Rather, he shows us that Satan is condemned and that all his plots and schemes are doomed. The Holy Spirit is at work in you all the time, even when you can’t sense him. He is the One urging you to go to Confession when your conscience is weighing heavy on you. He is the One encouraging you to spend time with the Scriptures or be more attentive at Mass. He is the One who inspires you to live differently, one day at a time. He is always urging you to get to know Jesus better. Invite the Holy Spirit to move more freely in your heart today. Ask him to show you areas that he wants to help you change. Let him give you a deeper understanding of the holiness and love of Jesus. POINT TO PONDER: Just as Jesus assured his disciples that the Holy Spirit would be with them, he assures you that the Holy Spirit is—and will always be—working in you. VERSE TO REMEMBER: Sin and righteousness and condemnation . . . (John 16:8) QUESTION TO CONSIDER; What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit? Do I invite him to move more freely in my heart, and show me areas that he wants to help me change? MIDDAY PRAYER There they shall tremble with fear Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 without cause for fear - for God scatters V/ O God, come to my assistance. the bones of your besiegers. They are R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. shamed; God rejects them. Glory be... Who will bring Israel salvation from Hymn: Refer to pg 192 Zion? When God brings about the return of his people, then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice. Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Psalm 53 Scripture Reading See I Pt 3:21-22a THE FOOLISHNESS OF SINNERS You are saved by a baptismal bath. This All have sinned and are deprived of the baptism is not a removal of dirt from the glory of God (Rom 3:23). body but an appeal to God for a clear The fool has said in his heart “There is conscience, through the resurrection of no God.”Their deeds are corrupt, Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven depraved; no one does any good. and is at the right hand of God. God looks down from heaven on the V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. sons of men, to see if any are wise, if any R/ When they saw the risen Lord, seek God. alleluia. All have left the right path, depraved, Concluding Prayer as in Morning every one;there is no one who does any Prayer good, no, not even one. DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK Do none who do evil understand? They PRAYER eat up my people as if eating bread; they Refer to pages 195-197 never call out to God. 107

Abide in My Word offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. EVENING PRAYER Magnificat Ant: Believe me, it is for V/ O God, come to my assistance. your own good that I am going. If I do R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. not go, the Paraclete will not come, Glory be... alleluia. Hymn: Refer to pg 193 Ant: The Lord has rescued my life from Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 the power of hell, alleluia. INTERCESSIONS Psalm 49:14-21 By his resurrection Christ has given sure EMPTINESS OF RICHES hope to his people. Let us ask him with It will be hard for one who is rich to our whole hearts: enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt 19:23). R. Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear This is the way of the foolish, the our prayer. outcome of those pleased with their lot: Lord Jesus, from your wounded side like sheep they are driven to Sheol, flowed blood and water, make the where death shall become their shepherd, Church your spotless bride. R. and the upright shall have dominion. Their outward show wastes away with Chief Shepherd, after your resurrection the morning, and Sheol becomes their you made Peter shepherd of your flock home. But God will ransom my soul, when he professed his love for you, from the power of Sheol he will take me. increase from day to day the love and Then do not fear when a man grows rich, devotion of our Pope. R. when the glory of his house increases. You showed your disciples how to make He takes nothing with him when he dies, a great catch of fish, send others to his glory does not follow him below. continue their work as fishers of men. R. Though he flattered himself while he At the lakeside you prepared bread and lived, “They will praise me for all my fish for your disciples, grant that we may success,” yet he will go to join his never allow others to die of hunger. R. fathers, and will never see light any Jesus, the new Adam and life-giving more. spirit, transform the dead into your own In his riches, man cannot discern; he is likeness, that the fulness of your joy may like the beasts that are destroyed. be theirs. R. Ant: The Lord has rescued my life from Private Intercession the power of hell, alleluia. Our Father... Scripture Reading 1 Pt 2:4-5 Concluding Prayer as in Morning Come to the Lord, a living stone, rejected Prayer by human beings but chosen and precious For night prayer refer to page 182 in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to 108

Saint Bernardine of Siena, Abide in My Word Priest (Optional Memorial) 20(White) WEDNESDAY, MAY 20TH weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, while the weak gird on strength. The sated hire themselves for bread, while the hungry hunger no more.The barren Today’s Rosary: wife gives birth to many, while the one The Glorious Mysteries with many children is desolate. “The only way for us to give witness is The LORD deals death and brings to . . . to be what we are in the midst of life, casts down to Sheol and raises up. banal, everyday realities.” The LORD makes poor and makes —Fr. Christian de Chergé rich; he brings down low yet lifts up high. MORNING PRAYER He raises the poor from the dust, lifts V/ Lord, open our lips, the needy from the ash heap,to give R/ And we shall praise your name. them a seat with nobles, to inherit a Glory be... throne of glory. For the pillars of the Hymn: Refer to pg 192 earth are the LORD’s; he has set the Ant: The Lord puts to death and raises world upon them. to life, alleluia. He guards the steps of his holy ones, Canticle1 Sam 2:1-10 but the wicked shall be silenced in THE HUMBLE FIND JOY IN GOD darkness, for no man shall prevail by He has thrown down the rulers from his strength. their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The LORD will shatter his foes, The hungry he has filled with good against them will he thunder in the things (Lk 1:52-53). heavens. The LORD will judge the Hannah prayed and proclaimed: My ends of the earth, will endow his king heart exults in the LORD; my strength with strength, and exalt the horn of his is exalted in my God. My mouth anointed. derides my foes, as I rejoice in your Ant: The Lord puts to death and raises salvation. to life, alleluia. There is no one as holy as the LORD; Scripture Reading Rom 6:8-11 truly, there is no one besides you, and If we have died with Christ, we believe there is no rock like our God. that we shall also live with him. We Speak no more with haughty pride, know that Christ, raised from the dead, nor let arrogance come forth from your dies no more; death no longer has mouth. For the LORD is a God of power over him. As to his death, he knowledge, and by him are actions died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in 109

Abide in My Word ever. Christ Jesus. Benedictus Ant: I have many more MASS things to tell you, but they would be too much for you now. When the Spirit Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 18:50; 22:23 of truth comes he will guide you to all I will praise you Lord, among the truth, alleluia. nations; I will tell of your name to my Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 kin, alleluia. INTERCESSIONS Opening Prayer By the gift of the Father, the risen Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, as we Christ was seen by the apostles. Let us celebrate in mystery the solemnities of pray to the Father, and say: your Son’s Resurrection, so, too, we R. Give us, Lord, the glory of your may be worthy to rejoice at his coming Son. with all the Saints. Through our Lord Father of light, today we offer you our Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and thanks and praise for calling us into reigns with you in the unity of the your marvellous light, to receive your Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and mercy. R. ever. May our efforts to make the world FIRST READING more human, be purified and A reading from the Acts of the strengthened by the power of your Apostles 17:15.22-18:1 Spirit. R. “What therefore you worship as May we be so dedicated to the service unknown, this I proclaim to you.” of others, that the whole human family In those days: Those who conducted may become a pleasing sacrifice in Paul brought him as far as Athens; and your honour. R. receiving a command for Silas and At the dawn of a new day, fill us with Timothy to come to him as soon as mercy, that the whole day may be a possible, they departed. So Paul, day of joy and praise. R. standing in the middle of the Private Intercession Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I Our Father... perceive that in every way you are Concluding Prayer very religious. For as I passed along, Lord, as we celebrate your Son’s and observed the objects of your resurrection, so may we rejoice with worship, I found also an altar with this all the saints when he returns in glory, inscription, `To an unknown god.’ who lives and reigns with you and the What therefore you worship as Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything. 110

And he made from one every nation of Abide in My Word men to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and 2. Kings of the earth and all peoples, the boundaries of their habitation, that princes and all judges of the earth, they should seek God, in the hope that young men and maidens as well, the they might feel after him and find him. old together with the young. R. Yet he is not far from each one of us, 3. Let them praise the name of the for `In him we live and move and have Lord, for his name alone is exalted,his our being’; as even some of your poets splendour above heaven and earth. R have said, `For we are indeed his 4. He exalts the strength of his people. offspring.’ Being then God’s offspring, He is the praise of all his faithful, the we ought not to think that the Deity is praise of the children of Israel,of the like gold, or silver, or stone, a people to whom he is close. R representation by the art and ALLELUIA John 14:16 imagination of man. The times of Alleluia. I will pray the Father, and he ignorance God overlooked, but now he will give you another Counsellor, to be commands all men everywhere to with you for ever. Alleluia. repent, because he has fixed a day on GOSPEL which he will judge the world in A reading from the holy Gospel righteousness by a man whom he has according to John 16:12-15 appointed, and of this he has given “The Spirit of truth will guide you assurance to all men by raising him into all the truth.” from the dead.” Now when they heard At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, of the resurrection of the dead, some “I have yet many things to say to you, mocked; but others said, “We will hear but you cannot bear them now. When you again about this.” So Paul went the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide out from among them. But some men you into all the truth; for he will not joined him and believed, among them speak on his own authority, but Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman whatever he hears he will speak, and named Damaris and others with them. he will declare to you the things that After this he left Athens and went to are to come. He will glorify me, for he Corinth. will take what is mine and declare it to V/ The word of the Lord. you. All that the Father has is mine; R/ Thanks be to God. therefore I said that he will take what RESPONSORIAL PSALM is mine and declare it to you.” Psalm 148: 1-2. 11-12.13.14 V/ The Gospel of the Lord. R. Heaven and earth are full of your R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. glory. Or: Alleluia. Prayer over the Offerings 1. Praise the Lord from the heavens; O God, who by the wonderful praise him in the heights. Praise him, exchange effected in this sacrifice have all his angels; praise him, all his hosts. made us partakers of the one supreme R Godhead, grant, we pray, that, as we have come to know your truth, we may 111

Abide in My Word Prayer after Communion Graciously be present to your people, make it ours by a worthy way of life. we pray, O Lord, and lead those you Through Christ our Lord. have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness Communion Antiphon Cf. Jn of life. Through Christ our Lord. 15:16.19 I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, and have appointed you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, alleluia. MEDITATION OF THE DAY Listen To The Holy Spirit Many of us are familiar with the television commercials that tell us, “But wait; there’s more!” Jesus has more for you too, and you don’t have to pay any additional shipping or handling charges. More knowledge, more wisdom, more understanding, more love—he wants them to be yours! When Jesus told his disciples- : “I have much more to tell you “ he knew that they were anxious and worried about the future. He had just told them that he was going away. He also told them that after he had gone, they would experience increased opposition and persecution. It was a lot to take in. All that they had learned from Jesus and experienced for themselves seemed insufficient as they faced the prospect of life without him. Don’t you feel that way sometimes too? We all face times when we wish Jesus were right here with us, guiding us as he once guided the apostles. How encouraging, then, is his promise that the Holy Spirit will guide us in the truth! The next time you feel that way, close your eyes and listen as Jesus tells you, “I may not be with you physically, but here is Someone who will keep speaking my words and revealing my love to you. Listen to him.” Of course, very few of us will hear something as clear as a voice ringing in our ears. We will most likely experience the Spirit whispering in the privacy of our thoughts. Perhaps today you will experience peace about a decision you are making. That could be the Spirit. As you consider a difficult situation or stressful conversation, you might suddenly think of a line from a hymn that lightens your heart. That could be the Spirit. A Scripture verse at Mass might strike you as something that could help one of your children. That also could be the Spirit. A friend might offer a word of advice that pierces your heart. Again, that could be the Spirit. POINT TO PONDER; You are a unique creation of God, and he will tell you “more” in ways that fit the way he made you. Words, pictures, friends, feelings: there’s no end to the ways the Spirit speaks! VERSE TO REMEMBER: I have much more to tell you. (John 16:12) QUESTION TO CONSIDER: “The Holy Spirit guides us to the truth so we may live as more faithful disciples of Jesus” Am I open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, open my ears and heart, thoughts and imagination, to hear you today.” 112

