Dear Friend, In Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate, Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I. oblatesusa.org 2

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2 Dear Friend, You hold in your hand a special prayer book that will guide you spiritually through the 40 days of Lent. When many people think of Lent, they automatically think of giving something up that they love whether that is soda, chocolate, coffee or television. But Lent can be so much more than avoiding our addictions and vices. Lent is a special time of reflection and sacrifice. This booklet offers daily meditation questions so that you can spend time each day reflecting on your life s path. It s an opportunity to dig a little deeper into your soul, to spend a few more minutes with God. Take this time to learn more about yourself. Ask yourself tough questions and take action. As you read and reflect on the enclosed prayers and meditations, I ask that you also remember in prayer the Missionary Oblates and all the poor and impoverished people they serve on a daily basis. Consider how you, too, can make sacrifices in order to serve those in need and make our world a little brighter. In Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate, Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I. oblatesusa.org 2

3 Why Do We Observe Lent? Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel. These words are spoken on Ash Wednesday as the priest places blessed ashes on our foreheads. This simple sentence points to two important reasons why Christians observe the holy season of Lent to turn away from whatever keeps us from God and our best selves, and to become ever more faithful to the ideals and values of the Gospel. The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are not just events of a distant time and place. They are living events, and they continue to bring salvation to believers in this day and age. Lent gives us a special opportunity to take part in the redemption won for us by Christ. Lent is a special season because it gives us a chance to grow in the spiritual life. The dying and rising of Christ inspires us to die to self so that we can rise to an ever closer union with God. In Lent the Church extends to us a special invitation to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. oblatesusa.org 3

4 Ash Wednesday Opening Prayer: Lord, protect us in our struggle against evil. As we begin the discipline of Lent, make this season holy by our self-denial. Amen. Scripture Readings: Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, Meditation: How can I make my Lenten sacrifice something more than just self-denial? How can my Lenten sacrifice make a positive difference in the lives of my family, friends and community? Closing Prayer: Lord, may our Lenten penance give You glory and bring us Your protection. Amen. Thursday after Ash Wednesday Opening Prayer: Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration, continue with Your help and reach perfection under Your guidance. Amen. Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Luke 9:22-25 Meditation: Today s reading from Deuteronomy calls us to choose life by loving the Lord and growing in union with Him. In what ways can my actions today be life- giving for the people around me? Closing Prayer: Merciful Father, may the gifts and blessings we receive bring us pardon and salvation. Amen. oblatesusa.org 4

5 Friday after Ash Wednesday Opening Prayer: Lord, with Your loving care guide the penance we have begun. Help us to persevere with love and sincerity. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a, Matthew 9:14-15 Meditation: The prophet Isaiah reminds us that our Lenten sacrifice should involve love and mercy for the hungry, the oppressed and the homeless. How often do I think about and pray for my brothers and sisters in need? What can I do to make their lives better, and to help them know how much God loves them? Closing Prayer: Lord, may our sharing in this mystery free us from our sins and make us worthy of Your healing. Amen. Saturday after Ash Wednesday Opening Prayer: Father, look upon our weakness and reach out to help us with Your loving power. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 5:27-32 Meditation: What attitudes and behaviors do I hold onto that keep me from growing closer to God? I call them to mind today knowing that Jesus is fully aware of my sinfulness, and wants to bring me His forgiveness. Closing Prayer: We are nourished by the bread of life You give us. Amen. oblatesusa.org 5

6 First Sunday of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, through our observance of Lent, help us to understand the meaning of Your Son s Death and Resurrection and teach us to reflect it in our lives. Amen. Scripture Readings: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 Meditation: Despite the sin of Adam and Eve, the human race remains the most exalted of all God s creation. How can I increase the awareness of my dignity and worth today, of my status as a son or daughter of God? Closing Prayer: Lord, make us worthy to receive Your gifts. May our sacrifices help to change our lives. Amen. Monday of the First Week of Lent Opening Prayer: God our Savior, bring us back to You and fill our minds with Your wisdom. May we be enriched by our observance of Lent. Amen. Scripture Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18, Matthew 25:31-46 Meditation: Do I recognize Jesus as my Lord and Messiah? What can I do today to bear witness to my belief in Jesus and His great love for me? Closing Prayer: Lord, we rejoice in Your healing power as we experience Your saving love in mind and body. Amen. oblatesusa.org 6

