Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the day: RB 35:12-18

Mass: Is 49:8-15; Resp Ps 145; Jn 5:17-30

I pray to you, O Lord, for a time of favor.

In your great mercy, answer me, O God, with your salvation that never fails.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Like all days, today is a day to call upon the Lord in times of difficulty and frustration as well as in times of joy and gladness. Why not ‘Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. The Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to the afflicted’ (Is 49:13):

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL

SLOW TO ANGER AND OF GREAT KINDNESS.

THE LORD IS GOOD TO ALL

AND COMPASSIONATE TOWARD ALL HIS WORKS.

THE LORD IS FAITHFUL IN ALL HIS WORDS

AND HOLY IN ALL HIS WORKS.

THE LORD LIFTS UP ALL WHO ARE FALLING

AND RAISES UP ALL WHO ARE BOWED DOWN.

THE LORD IS JUST IN ALL HIS WAYS

AND HOLY IN ALL HIS WORKS.

THE LORD IS NEAR TO ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM,

TO ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM IN TRUTH.

(Resp Ps 145)

If we encounter Jesus and our brothers and sisters every day, our hearts will not dwell in the past or the future. They will live in God's present moment, in peace with everyone.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 14, 2018)