MIDDAY PRAYER Abide in My Word Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 away and be at rest!I would indeed escape far away, and take refuge in the desert. I V/ O God, come to my assistance. shall await him who saves me from the R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. raging wind and tempest.” Glory be... Engulf and confuse their speech, O Lord, Hymn: Refer to pg 192 for I see violence and strife in the city! Night and day they patrol its walls.In its midst are wickedness and evil. Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Destruction lies within it. Its streets are never free from tyranny and deceit. Psalm 55:2-12 AGAINST A FRIEND PROVED Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. TRAITOR Jesus began to be troubled and distressed Scripture Reading I Jn 5:5-6a (Mk 14:33). Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son Give ear, O God, to my prayer; do not hide of God? This is the one who came through from my pleading. Attend to me and reply; water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water with my cares, I cannot rest. alone, but by water and blood. I tremble at the shouts of the foe,at the cries V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. of the wicked, for they pile up evil upon R/ When they saw the risen Lord, alleluia. me; in anger they malign me. Concluding Prayer as in Morning My heart is stricken within me; death’s Prayer terror falls upon me. Trembling and fear come over me, and horror overwhelms me. DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK PRAYER I say, “O that I had wings like a dove, to fly Refer to pages 195-197 Vigil of the Solemnity of the Ascension of alleluia! the Lord He who died upon a tree, alleluia! Now shall reign eternally, alleluia! EVENING PRAYER I He who saved our fallen race, alleluia! Takes in heav’n his rightful place, V/ O God, come to my assistance. alleluia! R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. Jesus, Lord, all hail to you, alleluia! Glory be... On this day of victory, alleluia! You did shatter Satan’s might, alleluia! Hymn Rising glorious from the fight, alleluia! Jesus, Victor, hear our prayer, alleluia! Let the earth rejoice and sing, alleluia! In your triumph let us share, alleluia! At the triumph of our King, alleluia! He ascends from mortal sight, alleluia! Reigns now at our Father’s right, 113

Abide in My Word Christ Jesus. Magnificat Ant: Father, I have made Lift our minds and hearts above, alleluia! known your name to the men you have Strengthen us all in your love, alleluia! given me; now I am praying for them While in heaven you do gaze, alleluia! and not for the world, because I am On your Church who sings your praise, coming to you, alleluia. alleluia! Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 Fasten all our hope in you, alleluia! INTERCESSIONS Till your face unveiled we see, alleluia! In joy of spirit let us acclaim Christ, who Ant: I came forth from the Father and sits at the right hand of the Father: have come into the world; now I leave R. Lord Jesus, you are the King of the world to return to the Father, alleluia. glory. Psalm 113 King of glory, you took with you our PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD frail humanity to be glorified; remove He has thrown down the rulers from the sins of the world, and restore us to their thrones but lifted up the lowly (Lk the innocence which was ours before the 1:52). Fall. R. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise You came down from heaven on a the name of the LORD! May the name of pilgrimage of love, grant that we may the LORD be blest both now and for take the same path to your presence. R. evermore!From the rising of the sun to You promised to draw all things to its setting, praised be the name of the yourself, do not allow any one of us to be LORD! separated from your body. R. High above all nations is the LORD, Where you have gone before us in glory, above the heavens his glory. Who is like may we follow you in mind and heart. R. the LORD, our God, who dwells on True God, we await your coming as our high, who lowers himself to look down judge, may we see the vision of your upon heaven and Earth? glory and your mercy in company with From the dust he lifts up the lowly, from all the dead. R. the ash heap he raises the poor, to set them in the company of princes, yes, with the princes of his people. To the childless wife he gives a home as a joyful mother of children. Ant: I came forth from the Father and Private Intercession have come into the world; now I leave the world to return to the Father, alleluia. Our Father... Scripture Reading Eph 2: 4-6 Concluding Prayer God, who is rich in mercy, because of the God our Father, make us joyful in the great love he had for us, even when we ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. May were dead in our transgressions, brought we follow him into the new creation, for us to life with Christ (by grace you have his ascension is our glory and hope. We been saved), raised us up with him, and ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, seated us with him in the heavens with your Son, who lives and reigns with you 114

Abide in My Word For night prayer refer to page 182 21THURSDAY, MAY21ST Ant: Men of Galilee, why are you The Ascension of the Lord looking up into the sky? This Jesus (Solemnity) (White) who has been taken up into heaven will return in the same way, alleluia. Today’s Rosary: Psalm 63:2-9 The Mysteries of light A SOUL THIRSTING FOR GOD “Whenever feeling downcast, each Whoever has left the darkness of sin, person should vitally remember, ‘For my yearns for God. sake, the entire world was created.’ ” — O God, you are my God; at dawn I The Baal Shem Tov seek you; for you my soul is thirsting. MORNING PRAYER For you my flesh is pining,like a dry V/ Lord, open our lips, weary land without water.I have come R/ And we shall praise your name. before you in the holy place, to behold Glory be... your strength and your glory. Hymn Your loving mercy is better than life; Praise him as he mounts the skies, my lips will speak your praise.I will Alleluia! Christ, the Lord of Paradise! bless you all my life;in your name I Alleluia!Cry hosanna in the height, will lift up my hands. My soul shall be Alleluia! As he rises out of sight! filled as with a banquet; with joyful Alleluia! lips, my mouth shall praise you. Now at last he takes his throne, When I remember you upon my bed, I Alleluia! From all ages his alone! muse on you through the watches of Alleluia!With his praise creation rings: the night. For you have been my Alleluia! “Lord of lords and King of strength;in the shadow of your wings I kings!” Alleluia! rejoice. My soul clings fast to you;your Hands and feet and side reveal, right hand upholds me. Alleluia! Wounds of love, high Ant: Men of Galilee, why are you priesthood’s seal! Alleluia! Advocate, looking up into the sky? This Jesus for us he pleads; Alleluia!Heavenly who has been taken up into heaven Priest, he intercedes! Alleluia! will return in the same way, alleluia. Christians, raise your eyes above! Scripture Reading Heb 10:12-14 Alleluia! He will come again in love, Christ offered one sacrifice for sins, Alleluia!On that great and wondrous and took his seat forever at the right day, Alleluia! When this world will hand of God; now he waits until his pass away! Alleluia! enemies are made his footstool. For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. 115

Abide in My Word and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Benedictus Ant: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and MASS your God, alleluia. Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 Entrance Antiphon Acts 1:11 INTERCESSIONS Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at The Lord has been lifted high above the heavens? This Jesus whom you the earth and draws all things to saw ascending into heaven will return himself. Let us cry to him in our joy: as you saw him go, alleluia. R. Lord Jesus, you are the King of The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God glory. in the highest) is said. Lord Jesus, King of glory, you were Collect offered once as the victim for sins,and Gladden us with holy joys, almighty ascended to the right hand of the God, and make us rejoice with devout Father, make perfect for all time those thanksgiving, for the Ascension of whom you sanctify. R. Christ your Son is our exaltation, and Eternal Priest and minister of the new where the Head has gone before in Covenant, you live for ever to make glory, the Body is called to follow in intercession for us, save the people hope. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, that prays to you. R. your Son, who lives and reigns with You showed yourself alive after your you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for passion and appeared to the disciples ever and ever. for forty days, confirm our faith today. Or R. Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we Today you promised the Spirit to your who believe that your Only Begotten apostles, to make them your witnesses Son, our Redeemer, ascended this day to the ends of the earth, by the power to the heavens, may in spirit dwell of the Spirit strengthen our own already in heavenly realms. Who lives witness. R. and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Private Intercession FIRST READING Our Father... The beginning of the Acts of the Concluding Prayer Apostles 1:1-11 God our Father, make us joyful in the “As they were looking on, he was ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. lifted up.” May we follow him into the new In the first book, O Theophilus, I have creation, for his ascension is our glory dealt with all that Jesus began to do and hope. We ask this through our and teach, until the day when he was Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 116

To them he presented himself alive Abide in My Word after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, LORD goes up with trumpet blast. and speaking of the kingdom of God. Sing praise for God; sing praise!Sing And while staying with them he praise to our king; sing praise! R. charged them not to depart from 3. God is king of all the earth. Sing Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise praise with all your skill. God reigns of the Father, which, he said, “you over the nations. God sits upon his heard from me, for John baptised with holy throne. R. water, but before many days you shall SECOND READING be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” So A reading from the Letter of Saint when they had come together, they Paul to the Ephesians 1:17-23 asked him, “Lord, will you at this time “He made him sit at his right hand in restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said the heavenly places.“ to them, “It is not for you to know Brethren: May the God of our Lord times or seasons which the Father has Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give fixed by his own authority. But you you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation shall receive power when the Holy in the knowledge of him, having the Spirit has come upon you; and you eyes of your hearts enlightened, that shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and you may know what is the hope to in all Judea and Samaria and to the end which he has called you, what are the of the earth.” And when he had said riches of his glorious inheritance in the this, as they were looking on, he was saints, and what is the immeasurable lifted up, and a cloud took him out of greatness of his power in us who their sight. And while they were gazing believe, according to the working of into heaven as he went, behold, two his great might which he accomplished men stood by them in white robes, and in Christ when he raised him from the said, “Men of Galilee, why do you dead and made him sit at his right hand stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, in the heavenly places, far above all who was taken up from you into rule and authority and power and heaven, will come in the same way as dominion and above every name that you saw him go into heaven.” is named, not only in this age but also V/ The word of the Lord. in that which is to come; and he has put R/ Thanks be to God. all things under his feet and has made RESPONSORIAL PSALM him the head over all things for the Psalm 47:2-3.6-7.8-9 (R.6) Church, which is his body, the fullness R. God has gone up with shouts of of him who fills all in all. joy. Lord goes up with trumpet V/ The word of the Lord. blast. R/ Thanks be to God. 1. All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to ALLELUIA Mt. 28:19a.20b God with shouts of joy! For the LORD, Alleluia. Go and make disciples of all the Most High, is awesome, the great nations, says the Lord; I am with you king over all the earth. R. always, to the close of the age. Alleluia. 2. God goes up with shouts of joy. The 117