7 Tuesday of the First Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, look on us, Your children. Through the discipline of Lent help us to grow in our desire for You. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 6:7-15 Meditation: In today s Gospel reading Jesus teaches His disciples how they are to pray. Am I sufficiently focused on God when I pray? Do I set aside time each day to pray? Closing Prayer: Lord, help us to restrain our earthly desires and grow in love for the things of heaven. Amen. Wednesday of the First Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, look upon us and hear our prayers. By the good works You inspire, help us to discipline our bodies and to be renewed in spirit. Amen. Scripture Readings: Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 11:29-32 Meditation: The people of Nineveh heard the message of Jonah and were saved. Do I speak up for God with the same courage and conviction as Jonah? Closing Prayer: Father, You never fail to give us the food of life. Renew our strength and bring us to salvation. Amen. oblatesusa.org 7

8 Thursday of the First Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, without You we can do nothing. By Your Spirit help us to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will. Amen. Scripture Readings: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25, Matthew 7:7-12 Meditation: Do I approach God in prayer with an attitude of trust and surrender? Do I articulate my needs clearly in prayer, confident that God will provide whatever I truly need? Closing Prayer: Lord our God, renew us by these mysteries. May they heal us now and bring us eternal salvation. Amen. Friday of the First Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, may our observance of Lent help to renew us and prepare us to celebrate the Death and Resurrection of Christ. Amen. Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 18:21-28, Matthew 5:20-26 Meditation: Is there someone in my life with whom I need to be reconciled? What can I do today to make peace with that person? Closing Prayer: Lord, may the gifts You give us free us from our sinful ways and bring us new life and lead us to salvation. Amen. oblatesusa.org 8

9 Saturday of the First Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Eternal Father, turn our hearts to You. By seeking Your Kingdom and loving one another, may we become a people who worship You in spirit and truth. Amen. Scripture Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a Meditation: Do I take seriously the Lord s call to love my enemies? What can I do to transform my anger into love, my resentment into peacemaking? Closing Prayer: Lord, may the Word we share be our guide to peace in Your Kingdom. May the food we receive assure us of Your constant love. Amen. Second Sunday of Lent Opening Prayer: God our Father, help us to hear Your Son. Enlighten us with Your Word, that we may find the way to Your glory. Amen. Scripture Readings: Genesis 12:1-4a, 2 Timothy 1:8b-10, Matthew 17:1-9 Meditation: Abraham trusted that God s promises to him would come true. How can I deepen my trust in God s promises to me? Closing Prayer: Lord, we rejoice that You are our Creator and Ruler. As we call upon Your generosity, renew and keep us in Your love. Amen. oblatesusa.org 9

10 Monday of the Second Week of Lent Opening Prayer: God our Father, teach us to find new life through penance. Keep us from sin, and help us live by Your commandment of love. Amen. Scripture Readings: Daniel 9:4b-10, Luke 6:36-38 Meditation: Penance is not a quick solution to overcoming our faults and failings. How can I make penance more genuine in my life? Closing Prayer: Lord, bring us pardon and lead us to the joy of heaven. Amen. Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, watch over Your Church, and guide it with Your unfailing love. Protect us from what could harm us and lead us to what will save us. Help us always, for without You we are bound to fail. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12 Meditation: God s forgiveness is final and complete because of God s forgiveness, our sins turn white as snow or as wool. Do I forgive as God forgives? Closing Prayer: Lord, bring us Your constant assistance that we may live better lives. Amen. oblatesusa.org 10

11 Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, teach us to live good lives, encourage us with Your support and bring us to eternal life. Amen. Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28 Meditation: Jesus was willing to suffer and die because of His love for all humanity. Am I willing to suffer and make personal sacrifices for my loved ones? Closing Prayer: Lord our God, may the gifts You give us as a pledge of unending life help us to salvation. Amen. Thursday of the Second Week of Lent Opening Prayer: God of love, bring us back to You. Send Your Spirit to make us strong in faith and active in good works. Amen. Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31 Meditation: Is there someone in my life who has fallen away from the Church? How can I help this person rediscover the loving presence of Christ? Closing Prayer: Lord, may the sacrifice we have offered strengthen our faith and be seen in our love for one another. Amen. oblatesusa.org 11

