Medjugorje Forum

LENT DAY 44 - CHRIST'S BODY AND BLOOD

The central and still startling claim of the Catholic Church is that Jesus is really, truly, and substantially present under the forms of bread and wine. His presence is not simply evocative and symbolic, not simply the result of our thinking so or wishing so, but rather real, true, and substantial.

If you want to find this verified scripturally, look of course at the accounts of the Last Supper in Matthew, Mark, and Luke - and also in Paul. But look especially at the sixth chapter of John's Gospel. Jesus identifies himself as the "living bread come down from heaven," and then he specifies, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you."

Now this was extremely objectionable language for a Jew of Jesus' time. To eat someone's flesh was a term of contempt. More to it, the drinking of an animal's blood was expressly forbidden throughout the Old Testament - much less the drinking of a man's blood. But when Jesus' listeners object, Jesus does not soften his language - he intensifies it: "My flesh is real food and my blood real drink."

How can we make sense of this claim? It has everything to do with who Jesus is. If he were simply an ordinary human being, his words would have, at best, a symbolic resonance. I can say, "This ring is a symbol of my love for you." But Jesus is God, and what God says, is.

God's word affects reality at the most fundamental level. Thus, when Jesus' words over the bread and wine are spoken, they change into what the words signify. They become really, truly, and substantially the body and blood of the Lord.

The reality of this sacrament so important because "For whoever eats my bread and drinks my blood has eternal life." The Eucharist, as the eternal presence of God, eternalizes those who consume it, making us ready for eternity. We participate in Jesus Christ through this sacrament.

This is why we should be very careful, even a little wary, as we approach the communion table. Do we know what we're getting into?
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HOLY SATURDAY - GRAIN OF WHEAT

What is the message that Jesus has for the world? At first he seems to confirm his followers' hopes: "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified." Great! Finally, after putting things off for so long, he is ready; the moment has come.

But then he clarifies: "I solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies it produces much fruit." Believe me, this is not what his followers wanted to hear.

The Jews had had more than enough experience with death. They had lived under oppression for centuries and their glory days were long ago. The Roman boot was pressing down upon them. Those who would endeavor to throw it off were imprisoned or killed. And now this one, upon whom they had pinned their hopes, at the high point of his life, is speaking of falling to the earth and dying.

Then it gets stranger: "The man who loves his life loses it, while the man who hates his life in this world, preserves it to life eternal." Come again?!

To understand what all this means, we should go back to the great image that Jesus uses, the grain of wheat that falls to the earth. A seed, resting by itself, can exist for a long time. In fact, they have found seeds in the tombs of the Pharaohs and seeds in fossil remains. But unless they fall into the soil and crack open, nothing further comes of them. Their life is inside, yes, but it's a life that grows by being given away and mixing with the soil around it. It has to crack open and be destroyed. But even after a very long time, a seed can grow into a flourishing plant. The oldest seed that has grown into a viable plant was a 2000-year-old date palm seed from excavations at Herod the Great's palace on Masada in Israel. It was germinated in 2005.

When you look at a great tree or a plant, you see none of the original seed, and yet you see life. The same is true of the cross. When Christians look at the cross, we no longer see death, but eternal life.
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EASTER SUNDAY - THE MEANING OF THE RESURRECTION

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Friends, on this Easter we should remember that Jesus is not just a soul that's gone to heaven. The resurrected Christ, as Paul said, is the first fruits of a new life. A whole new human nature has appeared and emerged.

Resurrection can't simply mean, as many contemporary authors want us to believe, that the cause of Jesus goes on. (As though you listen to the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven and the society of Beethoven lovers says, "Well, the spirit of Beethoven goes on.") People don't give their whole lives, don't go to the end of the world preaching, don't go to their death in support of a vague metaphor. What galvanized the first Christians was that Jesus - the crucified one who had died-is now alive again.

On this Easter, we Christians must avoid another problem: seeing the Resurrection simply as a return to this life. Lazarus was raised from the dead, only to die again. He still belonged to the realm of death. When Lazarus came forth, he was still wearing his grave clothes. He still belonged, in some way, to the tomb.

That's not what happens in the Resurrection. When Jesus rises from the dead, He leaves his grave clothes behind. Jesus now lives a new life exalted through the power of the Father. His relationship to space and time is now completely changed. He passes through locked doors. He comes and goes as he pleases.

Jesus is the first fruit of a new way of being, a new life. It's still a human life, but it is now lived at a higher pitch of intensity. This is such good news for us because this is what God intends for all of us: that we now will share in the risen life of Jesus.