Abide in My Word Prayer over the Offerings We offer sacrifice now in supplication, GOSPEL O Lord, to honour the wondrous The conclusion of the holy Gospel Ascension of your Son: grant, we pray, according to Matthew 28:16-20 that through this most holy exchange “All authority in heaven and on earth we, too, may rise up to the heavenly has been given to me.” realms. Through Christ our Lord. At that time: The eleven disciples went Communion Antiphon Mt. 28:20 to Galilee, to the mountain to which Behold, I am with you always, even Jesus had directed them. And when until the end of the age. Alleluia they saw him they worshipped him; Prayer after Communion but some doubted. And Jesus came and Almighty ever-living God, who allow said to them, “All authority in heaven those on earth to celebrate divine and on earth has been given to me. Go mysteries, grant, we pray, that therefore and make disciples of all Christian hope may draw us onward to nations, baptising them in the name of where our nature is united with you. the Father and of the Son and of the Through Christ our Lord. Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” V/ The Gospel of the Lord. R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. MEDITATION OF THE DAY Feast Of Hope And Triumph! Today as we celebrate Jesus’ ascension to heaven, let’s join his disciples in lifting our hearts and minds heavenward as we pray: “Lord Jesus, we praise you on this feast of hope and triumph! We adore you, Lord, seated at the Father’s right hand! You have taken your place of glory and authority—the place reserved for you, the eternal Son of God. You left it for a short time when you came to earth to redeem us, but now you are enthroned in the heavens. And we have been raised up with you! “We praise you, Lord, for every principality, every power falls under your authority. No matter how strong or terrifying, everything in this created world must bow down to you. No matter what we face, nothing can remove us from your loving protection! “We exult in you, Jesus, for you rule over history itself. Past, present, and future— nothing is outside your loving gaze and your powerful intervention. From your glorious throne, you hold all our lives in your hands. “Jesus, you are worthy of praise! Every enemy has been placed beneath your feet. This means that nothing can overpower you—not Satan, not death, not suffering, not sin. You have defeated them all! You are above all things, and in you all things hold together. “Jesus, now exalted to the Father’s right hand, you are the head of the body, the Church! No matter what human imperfections exist in your Church, we can be confident that you will continue to purify us. You intercede for us every day, asking your Father to 118

Abide in My Word pour out immeasurable grace to help us overcome our sin and live in love. Jesus, we believe that your victory is ours, and we place our trust in your love!’’ POINT TO PONDER: “Lord Jesus, we praise you on this feast of hope and triumph! We adore you, Lord, seated at the Father’s right hand!.....” VERSE TO REMEMBER: . . . far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:21) QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: In what way do I think the feast of the “Ascension of the Lord” is a “feast of hope and triumph”? And how will I describe the “victory” that is mine through the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord? PRAYER: “Jesus, today is a day to celebrate! We gaze on your glory and know that all things are in your hands!” MIDDAY PRAYER is your name through all the earth! Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 Your majesty is set above the heavens. From the mouths of children and of V/ O God, come to my assistance. babes you fashioned praise to foil your R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. enemy, to silence the foe and the rebel. Glory be... When I see the heavens, the work of Hymn your fingers, the moon and the stars which you arranged, what is man that Refrain: Hail you, festival day! you should keep him in mind, the son of Blest day that are hallowed for ever, man that you care for him? Day whereon Christ ascends, High in the heavens to reign. R. Yet you have made him little lower than the angels; with glory and honour you Daily the loveliness grows, crowned him, gave him power over the Adorned with the glory of blossom; works of your hands: you put all things Heaven her gates unbars, under his feet, Flinging her increase of light: R. all of them, sheep and oxen, yes, even God the All-Father, the Lord, the cattle of the fields, birds of the air, Who rule the earth and the heavens, and fish of the sea that make their way Guard us from harm without, through the seas. Cleanse us from evil within: R. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your Ant: From the heights of heaven he goes name through all the earth! forth and to those heights he returns, alleluia. Ant: From the heights of heaven he goes forth and to those heights he returns, Psalm 8 THE MAJESTY OF THE alleluia. LORD AND MAN’S DIGNITY The Father put all things beneath Scripture Reading Heb 8:1b-3a Christ’s feet and gave him as head over We have such a high priest, who has all things to the Church (Eph 1:22). taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a O LORD, our Lord, how majestic minister of the sanctuary and of the true 119

Abide in My Word Concluding Prayer as in Morning Prayer. tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up. DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK Now every high priest is appointed to PRAYER offer gifts and sacrifices. Refer to pages 195-197 V/ The Lord in heaven has prepared a royal throne, alleluia. R/ Christ has ascended on high, alleluia. Evening Prayer II He is seated at the right hand of the V/ O God, come to my assistance. Father, and his kingdom will have no end. R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God Glory be... with shouts of joy! For the LORD the Hymn Most High, is awesome, the great king over all the earth. The head that once was crowned with He humbles peoples under us and nations thorns under our feet. Our heritage he chose for Is crowned with glory now: us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. A royal diadem adorns God goes up with shouts of joy. The The mighty victor’s brow. LORD goes up with trumpet blast. Sing The highest place that heav’n affords praise for God; sing praise! Sing praise Is surely his by right: to our king; sing praise! The King of kings and Lord of lords, God is king of all the earth. Sing praise And heav’n’s eternal light. with all your skill. God reigns over the The joy he is of all above, nations. God sits upon his holy throne. The joy to all below: The princes of the peoples are assembled To ev’ryone he shows his love, with the people of Abraham’s God. The And grants his name to know. rulers of the earth belong to God, who is To them the cross, with all its shame, greatly exalted. With all its grace, is giv’n: Ant: God ascends to shouts of joy, the Their name an everlasting name. Lord to the blast of trumpets, alleluia. Their joy the joy of heav’n. The cross he bore is life and health, Scripture Reading 1 Pt 3:18.21b-22 Though shame and death to him; Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous His people’s hope, his people’s wealth, for the sake of the unrighteous, that he Their everlasting theme. might lead you to God. Put to death Ant: God ascends to shouts of joy, the in the flesh, he was brought to life in Lord to the blast of trumpets, alleluia. the spirit. And baptism saves you now. Psalm 47 It is not a removal of dirt from the THE LORD JESUS IS KING OFALL. body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven 120

and is at the right hand of God, with Abide in My Word angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. You came down from heaven on a pilgrimage of love, grant that we may take the same path to your presence. R. Magnificat Ant: O Victor King, Lord You promised to draw all things to of power and might, today you have yourself, do not allow any one of us to ascended in glory above the heavens. be separated from your body. R. Do not leave us orphans, but send us Where you have gone before us in glory, the Father’s promised gift, the Spirit of may we follow you in mind and heart. R. truth, alleluia. Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 True God, we await your coming as our INTERCESSIONS judge, may we see the vision of your In joy of spirit let us acclaim Christ, who glory and your mercy in company with sits at the right hand of the Father: all the dead. R. R. Lord Jesus, you are the King of Private Intercession glory. Our Father... King of glory, you took with you our Concluding Prayer as in Morning frail humanity to be glorified; remove Prayer the sins of the world, and restore us to For night prayer refer to page 182 the innocence which was ours before the Fall. R. Hymn: Refer to pg 192 Ant: Zion, give praise to your God; he 22FRIDAY, MAY 22ND has brought peace to your borders, Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious alleluia. (Optional Memorial) (White) Psalm 147:12-20 Today’s Rosary: THE RESTORATION OF The Sorrowful Mysteries JERUSALEM “I want no cardinal’s hats, no miters Come here. I will show you the bride, great or small. I only want the one You, the wife of the Lamb (Rv 21:9) O Lord, gave to your saints, death. A O Jerusalem, glorify the LORD! red hat, a hat of blood, that is what I O Zion, praise your God! want.” —Girolamo Savonarola MORNING PRAYER He has strengthened the bars of your V/ Lord, open our lips, gates; he has blessed your children R/ And we shall praise your name. within you. He established peace on Glory be... your borders; he gives you your fill of finest wheat. 121

Abide in My Word on high. R. Your disciples were to be as wise as He sends out his word to the earth, and serpents and as simple as doves, swiftly runs his command. He showers through your Spirit teach us prudence down snow like wool; he scatters hoar- and simplicity. R. frost like ashes. You are seated at the right hand of the He hurls down hailstones like crumbs; Father; pray for us as our Priest, and before such cold, who can stand? He pray in us as our head. R. sends forth his word and it melts them; at the blowing of his breath the waters flow. He reveals his word to Jacob; to Israel, Grant that in every trial we may suffer his decrees and judgments. He has not with you, and so be glorified with you. dealt thus with other nations; he has R. not taught them his judgments. Private Intercession Ant: Zion, give praise to your God; he Our Father... has brought peace to your borders, Concluding Prayer alleluia. Father, you have given us eternal life Scripture Reading Acts 5:30-32 through Christ your Son who rose The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, from the dead and now sits at your though you had him killed by hanging right hand. When he comes again in him on a tree. God exalted him at his glory, may he clothe with immortality right hand as leader and saviour to all who have been born again in grant Israel repentance and forgiveness baptism. We ask this through our Lord of sins. We are witnesses of these Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and things, as is the Holy Spirit that God reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, has given to those who obey him. one God, for ever and ever. Benedictus Ant: Because he suffered death, we see Jesus crowned with MASS glory and honour, alleluia. Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 Entrance Antiphon Rv 5:9-10 INTERCESSIONS You have redeemed us, Lord, by your Christ ascended into heaven to send Blood from every tribe and tongue and the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Let us people and nation, and have made us join with one voice in praising him and into a kingdom and priests for our say, God, alleluia. R. Send us your Spirit. Opening Prayer Lord Jesus, you ascended into heaven; O God, who restore us to eternal life in send us the promise of the Father, that the Resurrection of Christ, raise us up, we may be clothed with power from we pray, to the author of our salvation, who is seated at your right hand, so that, when our Saviour comes again in majesty, those you have given new 122

birth in Baptism may be clothed with Abide in My Word blessed immortality. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives RESPONSORIL PSALM and reigns with you in the unity of the Psalm 47:2-3.4-5.6-7 Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and R. God is king of all the earth. ever. Or: Alleluia. FIRST READING 1. All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to A reading from the Acts of the God with shouts of joy! For the Apostles 18:9-18 LORD, the Most High, is awesome “I have many people in this city.” the great king over all the earth. R. [When Paul was in Corinth,] the Lord 2. He humbles peoples under us and said to him one night in a vision, “Do nations under our feet. Our heritage he not be afraid, but speak and do not be chose for us, the pride of Jacob whom silent; for I am with you, and no man he loves. R. shall attack you to harm you; for I 3. God goes up with shouts of joy. have many people in this city.” And he The LORD goes up with trumpet stayed a year and six months, teaching blast. Sing praise for God; sing praise! the word of God among them. But Sing praise to our king; sing praise! R. when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, ALLELUIA Mt 28:19a,20b the Jews made a united attack upon Alleluia. Go and make disciples of all Paul and brought him before the nations, says the Lord; I am with you tribunal, saying, “This man is always, to the close of the age. persuading men to worship God Alleluia. contrary to the law.” But when Paul GOSPEL was about to open his mouth, Gallio A reading from the holy Gospel said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of according to John 16:20-23a wrongdoing or vicious crime, I should “No one will take your joy from you.” have reason to bear with you, O Jews; At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, but since it is a matter of questions “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will about words and names and your own weep and lament, but the world will law, see to it yourselves; I refuse to be rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but a judge of these things.” And he drove your sorrow will turn into joy. When a them from the tribunal. And they all woman is in labour, she has pain, seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the because her hour has come; but when synagogue, and beat him in front of she is delivered of the child, she no the tribunal. But Gallio paid no longer remembers the anguish, for joy attention to this. After this Paul stayed that a child is born into the world. So many days longer, and then took leave you have sorrow now, but I will see of the brethren and sailed for Syria, you again and your hearts will rejoice, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At and no one will take your joy from Cenchreae he cut his hair, for he had a you. In that day you will ask nothing vow. of me.” V/ The word of the Lord. R/ Thanks be to God. 123