12 Friday of the Second Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Merciful Father, may our acts of penance bring us Your forgiveness, open our hearts to Your love and prepare us for the coming feast of the Resurrection. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38 Meditation: Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive? Is there someone whom I need to receive forgiveness from? Closing Prayer: Lord, change our lives that we may seek more faithfully the salvation You have promised. Amen. Saturday of the Second Week of Lent Opening Prayer: God our Father, by Your gifts to us on earth we already share in Your life. In all we do, guide us to the light of Your Kingdom. Amen. Scripture Readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Luke 15:1-3, Meditation: In the parable of the Prodigal Son the father welcomed his son back into his home without reservation. Am I willing to receive back into my life someone with whom I have had a serious disagreement? Closing Prayer: Lord, give us the spirit of love and lead us to share in Your life. Amen. oblatesusa.org 12

13 Third Sunday of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, You have taught us to overcome our sins by prayer, fasting and works of mercy. When we are discouraged by our weakness, give us confidence in Your love. Amen. Scripture Readings: Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5-42 Meditation: Moses heard the voice of God speaking to him from a burning bush. When God speaks to me today, will I be attentive to His voice? Closing Prayer: Lord, may we receive Your forgiveness and be brought together in unity and peace. Amen. Monday of the Third Week of Lent Opening Prayer: God of Mercy, free Your Church from sin and protect it from evil. Guide us, for we cannot be saved without You. Amen. Scripture Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15b, Luke 4:24-30 Meditation: Just as Naaman needed to be cured of leprosy, we all need to be healed spiritually in some way. What is one of the areas of my life where I will seek healing today? Closing Prayer: Lord, may we who ask forgiveness be ready to forgive one another. Amen. oblatesusa.org 13

14 Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, You call us to Your service and continue Your saving work among us. May Your love never abandon us. Amen. Scripture Readings: Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35 Meditation: Has there been a time recently when I have not shown love to someone in my life? What can I do to correct this situation? Closing Prayer: Lord, bring us Your protection, forgiveness and life. Amen. Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, during this Lenten season nourish us with Your Word of life and make us one in love and prayer. Amen. Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19 Meditation: We enrich our lives when we take the time to hear the Word of God. How long has it been since I took the time to read the Bible and meditate on its meaning? Closing Prayer: Lord, make us holy and prepare us for the eternal life You promise. Amen. oblatesusa.org 14

15 Thursday of the Third Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, help us to be ready to celebrate the great Paschal Mystery. Make our love grow each day as we approach the feast of our salvation. Amen. Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 7:23-28, Luke 11:14-23 Meditation: How can I make my love grow this day as I approach the great Paschal Mystery, the feast of our salvation? Closing Prayer: Lord, may Your sacrament of life bring us the gift of salvation and make our lives pleasing to You. Amen. Friday of the Third Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Merciful Father, fill our hearts with Your love and keep us faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give us the grace to rise above our human weakness. Amen. Scripture Readings: Hosea 14:2-10, Mark 12:28-34 Meditation: What are some ways that I can be faithful to the Gospel today? Closing Prayer: Lord, fill us with the power of Your love. May we come to know fully the redemption we have received. Amen. oblatesusa.org 15

16 Saturday of the Third Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, may this Lenten observance of the suffering, Death and Resurrection of Christ bring us the full joy of Easter. Amen. Scripture Readings: Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14 Meditation: On television we see the suffering of many people around the world. How can I make a positive impact in the lives of these suffering people? Closing Prayer: God of mercy, may the gifts we receive help us to worship You in truth and to receive Your blessings with faith. Amen. Fourth Sunday of Lent Opening Prayer: Father of peace, we are joyful in Your Word, Your Son Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to You. Let us hasten toward Easter with the eagerness of faith and love. Amen. Scripture Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 Meditation: Easter is fast approaching. What can I do during these final days of Lent to better prepare myself to celebrate the Resurrection? Closing Prayer: Father, You enlighten all who come into the world. Fill our hearts with the light of Your Gospel, that our thoughts may please You, and our love be sincere. Amen. oblatesusa.org 16

