Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

INDEPENDENCE DAY

E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, One)

Readings of the day: RB 27 The Abbess’s Care for the Excommunicated

Mass: (Suggested for Independence Day) Is 9:1-6/Ph 4:6-9; Resp Ps 72; Mt 5:1-12a

(For Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time) Am 5:14-15, 21-24; Resp Ps 50; Mt 8:28-34

Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you;

hear the prayers of your servants and guide us in the way of justice.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

It seems fitting and right to pray with the Collect from today’s celebration of the Eucharist:

Father of all nations and ages,

we recall the day when our country

claimed its place among the family of nations;

for what has been achieved we give you thanks,

for the work that still remains we ask your help,

and as you have called us from many peoples to be

one nation,

grant that, under your providence,

our country may share your blessings

with all the peoples of the earth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity

of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

(Ph 4:6-7)

Living and true God,

keep safe all those who gather to celebrate our nation’s independence.

Happy 4^th of July!