Abide in My Word Christ our Lord was handed over for our transgressions and was raised V/ The Gospel of the Lord. again for our justification, alleluia. R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer after Communion Prayer over the Offerings Keep safe, O Lord, we pray, those Accept in compassion, Lord, we pray, whom you have saved by you kindness, the offerings of your family, that under that, redeemed by the Passion of your your protective care they may never Son, they may rejoice in his lose what they have received, but Resurrection. Who lives and reigns for attain the gifts that are eternal. Through ever and ever. Christ our Lord. Communion Antiphon Rom 4:25 MEDITATION OF THE DAY Trusting Jesus In Good And Bad Times What a promise—joy that cannot be taken away! Who wouldn’t want that? It seems simple. Jesus tells his disciples that the joy of seeing him again will wipe away all memory of their suffering, just as a woman in labor “forgets” the pain when she rejoices in the birth of her child. But any parent will tell you: it’s not a bed of roses once the baby is born. Raising children is a mixture of late-night feedings and watching your baby’s first step. It’s tending to a skinned knee (again) and being bowled over by an enthusiastic hug. But no matter what challenges you face, the love is always there. The ebb and flow of our emotions doesn’t change Jesus’ promise of joy. Do we face ups and downs? Of course! But the joy that Jesus gives doesn’t have to rise and fall with our circumstances. It’s not a fleeting thrill, but a steady stream running in the back of our minds—a stream that flows from the unshakable truth of Jesus’ resurrection. We know he is risen. We know he has overcome sin and death. We know that he has prepared a place for us in heaven. With truths like these, how can we not feel at least a glimmer of hope and joy, even in our darkest moments? Are you having a good day today? Great! Thank Jesus for sustaining you. Are you going through something difficult? Then it’s time to proclaim what you know to be true. Tell Jesus you trust him. Tell him that you believe there’s a place in heaven with your name on it. Declare that he is bigger than what you’re going through. Then watch your anxiety begin to give way. Jesus can deepen your faith every time you turn to him, both in sorrow and happiness. He can strengthen your foundation and give you a sense of his own joy and trust in God. You may even find yourself less subject to moodiness or better able to weather a stormy patch in life. That’s the kind of joy that Jesus wants to give you! POINT TO PONDER: It does not matter what you are going through, the joy that Jesus gives doesn’t have to rise and fall with your circumstances. VERSE TO REMEMBER: No one will take your joy away from you. (John 16:22) QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Do I trust Jesus through my ups and downs, knowing that the joy he gives is constant? PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, fill me with your joy. Help me to trust you through my ups and downs.” 124

MIDDAY PRAYER Abide in My Word Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 V/ O God, come to my assistance. Now God will proceed before me, God R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. will let me look upon my foes. Glory be... As for me, I will sing of your strength, and acclaim your mercy in the morning, for you have been my stronghold, a refuge in the day of my distress. Hymn: Refer to pg 192 O my Strength, to you I will sing praise, Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. for you, O God, are my stronghold, the God who shows me merciful love. Psalm 59:2-5.10-11.17-18 Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. PRAYER FOR HELP AGAINST Scripture Reading Gal 3:27-28 ENEMIES All of you who were baptised into Christ These words of the Saviour teach us the have clothed yourselves with Christ. devotion that all should have for the There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is Father (Eusebius of Caesarea) neither slave nor free person, there is not Rescue me, God, from my foes; Protect male and female; for you are all one in me from those who attack me. O rescue Christ Jesus. me from those who do evil, and save us V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. from bloodthirsty men. R/ When they saw the risen Lord, See, they lie in wait for my life; the alleluia. strong band together against me. For no Concluding Prayer as in Morning offence, no sin of mine, O LORD, for no Prayer guilt of mine they rush to take their DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK stand. Awake! Come to meet me, and PRAYER see! Refer to pages 195-197 O my Strength, for you will I watch, for you, O God, are my stronghold, the God who shows me merciful love. EVENING PRAYER They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them V/ O God, come to my assistance. (Rv 7:16) R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from Glory be... where shall come my help? My help shall come from the LORD, who made Hymn: Refer to pg 193 heaven and earth. He will keep your foot from stumbling. Ant: The Lord watches over his people, Your guard will never slumber. No, he and protects them as the apple of his eye, sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel’s guard. alleluia. The Lord your guard, the LORD your Psalm 121 GOD, GUARDIAN OF HIS PEOPLE 125

Abide in My Word Spirit would come down on the apostles. Let us cry out: shade at your right hand. By day the sun R. Send forth your light and your shall not smite you, nor the moon in the truth. night. Jesus, word of truth, wisdom and The LORD will guard you from evil; he splendour of the Father, send forth your will guard your soul. The LORD will light and your truth, that our words and guard your going and coming, both now deeds today may bear witness to you and forever. before our brothers and sisters. R. Ant: The Lord watches over his people, May we always understand and savour and protects them as the apple of his eye, the things of the Spirit, so as not to fall alleluia. into sin but enter into life and peace. R. Scripture Reading Heb 5:8-10 May your Spirit help us in our weakness, Son though he was, Christ learned that we may know how to pray as we obedience from what he suffered; and ought. R. when he was made perfect, he became Fill us with love and all knowledge, that the source of eternal salvation for all we may instruct and correct one another. who obey him, declared by God high R. priest according to the order of Private Intercession Melchizedek. Our Father... Magnificat Ant: To those who ask him, Concluding Prayer as in Morning the Father will send the Holy Spirit, Prayer alleluia. Refer to the Maginificat on pg 194 INTERCESSIONS All praise and glory to Christ, who For night prayer refer to page 182 promised that the power of the Holy MORNING PRAYER 23SATURDAY, MAY 23RD V/ Lord, open our lips, Saturday of the sixth week R/ And we shall praise your name. of Easter (White) Glory be... Today’s Rosary: Hymn: Refer to pg 192 The Joyful Mysteries Ant: It is I who bring death and I who “My heart never delighted in earthly give life; I inflict injury and I bring things, for they did not fill the emptiness healing, alleluia. in my spirit. For this reason, the world Canticle Dt 32:1-12 died for me in my youngest years, GOD’S KINDNESS TO HIS PEOPLE before I really came to know it.” How many time I yearned to gather your —Venerable Maria of Jesus of Agreda 126

Abide in My Word children together, as a hen gathers her give life; I inflict injury and I bring young under her wings (Mt 23:37). healing, alleluia. Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; Scripture Reading Rom 14:7-9 O earth, hear the words of my mouth. None of us lives for oneself, and no one May my teaching fall like the rain, my dies for oneself. For if we live, we live discourse descend like the dew, as gentle for the Lord and if we die, we die for the rain on fresh grass, as showers on a field. Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ For the name of the LORD I will invoke; died and came to life, that he might be acknowledge the greatness of our God. Lord of both the dead and the living. The Rock, how perfect his deeds, for all his ways are just; a faithful God without Benedictus Ant: I promise that the deceit, righteous and upright is he. Father will give you anything you ask for in my name, alleluia. No children of his, they are corrupt, a depraved and perverse generation. Is this Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 how you repay the LORD, O dull and unwise people? Is he not your father INTERCESSIONS who created you, who formed you and made you firm? Let us praise the Lord Jesus, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and pray: Remember the days of old, recall the R. You are seated at the right hand of years of past generations; ask your father the Father; make intercession for us. and he will inform you, your elders, and they will tell you: Christ our Lord, look with favour on all who are called by your name, and gather when the Most High allotted the nations, them in unity by the power of the Holy when he apportioned the children of Spirit. R. Adam, he established the boundaries of the peoples, by the number of the Give light to those who suffer for your children of Israel. For the portion of the sake, that they may know what to say LORD is his people; Jacob is the lot of when faced with their persecutors. R. his inheritance. You are the true vine; may all He found him in a region of the desert, acknowledge you, and become your in a barren howling waste. He wrapped branches, bearing fruit in the Spirit. R. and cared for him; he kept him as the apple of his eye. King of all the world, you ascended to heaven in triumph, rule over all peoples. As an eagle that brings out her nestlings, R. and hovers over her young, she spreads out her wings, takes them up, and bears May those who in baptism were made them aloft on her pinions. The LORD one with you in rising again, pass with alone led him forth, and there was no you from death to life. R. foreign god beside him. Private Intercession Ant: It is I who bring death and I who 127

Abide in My Word only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Our Father... Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of Concluding Prayer God more accurately. And when he Father, at your Son’s ascension into wished to cross to Achaia, the brethren heaven you promised to send the Holy encouraged him, and wrote to the Spirit on your apostles. You filled them disciples to receive him. When he with heavenly wisdom: fill us also with arrived, he greatly helped those who the gift of your Spirit. Grant this through through grace had believed, for he our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who powerfully confuted the Jews in public, lives and reigns with you and the Holy showing by the Scriptures that the Christ Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. was Jesus. MASS Entrance Antiphon Cf. Pt 2:9 V/ The word of the Lord. O chosen people, proclaim the mighty R/ Thanks be to God. works of him, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 47:2- alleluia. 3.8-9.10 R. God is king of all the earth. Opening Prayer O God, whose Son, at his Ascension to Or: Alleluia. the heavens, was pleased to promise the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, grant, we 1. All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to pray, that, just as they received manifold God with shouts of joy! For the LORD, gifts of heavenly teaching, so on us, too, the Most High, is awesome, the great you may bestow spiritual gifts. Through king over all the earth. R. our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of 2. God is king of all the earth. Sing praise the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and with all your skill. God reigns over the ever. nations. God sits upon his holy throne. R. FIRST READING A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 3. The princes of the peoples are 18:23-28 assembled with the people of the God of Apollos showed by the Scriptures that Abraham. The rulers of the earth belong the Christ was Jesus. to God, who is greatly exalted. R. After spending some time in Antioch, Paul departed and went from place to ALLELUIA John 16:28 place through the region of Galatia and Alleluia. I came from the Father and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. have come into the world; again, I am Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of leaving the world and going to the Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an Father. Alleluia. eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the GOSPEL way of the Lord; and being fervent in A reading from the holy Gospel spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the according to John 16:23b-28 things concerning Jesus, though he knew My Father loves you because you have 128

loved me and believed in me. Abide in My Word At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Until now you have Prayer over the Offerings asked nothing in my name; ask, and you Sanctify graciously these gifts, O Lord, will receive, that your joy may be full. I we pray, and, accepting the oblation of have said this to you in figures; the hour this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an is coming when I shall no longer speak eternal offering to you. Through Christ to you in figures but tell you plainly of our Lord. the Father. In that day you will ask in my Communion Antiphon Jn 17:24 name; and I do not say to you that I shall Father, I wish that, where I am, those ask the Father for you; for the Father you gave me may also be with me, that himself loves you, because you have they may see the glory that you gave loved me and have believed that I came me, alleluia. from the Father. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I Prayer after Communion am leaving the world and going to the We have partaken of the gifts of this Father.” sacred mystery, humbly imploring, O V/ The Gospel of the Lord. Lord, that what your Son commanded us to do in memory of him may bring us growth in charity. Through Christ our Lord. MEDITATION OF THE DAY Time To Come Home Paul’s experience in today’s first reading reminds us of one practical way that God can fill us: through our brothers and sisters in Christ. Nothing is more refreshing than coming home! Our strength and joy are renewed, and we are filled up and ready to get back out into the world. You can imagine how Paul must have felt when he returned to Antioch at the end of a long missionary journey. This bustling city had been home base for him for a number of years, and he surely felt comfortable in the familiar surroundings and among the friends he had made there. It appears that he even refused an invitation to stay longer in Ephesus so that he could get back home (Acts 18:20-21)! Isn’t that encouraging? Even the zealous apostle Paul needed to “come home” from time to time. Perhaps he was weary from his travels and worn out from preaching the gospel. Perhaps he wanted to refocus himself in a familiar place so that he could continue to be effective as an evangelist. Or perhaps he just wanted some time with his spiritual family. Surely being among them reminded him of God’s faithfulness and encouraged him not to give up when he faced persecution. Whatever else Paul experienced, he clearly felt encouraged because when he set off again, he was able to bring “strength to all the disciples” (Acts 18:23). This sounds a lot like the way our friends in Christ can refresh us. When you’re feeling discouraged, a brother or sister can pray with you. When your spiritual gas tank needs filling, your spouse might care for the children so that you can spend time in Eucharistic adoration. Being at Mass with your fellow parishioners can fill you with grace for the coming week. 129