17 Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, Creator, You give the world new life by Your sacraments. May we, Your Church, grow in Your life and continue to receive Your help on earth. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 65:17-21, John 4:43-54 Meditation: Today s reading from Isaiah tells us that God is creating new heavens and a new earth. What is one thing I can do today to help bring this about? Closing Prayer: Lord, may Your gifts bring us life and holiness and lead us to the happiness of eternal life. Amen. Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, may our Lenten observance prepare us to embrace the Paschal Mystery and to proclaim Your salvation with joyful praise. Amen. Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, John 5:1-16 Meditation: How do I praise God in my prayer? How can I praise God in my everyday life today? Closing Prayer: Lord, cleanse and renew us, bring us Your help and lead us to salvation. Amen. oblatesusa.org 17

18 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, You reward virtue and forgive the repentant sinner. Grant us Your forgiveness as we come before You confessing our guilt. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15, John 5:17-30 Meditation: God loves us more than a mother loves her infant. I will take time today to reflect on the depth of God s love for me. Closing Prayer: Lord, may we never misuse Your healing gifts, but always find in them a source of life and salvation. Amen. Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Merciful Father, may the penance of our Lenten observance make us Your obedient people. May the love within us be seen in what we do and lead us to the joy of Easter. Amen. Scripture Readings: Exodus 32:7-14, John 5:31-47 Meditation: How can I be obedient to God and to my brothers and sisters in ways that will enrich our lives? Closing Prayer: Lord, free us from guilt. Our sins bring us sorrow but Your promise of salvation brings us joy. Amen. oblatesusa.org 18

19 Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, our source of life, You know our weakness. May we reach out with joy to grasp Your hand and walk more readily in Your ways. Amen. Scripture Readings: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22, John 7:1-2, 10, Meditation: Jesus was arrested, tortured and killed even though He had done nothing wrong. How do I react when I am falsely accused? Closing Prayer: Lord, keep us from our old and sinful ways and help us to continue in the new life. Amen. Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, guide us in Your gentle mercy, for left to ourselves we cannot do Your will. Amen. Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20, John 7:40-53 Meditation: In prayer we ask the Lord to be merciful. Do I extend to others the same mercy I seek from the Lord? Closing Prayer: Lord, may the power of Your gifts free us from sin and help us to please You in our daily lives. Amen. oblatesusa.org 19

20 Fifth Sunday of Lent Opening Prayer: Father, help us to be like Christ Your Son, who loved the world and died for our salvation. Inspire us by His love, guide us by His example. Amen. Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14, Romans 8:8-11, John 11:1-45 Meditation: When others make mistakes, am I quick to hurl angry or hurtful words at them? Or do I restrain myself and demonstrate patience, because I realize that I make mistakes as well? Closing Prayer: Lord, protect Your people always, that they may be free from every evil and serve You with all their hearts. Amen. Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father of love, source of all blessings, help us to pass from our old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare us for the glory of Your Kingdom. Amen. Scripture Readings: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62, John 8:1-11 Meditation: Is there someone in my life facing a severe illness? How can I help them to prepare to enter into eternal life? Closing Prayer: Father, through Your grace may we follow Christ more faithfully and come to the joy of Your Kingdom. Amen. oblatesusa.org 20

21 Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, help us to do Your will that Your Church may grow and become more faithful in Your service. Amen. Scripture Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, John 8:21-30 Meditation: How will I serve the Lord today? Is there a way I can improve my service to Him today? Closing Prayer: All-powerful God, may the mysteries we share make us worthy to attain the gift of heaven. Amen. Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Father of mercy, hear the prayers of Your repentant children who call on You in love. Enlighten our minds and sanctify our hearts. Amen. Scripture Readings: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95, John 8:31-42 Meditation: Our days can become busy and hectic. Is there a way to ensure that I will set aside time each day to place myself in the presence of God? Closing Prayer: Lord, heal us, remove sin from our hearts and make us grow strong under Your constant protection. Amen. oblatesusa.org 21

22 Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, come to us: free us from the stain of our sins. Help us to remain faithful to a holy way of life, and guide us to the inheritance You have promised. Amen. Scripture Readings: Genesis 17:3-9, John 8:51-59 Meditation: Is there a sin in my life that causes a strain on my relationship with God? How can I be reconciled with God today and become closer to Him? Closing Prayer: Merciful Lord, accept the sacrifice we offer You that it may help us grow in holiness and advance the salvation of the world. Amen. Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: Lord, grant us Your forgiveness, and set us free from our enslavement to sin. Amen. Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13, John 10:31-42 Meditation: Jesus is the Son of God because He performed the works of His Father. What can I do today to perform God s works, and show the world that I am His son or daughter? Closing Prayer: Lord, may we always receive Your protection and may You keep us safe from all harm. Amen. oblatesusa.org 22