It's our human life - yes, still bodily - but now lived at a higher level, spiritualized and glorified.
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"Dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return." Gn. 3:19

Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. (Joel 2:13)

Reflection

The liturgical use of ashes originated in the Old Testament times. Ashes symbolized mourning, mortality and penance. In the Book of Esther, Mordecai put on sackcloth and ashes when he heard of the decree of King Ahasuerus to kill all of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire (Esther 4:1). Job repented in sackcloth and ashes (Job 42:6). Prophesying the Babylonian captivity of Jerusalem, Daniel wrote, "I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes" (Daniel 9:3). Jesus made reference to ashes, "If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago" (Matthew 11:21).

In the Middle Ages, the priest would bless the dying person with holy water, saying, "Remember that thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return."
The Church adapted the use of ashes to mark the beginning of the penitential season of Lent, when we remember our mortality and mourn for our sins.
In our present liturgy for Ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The priest blesses the ashes and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross and saying, "Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you shall return," or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

As we begin this holy season of Lent in preparation for Easter, we must remember the significance of the ashes we have received: We mourn and do penance for our sins. We again convert our hearts to the Lord, who suffered, died, and rose for our salvation. We renew the promises made at our baptism, when we died to an old life and rose to a new life with Christ. Finally, mindful that the kingdom of this world passes away, we strive to live the kingdom of God now and look forward to its fulfillment in heaven.

Lenten Question

Q: What is Lent?

A: Lent is the forty-day period before Easter, excluding Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday). [This traditional enumeration does not precisely coincide with the calendar according to the liturgical reform. In order to give special prominence to the Sacred Triduum (Mass of the Lord's Supper, Good Friday, Easter Vigil) the current calendar counts Lent as only from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, up to the Mass of the Lord's Supper. Even so, Lenten practices are properly maintained up to the Easter Vigil, excluding Sundays, as before.]

Lenten Action

Invite a non-practicing friend to Mass with you.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, you despise nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our brokenness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Ash Wednesday is a day of both fasting and abstinence.

Lent is Love


Here I am, God!
I'm ready
to love You
with all my heart!


Regulations, Fast and Abstinence
LentDivider
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. In the United States, Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from eating meat for all Catholics 14 years of age and older. In addition, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast [one full meal and two smaller meals] for Catholics who are 18, but not yet 59 years of age.

Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.
Joel 2:12-18

For more Lent materials, visit:

http://www.ewtn.com/faith/lent/

https://www.osv.com/MyFaith/ChurchSeaso ... -Lent.aspx

www.americancatholic.org/Features/Lent

www.usccb.org/lent/

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/C ... stry/Lent/

A PRAYER FOR LENT

Lord, it is that time of year again when I become aware of my need for you, and of how I have forgotten you since Christmas! I know, Lord, that I'm supposed to mortify myself everyday to remind myself of sin, of suffering, of punishment, of human weakness.

This Lent, Lord, I'll try to be different. I will try to give you some extra time in prayer, to spend a little less on myself so that I will have more time for others. As I think of how you suffered for love of me, I'll try to unite my sufferings with yours for the sake of humankind. I'll try not to complain, Lord, when crosses come my way.

You had to go to the wilderness to pray for forty days, even though you were God and Man, and the devil tempted you. I'm only human, yet I know I can avoid sin with your help. Help me to realize that I need to curb my body to free my soul for that love of you which should be my only desire. Amen.

FROM THE DOLOROUS PASSION

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

My Daily Offering For Lent
by
Father Paul M. Keeling, CRSP
(With Ecclesiastical Approval)


Lord, God,
Trinity of Love,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I praise You,
I worship You,
I adore You,
I love You.

Father, Creator,
I thank You
for the gift of life.
May I do Your will
this day.

Jesus, Son, Savior,
by Your death on the Cross,
You showed me the Father's love.
May I be willing to die to myself
in order to live for You.
May I share Your "Good News"
this day with all those around me.
May Your love be reflected
in every kind word, thought, and deed.
And if I fail, be there to raise me up.

Spirit, Sanctifier,
shower Your life
upon all the peoples of the world.
Grant us the gifts of peace and love.
Amen.

A Prayer for Lent

"Lord, I come before You today to ask for Your blessings in all I do and to thank You, knowing that You will answer my prayer. I thank you Lord for my life just as it is. In Your time and in Your way Lord You will provide for my needs, help me to await these changes with patience and faith in Your holy providence. Help me also to praise Your Holy Name in the asking and in the receiving."

How to Find Time in the Day for Lent

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

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

Praying Daily

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

A Different Type of Fasting

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

Give of Yourself

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

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

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

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

FROM THE DOLOROUS PASSION

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


Give me grace, Father, to drink whatever cup You have poured for me.