Abide in My Word God wants to fill you today. He wants to refresh you so that you can strengthen other people. POINT TO PONDER; Don’t hesitate to “come home” when you need to. Let God minister to you as he did for Paul in Antioch. VERSE TO REMEMBER: After staying in Antioch some time, Paul left and traveled. (Acts 18:23) QUESTION TO CONSIDER: How do I “come home” to when I need to be encouraged and refreshed so that I can strengthen other people. PRAYER: “Fill me today, Lord. Refresh me so that I can strengthen your people.” MIDDAY PRAYER God will shoot them with his arrow, and Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 deal them sudden wounds. Their own V/ O God, come to my assistance. tongue brings them to ruin; all who see R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. them shake their heads. Glory be... Then will all men fear; they will tell Hymn: Refer to pg 192 what God has done. They will ponder Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. God’s deeds. Psalm 64 PRAYER FOR HELP The righteous will rejoice in the LORD; AGAINST ENEMIES they shall take refuge in him. All upright This psalm commemorates most hearts will glory. particularly our Lord’s passion (St Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Augustine). Scripture Reading 1 Cor 15:20-22 Hear, O God, the voice of my complaint; Christ has been raised from the dead, the guard my life from dread of the foe. firstfruits of those who have fallen From the assembly of the wicked, hide asleep. For since death came through a me, from the throng of those who do human being, the resurrection of the evil. dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life. They sharpen their tongues like swords. V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. They aim bitter words like arrows, to R/ When they saw the risen Lord, shoot at the innocent from ambush, alleluia. shooting suddenly and fearlessly. Concluding Prayer as in Morning Holding firm in their evil course, they Prayer conspire to lay secret snares. They say, DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK “Who will see us? Who can search out PRAYER our crimes?” Refer to pages 195-197 They have hatched their wicked plots, and brought them to perfection.How profound the depths of the heart! 130

EVENING PRAYER I Abide in My Word V/ O God, come to my assistance. R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. God’s people; you “had not received Glory be... mercy” but now you have received Hymn: Refer to pg 193 mercy. Ant: Lord, you have broken the chains Magnificat Ant: This is eternal life, that that held me bound; I will offer you a they should know you, the one true God, sacrifice of praise, alleluia. and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ, PSALM 116:10-19 alleluia. THANKSGIVING IN THE TEMPLE Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 Through Christ let us continually offer INTERCESSIONS God a sacrifice of praise (Heb 13:15) Let us bless Christ, on whom the Holy I trusted, even when I said, “I am sorely Spirit came down in the form of a dove. afflicted,” and when I said in my alarm, Let us pray to him, and seal our prayer “All mankind is untruthful.” saying: How can I repay the LORD for all his R. Amen. goodness to me? The cup of salvation l Lord, send the Spirit of your promise, will raise; I will call on the name of the that your Church may be continually LORD. renewed in life and vigour. R. My vows to the LORD I will fulfill May all peoples acclaim you as king and before all his people. How precious in God, may Israel become your prized the eyes of the LORD is the death of his possession. R. faithful. You cast out devils, cast out from us all Your servant, LORD, your servant am I, scandal and stubborn pride. R. the son of your handmaid; you have At Pentecost you undid the disunity of loosened my bonds. A thanksgiving Babel, by your Spirit gather all in unity, sacrifice I make; I will call on the name and spread the one faith throughout the of the LORD. world. R. My vows to the LORD I will fulfill May your Spirit dwell within us, and before all his people, in the courts of the raise to life our mortal bodies. R. house of the LORD, in your midst, O Private Intercession Jerusalem. Our Father... Ant: Lord, you have broken the chains Concluding Prayer that held me bound; I will offer you a Father, help us keep in mind that Christ sacrifice of praise, alleluia. our Saviour lives with you in glory and Scripture Reading 1 Pt 2:9-10 promised to remain with us until the end You are “a chosen race, a royal of time. We ask this through our Lord priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and own, so that you may announce the reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one praises” of him who called you out of God, for ever and ever. darkness into his wonderful light. Once For night prayer refer to page 182 you were “no people” but now you are 131

Abide in My Word Truly your decrees are to be trusted. Holiness is fitting to your house, O SUNDAY, MAY 24TH LORD, until the end of time. Seventh Sunday of Easter Ant: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed, alleluia. 24(White) Scripture Reading Acts 10:40-43 God raised Jesus on the third day and Today’s Rosary: granted that he be visible, not to all the The Glorious Mysteries people, but to us, the witnesses chosen “Those who call to mind the sufferings by God in advance, who ate and drank of Christ and who offer up their own to with him after he rose from the dead. He God through His passion find their commissioned us to preach to the people pains sweet and pleasant.” —St. Mary and testify that he is the one appointed Magdalene de’ Pazzi by God as judge of the living and the MORNING PRAYER dead. To him all the prophets bear V/ Lord, open our lips, witness, that everyone who believes in R/ And we shall praise your name. him will receive forgiveness of sins Glory be... through his name. Hymn: Refer to pg 192 Benedictus Ant: Father, I glorified you Ant: The Lord is king, with majesty on earth by accomplishing the work that enrobed, alleluia. you gave me to do, alleluia. Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 Psalm 93 SPLENDOUR OF GOD THE INTERCESSIONS CREATOR In company with all who have been The Lord has established his reign, our reconciled with the Father by the power God, the almighty. Let us rejoice and be of his Holy Spirit, let us join in prayer glad and give him glory (Rv 19:6-7). and praise, saying: The LORD is king, with majesty R. May your Spirit come to our aid. enrobed. The LORD has robed himself Lord Jesus, may we be guided today by with might; he has girded himself with God’s Spirit, and walk always as children power. of your Father. R. The world you made firm, not to be Through your Spirit intercede for us with moved; your throne has stood firm from the Father, that we may be made worthy of old. From all eternity, O LORD, you to receive what you promise. R. are. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the Give us a generous heart, that we may floods have lifted up their voice; the not seek our selfish interests, but be floods have lifted up their thunder. concerned for the good of others. R. Greater than the roar of mighty waters, Teach us to know God, that we may more glorious than the surgings of the advance in knowledge of you and the sea, the LORD is glorious on high. Father through the Holy Spirit. R. 132

Private Intercession Abide in My Word Our Father... Concluding Prayer and Judas the son of James. All these Father, help us keep in mind that Christ with one accord devoted themselves to our Saviour lives with you in glory and prayer, together with the women and promised to remain with us until the end Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his of time. We ask this through our Lord brethren. Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and V/ The word of the Lord. reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one R/ Thanks be to God. God, for ever and ever. RESONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 27:1.4.7-8a (R. 13) MASS R. I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 27:7-9 Or: Alleluia. O Lord, hear my voice, for I have called 1. The LORD is my light and my to you; of you my heart has spoken: Seek salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD his face; hide not your face from me, is the stronghold of my life; whom alleluia. should I dread? R. The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in 2. There is one thing I ask of the LORD, the highest) is said. only this do I seek: to live in the house of Collect the LORD all the days of my life, to Graciously hear our supplications, O gaze on the beauty of LORD to inquire at Lord, so that we, who believe that the his temple. R Saviour of the human race is with you in 3. O LORD, hear my voice when I call your glory may experience, as he have mercy and answer me. Of you my promised, until the end of the world, his heart has spoken “Seek his face.” R abiding presence among us. Who lives SECOND READING and reigns with you in the unity of the A reading from the first Letter of Saint Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Peter 4:13-16 FIRST READING “If you are reproached for the name of A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Christ, you are blessed. “ 1:12-14 Beloved: Rejoice in so far as you share “All with one accord devoted themselves Christ’s sufferings, that you may also to prayer.” rejoice and be glad when his glory is [After Jesus was taken up into heaven,] revealed. If you are reproached for the the apostles returned to Jerusalem from name of Christ, you are blessed, because the mount called Olivet, which is near the spirit of glory and of God rests upon Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey you. But let none of you suffer as a away; and when they had entered, they murderer, or a thief, or a wrong-doer, or went up to the upper room, where they a mischief-maker; yet if one suffers as a were staying, Peter and John and James Christian, let him not be ashamed, but and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, under that name let him glorify God. Bartholomew and Matthew, James the V/ The word of the Lord. son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot 133

