Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 55:15-22
Mass: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Resp Ps 23; Jn 8:12-20

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil my cup overflows.

Since the liturgical readings these days are about judging and condemning others, I repeat an offering made during the first days of the Lenten season, by Archbishop Arthur Roche: 

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicioun; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

Kyrie eleison.

THROUGH TEARS SUSANNA LOOKED UP TO HEAVEN, FOR SHE TRUSTED IN THE LORD WHOLEHEARTEDLY … THE LORD HEARD HER PRAYER.

(Dan 13:35, 44)