Before his passion, Christ looked out over Jerusalem and wept for it, because it had not recognized the hour of God’s visitation. With sorrow for our sins, let us adore him, and say:
Lord, have mercy on your people.
You longed to gather to yourself the people of Jerusalem, as the hen gathers her young,
— teach all peoples to recognize the hour of your visitation.
Lord, have mercy on your people.
Do not forsake those who have forsaken you,
— turn our hearts to you, and we will return to you, our God.
Lord, have mercy on your people.
Through your passion you gave grace to the world,
— help us to live always by your Spirit, given to us in baptism.
Lord, have mercy on your people.
By your passion, help us to deny ourselves,
— and so prepare to celebrate your resurrection.
Lord, have mercy on your people.
You reign in the glory of the Father,
— remember those who have died today.
Lord, have mercy on your people.
Source: DivineOffice.org
Have you been afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Perhaps you are now under lockdown, or in self-quarantine? I encourage you to read this article I wrote on my thoughts about the coronavirus and its historic impact on the Catholic Church: the temporary suspension of Holy Mass and the Sacraments. My Reflection tackles the deeper meaning of these events for Catholics—in the light of the Third of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. So wherever you are in the world, this Post may serve as a source of strength and faith in this uncertain and trying time.
Act of Spiritual Communion
If you are unable to physically receive Holy Communion, especially in the midst of this pandemic, make a solemn recitation of this Prayer for Spiritual Communion by Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori.
As the Season of Lent nears its culmination, deepen your spiritual preparation through these Reflections. Now is a suitable moment to read them for the first time, or to revisit these Posts, for those of you who have previously perused them.
The Second Sorrow of Mary and the Uncertainties in Life
The Third Sorrow of Mary and the Mysteries of God’s Will
The Fourth Sorrow of Mary and the Types of Catholics
The Fifth Sorrow of Mary and Consoling Jesus and His Mother
The Sixth Sorrow of Mary and the Blood and Water from the Side of Jesus
- Mass Readings For December 22, 2024 – Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 22, 2024
- Mass Readings For December 21, 2024 – Saturday, Third Week of Advent - December 21, 2024
- Mass Readings For December 20, 2024 – Friday, Third Week of Advent - December 20, 2024
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