Abide in My Word inspiration in the texts proposed here.) R/ Thanks be to God. ALLELU1A Cf. John 14:18 Priest/Leader Alleluia. I will not leave you orphans, “I am asking on their behalf... because says the Lord; I will come back to you, they are yours.” Nourished by God’s and your hearts will rejoice. Alleluia. word, broken for us, we turn to our God GOSPEL with confidence for what we need. A reading from the holy Gospel 1. For a spirit of prayer. (Pause) according to John 17:1-11a The first Christians were devoted to “Father, glorify your Son. “ prayer, acknowledging it as central for At that time: Jesus lifted up his eyes to the life of faith. May we too relish the heaven and said, “Father, the hour has time spent in prayer, recalling God’s come; glorify your Son that the Son may goodness to us and discerning God’s glorify you, since you have given him purposes for our lives. Lord, hear us. power over all flesh, to give eternal life 2. For a spirit of witness. (Pause) to all whom you have given him. And Jesus suffered and died for the truth this is eternal life, that they know you the about God. May we be strengthened by only true God, and Jesus Christ whom his example when we profess what we you have sent. I glorified you on earth, believe and witness to the truth about the having accomplished the work which gospel. Lord, hear us. you gave me to do; and now, Father, 3. For a spirit of perseverance in life. glorify me in your own presence with the (Pause) glory which I had with you before the Eternal life is to know God and the world was made. I have manifested your Christ whom God has sent. May we be name to the men whom you gave me out strong in faith and love so that God may of the world; yours they were, and you be glorified in the church and in the gave them to me, and they have kept community. Lord, hear us. your word. Now they know that 4. For a spirit of love for one another. everything that you have given me is (Pause) from you; for I have given them the May we be so filled with love for one words which you gave me, and they have another that God’s name may be held received them and know in truth that I holy; and may we hold to the teaching came from you; and they have believed we have received so that the work of that you did send me. I am praying for Jesus may continue in our time. them; I am not praying for the world but Lord, hear us. for those whom you have given me, for Priest/Leader they are yours; all mine are yours, and God of the promises, your Son Jesus is yours are mine, and I am glorified in the way to eternal life. We glorify him them. And now I am no more in the and we glorify you. Listen to our prayer world, but they are in the world, and I am and grant what we need through Christ coming to you. our Lord. Amen. V/ The Gospel of the Lord. Prayer over the Offerings R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Accept, O Lord, the prayers of your SUGGESTED PRAYER OF THE faithful with the sacrificial offerings, that FAITHFUL (Each local community should compose its own Universal Prayer, but may find 134

through these acts of devotedness we Abide in My Word may pass over to the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Prayer after Communion Communion Antiphon Jn 17:22 Hear us, O God our Saviour, and grant us Father, I pray that they may be one as we confidence, that through these sacred also are one, alleluia. mysteries there will be accomplished in the body of the whole Church what has already come to pass in Christ her Head. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. MEDITATION OF THE DAY Embracing God’s Will In All Things John’s Gospel, Chapter 17, is referred to as Jesus’ High Priestly prayer. It’s a long and beautiful prayer that would be worth reading in its entirety for reflection. Jesus begins by speaking to the Father that “the hour has come.” His hour of suffering and death is upon Him. But He sees it as an opportunity for His glorification. This is an important revelation within John’s Gospel and especially within this prayer. The Cross is horrible from a human perspective alone. But from the divine perspective or the will of the Father and the salvation of the world, it is glorious and the moment in which Jesus takes up His throne of the Cross. It is glorious because He perfectly fulfills the will of the Father through His freely embraced suffering. From there, Jesus prays for the Apostles in particular. He prays for their mission so that they will have the grace they need to also embrace the will of the Father and continue the work of Jesus. He knows that it is only by embracing their crosses, in accord with the will of the Father, that they will be able to be glorified. Lastly, Jesus prays for those who would come to faith through the ministry of the Apostles. In particular, He prays for their unity. The unity Jesus is speaking of is a oneness that comes as a result of being united with the Father in Heaven. It is this oneness that leads to glorification for all. And, once again, this oneness is achieved only by being in full union with the will of the Father. POINT TO PONDER: God is calling us to embrace his will in all things VERSE TO REMEMBER: “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.”( John17:12) QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Am I willing to embrace God’s holy will in all things? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I choose to embrace Your perfect and holy will in all things. I accept from You the invitation to embrace my crosses in life and to enter into the hour to which You have called me. May I find true glory in this hour and may my life always give glory to You. 135

Abide in My Word at my side; l do not fear. What can man do against me? The Lord is at my side as my MIDDAY PRAYER helper; I shall look in triumph on my foes. Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 V/ O God, come to my assistance. It is better to take refuge in the LORD R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. than to trust in man; it is better to take Glory be... refuge in the LORD than to trust in Hymn: Refer to pg 192 princes. Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Psalm 118: 1-9 SONG OF JOY FOR Scripture Reading Eph 2:4-6 SALVATION God, who is rich in mercy, because of the Jesus is the stone rejected by you, the great love he had for us, even when we builders, which has become the corner were dead in our transgressions, brought stone (Acts 4:11) us to life with Christ (by grace you have Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; been saved), raised us up with him, and his mercy endures for ever. seated us with him in the heavens in Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy Christ Jesus. endures for ever.” Let the house of Aaron V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. say, “His mercy endures for ever.” Let R/ When they saw the Lord, alleluia. those who fear the LORD say, “His mercy Concluding Prayer as in Morning endures for ever.” Prayer. I called to the LORD in my distress; he DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK has answered and freed me. The LORD is PRAYER Refer to pages 195-197 EVENING PRAYER II pondered by all who delight in them. V/ O God, come to my assistance. Majestic and glorious his work; his R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. righteousness stands firm for ever. He has Glory be... given us a memorial of his wonders. The Hymn: Refer to pg 193 LORD is gracious and merciful. Ant: The Lord has redeemed his people, He gives food to those who fear him; alleluia. keeps his covenant ever in mind. His Psalm 111 THE MARVELLOUS mighty works he has shown to his people WORKS OF THE LORD by giving them the heritage of nations. Great and wonderful are your works, His handiwork is justice and truth; his Lord God almighty (Rv 15:3). precepts are all of them sure, standing I will thank the LORD with all my heart, firm for ever and ever, wrought in in the meeting of the just and the assembly. uprightness and truth. Great are the works of the LORD, to be He has sent redemption to his people, and established his covenant for ever. Holy 136

Abide in My Word his name, to be feared. behalf. To fear the Lord is the first stage of Lord Jesus, shepherd in glory, give wisdom. Understanding marks all who wisdom and counsel to our shepherds, to fulfil them. His praises endures forever! lead your flock more surely to salvation. R. Ant: The Lord has redeemed his people, You are exalted in heaven, and are rich in alleluia. mercy, look with compassion on the poor and needy on earth. R. Scripture Reading Heb 10:12-14 You were conceived by the Virgin Mary Christ offered one sacrifice for sins, and by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, took his seat forever at the right hand of sustain those vowed to virginity in the God; now he waits until his enemies are spirit of their self-offering. R. made his footstool. For by one offering he You are our priest, offering praise to the has made perfect forever those who are Father in the Holy Spirit, unite all being consecrated. mankind in your sacrifice of praise. R. May the dead enter into the glorious Magnificat Ant: When the Advocate freedom of God’s children, and the comes, whom I will send you from the fulness of redemption for their bodies. R. Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds Private Intercession from the Father, he will testify to me, Our Father... alleluia. Concluding Prayer as in Morning Prayer Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 For night prayer refer to page 182 INTERCESSIONS V/ Lord, open our lips, R/ And we shall praise your name. We do not know how to pray as we ought, Glory be... but the Spirit himself prays for us with Hymn: Refer to pg 192 inexpressible longing. Let us then say: Ant: My heart and my flesh rejoice in R. May the Holy Spirit pray on our the living God, alleluia. 25 MONDAY, MAY 25TH Saint Bede De Venerable, Priest and Doctor Saint Gregory II, Pope (Optional Memorial) (White) Today’s Rosary: The Joyful Mysteries “There is room for all in that wide PSALM 84 LONGING FOR THE wound in the Heart of Jesus, but its LORD’S TEMPLE secret depths are for the little and For here we have no lasting city, but lowly ones.” —St. Madeleine Sophie we seek the one that is to come (Heb Barat 13:14). MORNING PRAYER How lovely is your dwelling place, O 137

Abide in My Word with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised LORD of hosts. My soul is longing him from the dead, you will be saved. and yearning for the courts of the For one believes with the heart and so LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out is justified, and one confesses with the to the living God. mouth and so is saved. Even the sparrow finds a home, and Benedictus Ant: The world will the swallow a nest for herself in which persecute you, but have courage, I she sets her young, at your altars, O have overcome the world, alleluia. Lord of hosts, my king and my God. Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 Blessed are they who dwell in your INTERCESSIONS house, for ever singing your praise. Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit Blessed the men whose strength is in from the Father in his name, to be our you, whose hearts are set on the helper and guide. Let us bless him and pilgrimage. ask him: As they go through the Baca Valley, R. Lord Jesus, give us your Spirit. they make it a place of springs; the Lord Jesus, we thank you, and through autumn rain covers it with pools. They you the Father also, in the unity of the walk with ever-growing strength; the Holy Spirit, may everything we say God of gods will appear in Zion. and do today be in your name. R. O LORD, God of hosts, hear my Give us the Holy Spirit to dwell within prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Turn us, that we may be living members of your eyes, O God, our shield; look on your body. R. the face of your anointed. Grant that we may never condemn or One day within your courts is better despise others, for we shall all one day than a thousand elsewhere. The face you as our judge. R. threshold of the house of God I prefer Fill us with the fulness of joy and to the dwellings of the wicked. peace in believing, that we may be rich For the LORD God is a sun, a shield; in hope and in the power of the Holy the LORD will give us his favour and Spirit. R. glory. He will not withhold any good Private Intercession to those who walk without blame. Our Father... O LORD of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in you! Ant: My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God, alleluia. Scripture Reading Rom10:8b-10 Concluding Prayer “The word is near you, in your mouth Lord, send the power of your Holy and in your heart” (that is, the word of Spirit upon us that we may remain faith that we preach) for, if you confess faithful and do your will in our daily 138

lives. We ask this through our Lord Abide in My Word Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, were about twelve of them in all. And one God, for ever and ever. he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and MASS pleading about the kingdom of God. V/ The word of the Lord. Entrance Antiphon Acts 1:8 R/ Thanks be to God. You will receive the power of the Holy RESPONSORIAL PSALM Spirit coming upon you, and you will Psalm 68:2-3,4-5ac.6-7ab be my witnesses, even to the ends of R. You kingdoms of the earth, sing the earth, alleluia. to God. Collect Or: Alleluia. May the power of the Holy Spirit come 1. Let God arise; let his foes be to us, we pray, O Lord, that we may scattered. Let those who hate him flee keep your will faithfully in mind and from his face. As smoke is driven express it in a devout way of life. away, so drive them away; like wax Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your that melts before the fire, so the wicked Son, who lives and reigns with you in shall perish at the presence of God. R. the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, 2. But the just shall rejoice at the for ever and ever. presence of God; they shall exult with FIRST READING glad rejoicing. O sing to God; make A reading from the Acts of the music to his name. The Lord is his Apostles 19:1-8 name. R. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when 3. Father of orphans, defender of you believed?” widows: such is God in his holy place. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul God gives the desolate a home to dwell passed through the upper country and in; he leads the prisoners forth into came to Ephesus. There he found some prosperity. R. disciples. And he said to them, “Did ALLELUIA Colossians 3:1 you receive the Holy Spirit when you Alleluia. If then you have been raised believed?” And they said, “No, we with Christ, seek the things that are have never even heard that there is a above, where Christ is seated at the Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what right hand of God. Alleluia. then were you baptised?” They said, GOSPEL “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, A reading from the holy Gospel “John baptised with the baptism of according to John 16:29-33 repentance, telling the people to “Be of good cheer, I have overcome believe in the one who was to come the world.” after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing At that time: The disciples said to this, they were baptised in the name of Jesus, “Ah, now you are speaking the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. There 139