Have Mercy, Lord!
Seven Simple Steps toward Repentance

1. Every evening or morning, take some time out to review the previous day. Begin by quieting your mind so you can hear the Holy Spirit speaking to your conscience.

2. Ask the Spirit to show you any wrongdoing—in your thoughts and desires, in your words and relationships, and in your actions. You may want to use the examination of conscience.

3. Think about how the sins you see have clouded your experience of and trust in the Lord’s love.

4. Check your heart: Are you pliable and willing to change your mind about these sins? Do you feel unwilling to change? Do you have any sense that it’s hopeless even to try?

5. Cling to God. Acknowledge that he is your strength and tell him that you want him to reform your mind so that you think as he would have you think and choose as he would have you choose. Renounce any drive in you that wants to remain independent of the Lord.

6. Place yourself in God’s hands and obey whatever you think he is asking you to do. As you practice, God’s voice will become clearer.

7. Be sure to move from thought to action. Make a decision to take one or two concrete steps to overcome or avoid that sin area the next day. Remember: Jesus is with you every step of the way!
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"Dear children! This Lent is a special incentive for you to change.
Start from this moment. Turn off the television and renounce various
things that are of no value. Dear children, I am calling you
individually to conversion. This season is for you.

Thank you for having responded to my call."

A Lenten Pledge
by Fr. Lawrence S. Brey

My crucified Jesus, my God and Savior, help me make a good Lent, root out my sins, and live in union with Thee. With Thy help, I pledge and resolve the following Lenten efforts:
1. I will do penance for my sins, and make special sacrifices for Thee.

2. I will pray more often, more attentively, more humbly.

3. I will bend my will to Thine, by obeying Thy commandments and my superiors.

4. I will give up certain things I like, to better strengthen my will against evil allurements.

5. I will more strictly avoid occasions of sin.

6. I will control and discipline my eyes, my imagination, and my curiosity.

7. I will regard Lent as a time of war against my sins and weaknesses; a time to root out bad habits and self-love.

8. I will also use Lent as a time to grow in virtue, in Thy Love, in peace.

9. I will often think of Thee crucified for my sins, and try to have true contrition and purpose of amendment.

10. I will be cheerful amidst my penances and efforts, without becoming a cross or burden to others.

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A Season for Renewal

Lenten season is a season for renewal. How strong is our faith? Does it really touch our lives? Are we better people, more loving, more just and more compassionate? The liturgy this Sunday invites us to reflect on our life of faith. St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, says that faith without good works is dead. And Jesus in the Gospel remarks that it is not sufficient to say Lord, Lord in order to be saved. We must do the will of God in our lives.

Personal Prayer

Lord Jesus, Bread of Life. I thank you for giving yourself to me.

I thank you for the gift of faith, for my baptism and my Christian life.

Give me the wisdom to know the shortness of human life.

You ask me for a change of heart, for true repentance.

Help me not to delay.

Let me always trust in you who are compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. Amen.
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DAILY MEDITATION

FEBRUARY 28, 2015

"The fast of Lent has no advantage to us unless it brings about our spiritual renewal. It is necessary while fasting to change our whole life and practice virtue. Turning away from all wickedness means keeping our tongue in check, restraining our anger, avoiding all gossip, lying and swearing. To abstain from these things – herein lies the true value of the fast."
— St. John Chrysostom

O my people, what have I done to you?
How have I hurt you? Answer me.

I led you out of Egypt,
From slavery I set you free;
I brought you into the land of promise,
You have prepared a cross for me.

I led you as a shepherd,
I brought you safely through the sea;
Fed you with manna in the desert,
You have prepared a cross for me.

I fought for you in battles,
I won you strength and victory;
Gave you a royal crown and sceptre,
You have prepared a cross for me.

I planted you, my vineyard,
And cared for you most tenderly;
Looked for abundant fruit, and found none,
Only the cross you made for me.

Then listen to me my pleading,
And do not turn away from me;
You are my people: will you reject me?
For you I suffer bitterly.
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Saint Pope John Paul II´s Message for Lent 2002

In his annual Lenten Message, Pope John Paul II asks Christians to focus on the theme of "You received without paying, give without pay"(Mt 10:8). This Lent we need to contemplate that everything we have—our life, the Redemption—"has been given to us by God's loving initiative" and that "God has freely given us his Son." We Christians should "marvel in their heart of hearts at the greatness of such a gift."

We need to pull away from the world's focus of human relationships "based on self-interest and personal gain" which fosters "an egocentric vision of life." Instead we need to recognize "every person, even the least gifted, must be welcomed and loved for themselves, regardless of their qualities and defects."

The Pope also continued his stress on the "culture of life," an issue so important during his papacy. The "beginning of life and its marvelous development" is a gift from God. "And because it is a gift life can never be regarded as a possession or as private property." He repeated "that not everything that is technically possible is morally acceptable."