23 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent Opening Prayer: God our Father, You always work to save us, and now we rejoice in the great love You give to Your chosen people. Protect all who are about to become Your children, and continue to bless those who are already baptized. Amen. Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:21-28, John 11:45-56 Meditation: How can I help to protect the children in my life from evil, and show them the love of God in a positive way? Closing Prayer: Father of mercy and power, we thank You for nourishing us with the Body and Blood of Christ and for calling us to share in His divine life. Amen. oblatesusa.org 23

24 Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) Opening Prayer: Lord, increase the faith of Your people and listen to our prayers. Today we honor Christ our triumphant King. May we honor You every day by living always in Him. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, Matthew 26:14-27:66 Meditation: Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the days before His Passion and Death. How can I pay homage to Christ the King in my life today? Closing Prayer: Lord, the death of Your Son gives us hope and strengthens our faith. May His Resurrection give us perseverance and lead us to salvation. Amen. oblatesusa.org 24

25 Monday of Holy Week Opening Prayer: All-powerful God, by the suffering and death of Your Son, strengthen and protect us in our weakness. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7, John 12:1-11 Meditation: In today s Gospel Mary anoints the head of Jesus in anticipation of His death and burial. As the Church observes the sacred events of Holy Week I will remember that Jesus is a king who suffered and died for His love of me and all of humanity. Closing Prayer: God of mercy, be close to Your people. Watch over us and keep us in Your love. Amen. Tuesday of Holy Week Opening Prayer: Father, may we receive Your forgiveness and mercy as we celebrate the Passion and Death of the Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6, John 13:21-33, Meditation: Jesus Passion and Death represent His triumph over suffering and death. I will remember today that Jesus death is my pathway to eternal life. Closing Prayer: God of mercy, may the sacrament of salvation which renews our strength bring us a share in Your life forever. Amen. oblatesusa.org 25

26 Wednesday of Holy Week Opening Prayer: Father, in Your plan of salvation Your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross and freed us from the power of the enemy. May we come to share the glory of His Resurrection. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Matthew 26:14-25 Meditation: Jesus offered no resistance to those who tortured and killed Him. Do I resist evil with anger and violence, or do I try to imitate Jesus example of nonviolent love? Closing Prayer: All-powerful God, increase our faith in Your saving power and strengthen our hope in the life You promise. Amen. Holy Thursday Opening Prayer: Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit You anointed Your only Son Messiah and Lord of Creation. Help us to be faithful witnesses in the world to the salvation Christ won for all humankind. Amen. Scripture Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 Meditation: Jesus shared His Body and Blood with His disciples at the Last Supper. What can I do today to share my bread with the hungry, and my love with those in need? Closing Prayer: Father, look with love upon Your people, the love which our Lord Jesus Christ showed us when He delivered Himself to evil men and suffered the agony of the cross. Amen. oblatesusa.org 26

27 Good Friday Opening Prayer: Lord, by shedding His blood for us, Your Son, Jesus Christ, established the Paschal Mystery. In Your goodness, make us holy and watch over us always. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 Meditation: Jesus has died for us. I will take time today to reflect and give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for me and for the world. Closing Prayer: Almighty God, we receive new life from Your Son. May we find full contentment in the meal we hope to share in Your eternal Kingdom. Amen. Easter Vigil Opening Prayer: Father, we share in the light of Your glory through Your Son, the Light of the world. Inflame us with new hope. Purify our minds and bring us one day to the feast of eternal light. Amen. Scripture Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:2, Exodus 14:15-15:1, Romans 6:3-11, Matthew 28:1-10 Meditation: Jesus gave up His life for us, believing in God s promise of life. What can I do to give of myself to others in gratitude for all that God has done for me? Closing Prayer: Father, help us to understand Your great love for us. May the goodness You now show us confirm our hope in Your future mercy. Amen. oblatesusa.org 27

28 Easter Sunday Opening Prayer: God our Father, by raising Christ Your Son You conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us. Amen. Scripture Readings: Acts 10:34a, 37-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9 Meditation: Jesus Christ is risen today. This is our triumphant holy day. Alleluia! Closing Prayer: Father of love, watch over Your Church and bring us to the glory of the Resurrection promised by the Easter sacrament. Amen. oblatesusa.org 28

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