Abide in My Word Prayer over the Offerings May this unblemished sacrifice purify plainly, not in any figure! Now we us, O Lord, and impart to our minds know that you know all things, and the force of grace from on high. need none to question you; by this we Through Christ our Lord. believe that you came from God.” Communion Antiphon Jn 14:18; 16:22 Jesus answered them, “Do you now I will not leave you orphans, says the believe? The hour is coming, indeed it Lord; I will come to you again, and has come, when you will be scattered, your heart will rejoice, alleluia. every man to his home, and will leave Prayer after Communion me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Graciously be present to your people, Father is with me. I have said this to we pray, O Lord, and lead those you you, that in me you may have peace. In have imbued with heavenly mysteries the world you have tribulation; but be to pass from former ways to newness of good cheer, I have overcome the of life. Through Christ our Lord. world.” V/ The Gospel of the Lord. R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. MEDITATION OF THE DAY The Gift Of Fortitude Today’s readings have a common thread – understanding what it means to be a Christian. In the passage from Acts, Luke recounts Paul’s journey to Ephesus. Paul arrives in this port city dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and meets twelve disciples baptized by John, with a baptism of repentance. After some discussion, Paul lays hands on them and baptizes them in the name of Jesus. The passage tells us the disciples were filled with the Spirit, and began to speak in tongues and prophesy. Paul then enters the synagogue and for three months debates boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God. Clearly, Paul not only understands what it means to be a Christian, but wants to tell the world. Today’s reading from the Gospel of John is part of a four-chapter discourse that precedes Jesus’ arrest in Chapter eighteen. It is referred to as the farewell discourse because Jesus speaks words of farewell and final instruction to prepare his disciples for his impending passion and death. The short passage of today’s reading reveals that the disciples now understand who Jesus is, and that he comes from God. It also indicates that even when the disciples are on their own, and faced with difficulties as they preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, they will find peace in Jesus for he has overcome the world. Taken together, Paul’s actions and example in the first reading and Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel can strengthen us in our own faith journey, reminding us that even when we are faced with trials and tribulations in our daily lives, God will sustain us, not abandon us. As Jesus says, In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world. We are reminded through the words of Jesus and the preaching of Paul that we can stand firm in the face of difficulties because we have fortitude, one of the gifts from the Holy Spirit we received at our confirmation. Fortitude is a virtue which “strengthens the resolve to resist temptation and overcome obstacles in the moral life” (CCC 1808). Like Paul, we are called to walk by faith – to trust God to give us all we need to live 140

Abide in My Word a just and moral life. POINT TO PONDER: As Christians, we can stand firm in the face of trials because we know God will sustain us. VERSE TO REMEMBER: “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone.” (John 16:30-32) QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Do I walk by faith? And do I trust God to give me all I need to live a just and moral life? PRAYER: Lord, I do believe. Help me to let that faith in You stay strong at all times. Help me to say yes to You and to live that yes always. MIDDAY PRAYER with them you give me life. Save me, I Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 am yours, for I seek your precepts. V/ O God, come to my assistance. Though the wicked lie in wait to destroy R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. me, yet I ponder your decrees. I have Glory be... seen that all perfection has an end, but your command is boundless. Hymn: Refer to pg 192 Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Scripture Reading Col 2:9.10a.12 Psalm 119:89-96XII (Lamedh) A In Christ dwells the whole fullness of MEDITATION ON GOD’S LAW the deity bodily and you share in this I give you a new commandment: love fullness in him. You were buried with one another as I have loved you (Jn him in baptism, in which you were also 13:34). raised with him through faith in the For ever is your word, O LORD, power of God, who raised him from the standing firm in the heavens. From age dead. to age is your truth; like the earth, it V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. stands firm. R/ When they saw the risen Lord, alleluia. Your judgments endure to this day, for Prayer, as in Morning Prayer all things are your servants. Had your DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK law not been my delight. I would have PRAYER died in my affliction. Refer to pages 195-197 I will never forget your precepts, for EVENING PRAYER Hymn: Refer to pg 193 V/ O God, come to my assistance. Ant: The snare was broken and we were R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. set free, alleluia. Glory be... 141

Abide in My Word Psalm 124 OUR HELP IS IN Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 THE NAME OF THE LORD INTERCESSIONS The Lord said to Paul, “Do not be Let us give thanks to Christ, who filled afraid... for I am with you “ (Acts 18:9- the apostles and the whole Church with 10). the consolation of the Holy Spirit. In union with all the faithful, let us cry out: “If the LORD had not been on our side,” R. Lord, send your consoling Spirit let Israel say “If the LORD had not been into your Church. on our side when men rose against us, Lord Jesus, mediator between God and then would they have swallowed us humanity, you chose priests to share alive when their anger was kindled. your work, through them may all rise with you to the Father. R. Then would the waters have engulfed Grant that rich and poor may meet in us, the torrent gone over us; over our friendship, for you are the God of both, head would have swept the raging do not let the rich make riches their god. waters.” R. Blest be the LORD who did not give us a prey to their teeth! Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler. Indeed, the snare has been broken, and Make your Gospel known to all peoples, we have escaped. Our help is in the that all may come to obey you in faith. name of the LORD, who made heaven R. and earth. Send forth your Spirit, gentlest of Ant: The snare was broken and we were consolers, to wipe away the tears of all set free, alleluia. who mourn. R. Scripture Reading Rom 8:14-17 Purify the souls of the departed, and Those who are led by the Spirit of God receive them into the company of your are children of God. For you did not saints and chosen ones in heaven. R. receive a spirit of slavery to fall back Private Intercession into fear, but you received a spirit of Our Father... adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Concluding Prayer as in Morning Father!” The Spirit itself bears witness Prayer with our spirit that we are children of For night prayer refer to page 182 God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. Magnificat Ant: The Spirit, the Advocate, will remain with you and live in you, alleluia. 142

TUESDAY, MAY 26TH Abide in My Word Saint Phillip Neri, Priest he speaks of peace for his people and his 26 (White) faithful, and those who turn their hearts to him. His salvation is near for those who fear him, and his glory will dwell in our land. Today’s Rosary: Merciful love and faithfulness have met; The Sorrowful Mysteries righteousness and peace have kissed. “Let me get through today, and I shall Faithfulness shall spring from the earth, not fear tomorrow.” —St. Philip Neri and righteousness look down from heaven. MORNING PRAYER Also the LORD will bestow his bounty, V/ Lord, open our lips, and our earth shall yield its increase. R/ And we shall praise your name. Righteousness will march before him, Glory be... and guide his steps on the way. Hymn: Refer to pg 192 Ant: You will turn back, O God, and Ant: You will turn back, O God, and bring us to life, and your people will bring us to life, and your people will rejoice in you, alleluia. rejoice in you, alleluia. Scripture Reading Acts 13:30-33 Psalm 85 God raised Jesus from the dead, and for OUR SALVATION IS NEAR many days he appeared to those who God blessed the land when our Saviour had come up with him from Galilee to came to earth (Origen). Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses O LORD, you have favoured your land, before the people. We ourselves are and brought back the captives of Jacob. proclaiming this good news to you that You forgave the guilt of your people, what God promised our ancestors he has and covered all their sins. You averted brought to fulfilment for us, their all your rage; you turned back the heat children, by raising up Jesus, as it is of your anger. written in the second psalm, “You are Bring us back, O God, our saviour! Put my son; this day I have begotten you.” an end to your grievance against us. Benedictus Ant: The Lord has risen Will you be angry with us for ever? from the dead as he promised: let all the Will your anger last from age to age? earth rejoice and be glad, for he shall reign for ever, alleluia. Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 Will you not restore again our life, that INTERCESSIONS your people may rejoice in you? Let us Christ the Lord promised to send us see, O LORD, your mercy, and grant us from the Father their Holy Spirit. Let us your salvation. give Christ glory and ask him: I will hear what the LORD God speaks; R. Lord Jesus, give us your Spirit. 143

Abide in My Word FIRST READING A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Lord Jesus, may your word dwell in us 20:17-27 in all its richness, that we may thank you I have accomplished my course and the in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles. ministry which 1 received from the R. Lord Jesus. Through the Spirit you have made us In those days: From Miletus Paul went children of God, grant that through the to Ephesus and called to him the elders Spirit we may join with you in always of the Church. And when they came to calling on God as Father. R. him, he said to them: “You yourselves Give us wisdom in our daily lives, that know how I lived among you all the we may do everything for God’s glory. time from the first day that I set foot in R. Asia, serving the Lord with all humility You are patient and full of compassion, and with tears and with trials which make us live at peace with everyone. R. befell me through the plots of the Jews; Private Intercession how I did not shrink from declaring to Our Father... you anything that was profitable, and Concluding Prayer teaching you in public and from house God of power and mercy, send your to house, testifying both to Jews and to Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and Greeks of repentance to God and of faith make us temples of his glory. We ask in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your behold, I am going to Jerusalem, bound Son, who lives and reigns with you and in the Spirit, not knowing what shall the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and befall me there; except that the Holy ever. Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. MASS But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may Entrance Antiphon Rv 1:17-18 accomplish my course and the ministry I am the first and the last, I was dead and which I received from the Lord Jesus, to am now alive. Behold, I am alive for testify to the gospel of the grace of God. ever and ever, alleluia. And now, behold, I know that all you Opening Prayer among whom I have gone about Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful preaching the kingdom will see my face God, that the Holy Spirit, coming near no more. Therefore I testify to you this and dwelling graciously within us, may day that I am innocent of the blood of all make of us a perfect temple of his glory. of you, for I did not shrink from Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your declaring to you the whole counsel of Son, who lives and reigns with you in God.” the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for V/ The word of the Lord. ever and ever. R/ Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 68:10-I1, 20-21 (R. see 33a) R. You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God. 144

Or: Alleluia. Abide in My Word 1. You poured down, O God, a generous rain; when your people languished, you they were, and you gave them to me, restored their inheritance. It was there and they have kept your word. Now that your flock began to dwell. In your they know that everything that you have goodness, O God, you provided for the given me is from you; for I have given poor. R. them the words which you gave me, and 2. Day after day, may the Lord be blest. they have received them and know in He bears our burdens; God is our truth that I came from you; and they saviour. This God of ours is a God who have believed that you did send me. I saves. The LORD our Lord provides an am praying for them; I am not praying escape from death. R. for the world but for those whom you ALLELUIA John 14:16 have given me, for they are yours; all Alleluia. I will pray the Father, and he mine are yours, and yours are mine, and will give you another Counsellor, to be I am glorified in them. And now I am no with you for ever. Alleluia. more in the world, but they are in the GOSPEL world, and I am coming to you.” A reading from the holy Gospel V/ The Gospel of the Lord. according to John 17:1-11a R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. “Father, glorify your Son.” Prayer over the Offerings At that time: Jesus lifted up his eyes to Accept, O Lord, the prayers of your heaven and said, “Father, the hour has faithful with the sacrificial offerings, come; glorify your Son that the Son may that through these acts of devotedness glorify you, since you have given him we may pass over to the glory of heaven. power over all flesh, to give eternal life Through Christ our Lord. to all whom you have given him. And Communion Antiphon this is eternal life, that they know you The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will the only true God, and Jesus Christ send in my name, will teach you all whom you have sent. I glorified you on things and remind you of all I have told earth, having accomplished the work you, says the Lord, alleluia. which you gave me to do; and now, Prayer after Communion Father, glorify me in your own presence We have partaken of the gifts of this with the glory which I had with you sacred mystery, humbly imploring, O before the world was made. “I have Lord, that what your Son commanded manifested your name to the men whom us to do in memory of him may bring us you gave me out of the world; yours growth in charity. Through Christ our Lord. MEDITATION OF THE DAY Glorification Today’s Gospel places us at one of the most pivotal moments in Jesus’ life – his transition from earthly ministry to the Passion. After celebrating the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus raises his eyes to heaven and prays. These words, known in Christian tradition as the 145