"Since we have received this life freely, we must in turn offer it freely to our brothers and sisters" and the Holy Father concluded with the exhortation to prepare for Lent "in practical generosity towards the poorest of our brothers and sisters!

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What To Give Up For Lent

Give up grumbling. Instead "In everything, give thanks."
Give up 10 to 15 min. in bed. Instead, use that time in prayer.
Give up looking at other people's worst points. Instead, concentrate on their best ones.
Give up speaking unkindly. Instead, let your speech be generous and understanding.
Give up your worries. Instead, trust God with them.
Give up hatred or dislike of anyone. Instead learn to love.
Give up the fear which prevents Christian witness. Instead, seek courage to speak of your faith to others.
Give up spending so much time with newspapers and magazines. Instead, use some of that time to study your Bible.
Give up TV one evening a week. Instead, visit some lonely or sick person.
Give up buying anything but essentials for yourself. Instead, give that money to God's work or to someone in need.
Give up judging by appearances and by the standards of the world. Instead, learn to give up yourself to God.

Short Prayers for Lent

Heavenly Father, I am called to walk by the light of Christ, your Son, and to trust in his wisdom.

During Lent, I submit my self to him more and more and am striving to believe in him with all my heart.

I enter on this path of repentance so that in dying to self I might rise to new life.

Lord Jesus, you spoke peace to a sinful world and brought mankind the gift of reconciliation by the suffering and death you endured. I love you and joyfully bear the name 'Christian.' Teach me to follow your example. Increase my faith, hope and charity so that I may struggle to turn hatred to love and conflict to peace.

Loving Redeemer through your passion, teach me self-denial, strengthen me against evil and adversity and so make me ready to celebrate your Resurrection.

Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness in my spirit so that I may grow in holiness through your constant care.

Forgive my sins against the unity of your family; make me love as you loved me.

Good Master, make me mindful of the dignity you gave me in Baptism, may I live for you at every moment.

Give me a perfect heart to receive your work, that I may bring forth fruit in patience.

Renew my eagerness to work with you in building a better world, so that my friends may hear your gospel of peace and justice.

From The Pocket Prayer Book: A Manual for Catholics,

The Regina Press, New York.

PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS FOR HOLY WEEK (JohnofGod)






QUOTES FROM THE SUFFERING SERVANT (JESUS)




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE LAST SEVEN WORDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord Jesus, receive my soul. Amen.

+ + + + + + + +



INTERCESSIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PRAYING FROM YOUR SUFFERING

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

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

(Courtesy "Following Jesus Christ" by Passionist Missionaries)

MAY THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST
BE EVER IN YOUR HEARTS

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PSALM 22 (excerpt)

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

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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING TO JESUS

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

(St. Paul of the Cross)

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SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY





Agony in the Garden

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

Scourging at the Pillar

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

Crowning with Thorns

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

Carrying of the Cross

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

Crucifixion

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

(Triumphant Hearts Prayer Book)

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LITANY OF THE PASSION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


"15 St. Bridget Prayers"



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

PRAYERS APPROVED BY POPE PIUS IX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONCLUSION


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

HONOR THE WOUNDS OF MY SON

Today the Gospa gives a Lenten message on the passion of Christ:

"Dear Children, in a special way this evening, I am calling you during Lent to honor the wounds of my Son, which he received from the sins of this parish. Unite yourselves with my prayers for the parish so that his sufferings may be bearable." (Weekly Message March 22, 1984).

In the prophet Isaiah we find the image of the suffering servant:

Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ---Isaiah 53:4-6

Reflection:

Both the Blessed Virgin and Isaiah speak of the Savior who suffered for our sins: "By his wounds are we healed," the prophet writes. No one in Isaiah’s day would have dreamed that God would choose to save the world through a suffering servant, rather than a messianic king. The idea was contrary to human pride and logic. True, the Israelites offered animals as sacrifices for their sins. But a human being? The Messiah himself?

He was the Lamb of God, the sinless servant who offered himself in sacrifice for the sins of mankind; the Anointed One who suffered in place of the guilty.

How can we fathom such love? Today the Virgin tells us it is through prayer: "Honor the wounds of my Son. …Unite yourselves with my prayers." The Holy Spirit will give us insight into these deep currents of love which can be understood in no other way.

Application:

From The Imitation of Christ: "Take comfort in the passion of Christ, and dwell willingly in his sacred wounds. Endure with Christ, suffer for him, if you wish to reign with him."

Today, with a crucifix in your hands, offer the Lord’s Prayer in honor of each of the Savior’s wounds, concluding with your own prayer of dedication.