Abide in My Word “priestly prayer,” embrace “the whole economy” of creation and salvation as well as [Jesus’] death and Resurrection (CCC 2746). While Jesus often prayed during his ministry, this passage is unique because it reveals what he says. Jesus starts by addressing the Father, similar to how he begins the “Our Father” when he teaches the disciples how to pray. He asks the Father to glorify him, not because he is seeking personal fame, but because he knows this will glorify God. Then Jesus intercedes for his disciples – those who believe and keep the Lord’s word. He makes a distinction between those the Lord has given him and the world. He doesn’t pray for the world, but asks that his followers may remain in his name so they may be one, just as Jesus and the Father are one. We might not think it unusual that Jesus prays at this time of his life. What makes this prayer extraordinary, however, is that Jesus’words become “inseparable from his sacrifice,” as it says in our catechism (2747). They reveal how we are to approach God – humble and obedient to his plan – and unite his followers by establishing the Church. Now that Jesus is no longer physically present in the world the way he was during his earthly life and ministry, we must glorify God by accomplishing his work. Jesus’ prayer isn’t restricted to those present at the Last Supper; it transcends time to include all who belong to the Lord – past, present and future. Jesus prays for us! During his farewell speech, Paul shares that he suffered many trials, yet never shrunk from speaking the truth. His work glorified God, and helped bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace. While we may not have been given the same work as Paul, we discover what we must do to glorify God in our own way. Reflecting on this prayer, Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI reminds us that we, too, can ask God to help us “enter more fully into the plan that he has for each one of us ... that we may love others more ... and always be able to open our prayer to the dimensions of the world, not closing it in to the request for help for our own problems, but remembering our neighbor before the Lord and learning the beauty of interceding for others” (Gen. Aud., Jan. 25, 2012). POINT TO PONDER: We give glory to God by sharing the Gospel with others and helping to build up God’s kingdom on earth. VERSE TO REMEMBER: Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you.” (John 17: 1) QUESTION TO CONSIDER: How will I unite myself to Christ’s priestly mission.? PRAYER: Lord, help me to glorify you by sharing the Gospel with others and helping to build up God’s kingdom on earth that I may unite myself with your priestly mission. MIDDAY PRAYER makes me wiser than my foes, for it is with Regina Caeli: Refer to pg 193 me always. V/ O God, come to my assistance. 1 have more insight than all who teach me, R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. for I ponder your decrees. I have gained Glory be... more understanding than my elders, for I keep your precepts. Hymn: Refer to pg 192 I keep my feet from every evil path, to Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. obey your word. I have not turned away PSALM 119:97-104 XIII (Mem) from your decrees; you yourself have O LORD, how I love your law: my taught me. meditation all the day! “Your command How sweet is your promise to my tongue, more than honey in the mouth. I gain 146

understanding from your precepts, Abide in My Word and so I hate all false ways. Ant: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. and is at the right hand of God. Scripture Reading See 1 Pt 3:21-22a V/ The disciples rejoiced, alleluia. You are saved by a baptismal bath. This R/ When they saw the risen Lord, alleluia. baptism is not a removal of dirt from the Concluding Prayer as in Morning body but an appeal to God for a clear Prayer conscience, through the resurrection of DIVINE MERCY 3 O’CLOCK Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven PRAYER Refer to pages 195-197 EVENING PRAYER Scripture Reading Rom 8:26-27 V/ O God, come to my assistance. The Spirit comes to the aid of our R/ O Lord, make haste to help me. weakness; for we do not know how to pray Glory be... as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes Hymn: Refer to pg 193 with inexpressible groanings. And the one Ant: Peace be with you; it is I, do not be who searches hearts knows what is the afraid, alleluia. intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes Psalm 125 THE LORD, GUARDIAN OF for the holy ones according to God’s will. HIS PEOPLE Magnificat Ant: You will receive the Peace to the Israel of God (Gal 6:16). power of the Holy Spirit. You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth, alleluia. Refer to the Magnificat on pg 194 Those who put their trust in the LORD INTERCESSIONS are like Mount Zion, that cannot be All honour and glory to Christ, who has shaken, that stands for ever. given the family a share in the Holy Spirit. Jerusalem! The mountains surround her; Let us cry out to him, saying: so the LORD surrounds his people, both R. Christ, hear us. now and for ever. Send forth the Holy Spirit from the Father, For the sceptre of the wicked shall not rest to cleanse and strengthen the Church and over the land of the righteous, for fear that spread it throughout the world. R. the hands of the righteous should turn to Lord, by your Spirit, guide those who evil. govern us, that they may be servants of the Do good, LORD, to those who are good, common good in your name. R. to the upright of heart; but those who turn Pour out your Spirit, the protector of the to crooked ways the LORD will drive poor, to help and lift up all those in need. away with the wicked! On Israel, peace! R. Ant: Peace be with you; it is I, do not be We pray for all stewards of your mysteries, afraid, alleluia. that they may always be found faithful. R. 147

Abide in My Word Concluding Prayer as in Morning Prayer By your suffering, resurrection and For night prayer refer to page 182 ascension you accomplished our redemption, bring it to completion in the souls and bodies of the dead. R. Private Intercession Our Father... 27WEDNESDAY, MAY 27TH Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry’ to SaintAugustine of you all the day long. Gladden the soul Canterbury, Bishop (Optional of your servant, for I lift up my soul to Memorial)(White) you, O Lord. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full Today’s Rosary: of mercy to all who call to you. Give ear, The Glorious Mysteries O LORD, to my prayer, and attend to my “We are dealing with one who is, in voice in supplication. a certain sense, like the final phrase In the day of distress, I will call to you, of a symphony, which gathers up all and surely you will answer me. Among of the themes, taking from each one the gods there is none like you, O Lord, something characteristic, to put together nor works to compare with yours. the marvelous harmony of spirit.” —Pope All the nations you have made shall Pius XII come; they will bow down before you, MORNING PRAYER O Lord, and glorify your name, for you V/ Lord, open our lips, are great and do marvellous deeds, you R/ And we shall praise your name who alone are God. Glory be... “Teach me, O LORD, your way, so that Hymn: Refer to pg 192 I may walk in your truth, single-hearted to fear your name. Ant: People of every nation shall come I will praise you, Lord my God, with all and worship you, O Lord, alleluia. my heart, and glorify your name for ever. Psalm 86 THE PRAYER OF THE Your mercy to me has been great; you POOR IN DISTRESS have saved me from the depths of Sheol. Blessed be God who encourages us in our The proud have risen against me, O God; every affliction (2Cor 1:3.4) a band of the ruthless seeks my life. To Turn your ear, O LORD, and answer me, you they pay no heed. for I am poor and needy. Preserve my But you, O God, are compassionate and soul, for I am faithful; save the servant gracious, slow to anger, O Lord, abundant who trusts in you, my God. in mercy and fidelity; turn and take pity 148

on me. Abide in My Word O give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your handmaid. Show me You search the hearts of all, lead us the sign of your favour. That my foes may always along the way of sincerity and see to their shame.That you, O Lord, give truth. R. me comfort and help. Private Intercession Our Father... Ant: People of every nation shall come Concluding Prayer and worship you, O Lord, alleluia. God of mercy, unite your Church in the Scripture Reading Rom 6:8-11 Holy Spirit that we may serve you with If we have died with Christ, we believe all our hearts and work together with that we shall also live with him. We unselfish love. Grant this through our know that Christ, raised from the dead, Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives dies no more; death no longer has power and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, over him. As to his death, he died to sin one God, for ever and ever. once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think MASS of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus Entrance Ps 47:2 Benedictus Ant: Thanks be to God who All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God has given us the victory through our Lord with shouts of joy, alleluia. . Jesus Christ, alleluia. Collect Refer to the Benedictus on pg 194 Grant graciously to your Church, O INTERCESSIONS merciful God, that, gathered by the Holy The Holy Spirit gives witness to our spirit Spirit, she may be devoted to you with all that we are children of God. Let us give her heart and united in purity of intent. thanks to God the Father as we pray: Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, R. Father, hear your children. who lives and reigns with you and the God of patience and consolation, teach us Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. to be one in mind and heart, following the FIRST READING example of Jesus, so that we may praise A reading from the Acts of the Apostles you with one voice and one spirit. R. 20:28-38 Grant that we may all seek to serve our I commend you to God, who is able neighbour, by doing good and building to build you up and to give you the up a community of love. R. inheritance. Do not let us be led by the spirit of the In those days: Paul said to the elders of world, rooted in evil, but guide us by the the Church of Ephesus, “Take heed to Spirit that comes from you. R. yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you guardians, to feed the Church of the Lord which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves 149

Abide in My Word 3. His glory is on Israel; his might is in the skies. Blest be God! R. will arise men speaking perverse things, ALLELUIA See John 17:17b.a to draw away the disciples after them. Alleluia. Your word, O Lord, is truth; Therefore be alert, remembering that for sanctify us in the truth. Alleluia. three years I did not cease night or day GOSPEL to admonish every one with tears. And A reading from the holy Gospel now I commend you to God and to the according to John 17:11b-19 word of his grace, which is able to build May they be one, as we are one! you up and to give you the inheritance At that time: [Jesus lifted up his eyes among all those who are sanctified. I to heaven and prayed, saying,] “Holy coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Father, keep them in your name, which You yourselves know that these hands you have given me, that they may be one, ministered to my necessities, and to those even as we are one. While I was with who were with me. In all things I have them, I kept them in your name, which shown you that by so toiling one must you have given me; I have guarded them, help the weak, remembering the words and none of them is lost but the son of of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is perdition, that the Scripture might be more blessed to give than to receive.”’ fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; And when he had spoken thus, he knelt and these things I speak in the world, down and prayed with them all. And they that they may have my joy fulfilled in all wept and embraced Paul and kissed themselves. I have given them your word; him, sorrowing most of all because of and the world has hated them because the word he had spoken, that they should they are not of the world, even as I am see his face no more. And they brought not of the world. I do not pray that you him to the ship. should take them out of the world, but V/ The word of the Lord. that you should keep them from the evil R/ Thanks be to God. one. They are not of the world, even as I RESPONSORIAL PSALM am not of the world. Sanctify them in the Psalm 68:33-35a.35b and 36b (R.cf:33a) truth; your word is truth. As you sent me R. You kingdoms of the earth, sing to into the world, so I have sent them into God. the world. And for their sake I consecrate Or: Alleluia. myself, that they also may be consecrated 1. Summon forth your might, O God; in truth.” your might, O God, which you have V/ The Gospel of the Lord. shown for us. From your temple high R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, kings will come to you Prayer over the Offerings bringing their tribute. R. Accept, O Lord, we pray, the sacrifices 2. You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, instituted by your commands, and praise the Lord who rides on the heavens, through the sacred mysteries, which the ancient heavens. Behold, he thunders we celebrate as our dutiful service, his voice, his mighty voice. Come, graciously complete the sanctifying work acknowledge the power of God. R. by which you have willed to redeem us. 150