WEDNESDAY IN THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

You may find it helpful to have a space as a focus for your prayer. This might include a crucifix, icon or another holy image, and a lighted candle.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Examen

Before listening to the Word of God take a moment to reflect.  For what am I grateful to God for today? Where did I stray from God: through words, actions or things I did not do. How might I do better tomorrow? What grace do I ask from God in order to live more closely in his love? You may wish to conclude by saying:  Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

First Reading

A reading from the prophet Daniel 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95

He has sent his angel to rescue his servants.

King Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods, and that you refuse to worship the golden statue I have erected? When you hear the sound of horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, or any other instrument, are you prepared to prostrate yourselves and worship the statue I have made? If you refuse to worship it, you must be thrown straight away into the burning fiery furnace; and where is the god who could save you from my power?’ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to King Nebuchadnezzar, ‘Your question hardly requires an answer: if our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, O king, he will save us; and even if he does not, then you must know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have erected.’ These words infuriated King Nebuchadnezzar; his expression was very different now as he looked at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He gave orders for the furnace to be made seven times hotter than usual, and commanded certain stalwarts from his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar sprang to his feet in amazement. He said to his advisers, ‘Did we not have these three men thrown bound into the fire?’ They replied, ‘Certainly, O king.’ ‘But,’ he went on ‘I can see four men walking about freely in the heart of the fire without coming to any harm. And the fourth looks like a son of the gods.’ Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, ‘Blessed by the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: he has sent an angel to rescue his servants who, putting their trust in him, defied the order of the king, and preferred to forfeit their bodies rather than serve or worship any god but their own.’

Responsorial Psalm

Daniel 3:52-56. R. v.52

You are blest, Lord God of our fathers. To you glory and praise forever more. Blest your glorious holy name. To you glory and praise forever more. You are blest in the temple of your glory. To you glory and praise forever more. You are blest on the throne of your kingdom. To you glory and praise forever more. You are blest who gaze into the depths. To you glory and praise forever more. You are blest in the firmament of heaven. To you glory and praise forever more.

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 4:4

Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!

Gospel

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 8: 31-42

If the Son of Man makes you free, you will be free indeed.

To the Jews who believed in him Jesus said: ‘If you make my words your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.’ They answered, ‘We are descended from Abraham and we have never been the slaves of anyone; what do you mean, “You will be made free”?’ Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, everyone who commits sin is a slave. Now the slave’s place in the house is not assured, but the son’s place is assured. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descended from Abraham; but in spite of that you want to kill me because nothing I say has penetrated into you. What I, for my part, speak of is what I have seen with my Father; but you, you put into action the lessons learnt from your father.’ They repeated, ‘Our father is Abraham.’ Jesus said to them: ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do as Abraham did. As it is, you want to kill me when I tell you the truth as I have learnt it from God; that is not what Abraham did. What you are doing is what your father does.’ ‘We were not born of prostitution,’ they went on ‘we have one father: God.’ Jesus answered: ‘If God were your father, you would love me, since I have come here from God; yes, I have come from him; not that I came because I chose, no, I was sent, and by him.’

Profession of Faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen,

Prayers

Intercessions

Pray for family and loved ones so that they may be held in God’s compassionate care. Pray for other countries who are struggling with the effects of the COVID 19 virus.  For those in authority: may they offer advice with care and integrity, may they seek to protect the poor and vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. For all who work in healthcare: give strength to all who look after the sick so that they may bring comfort and relief to the suffering. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. For the Church: may she offer prayers and consolation for all those affected. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. For our local community and all for those in need: may those who are isolated know the support and service of their neighbours. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name; they kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Daily Prayer

God of mercy, shed your light on hearts that have been purified by penance, and in your goodness give us a favourable hearing when you move us to pray. We make our prayer through our Lord.

Memorare

Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do we come, before thee do we stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen

Prayer for the Year of the Word

Living God, you walk alongside us and speak to us throughout the Scriptures. Your Son, Jesus Christ, listens to our hopes and fears and shows us how to live for one another. Send us the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds, so that we may be your witnesses throughout the world. Amen. Your word is our path and your truth is our light. This day and every day. Our Lady of the Annunciation. Pray for us. St Matthew. Pray for us. St. Jerome. Pray for us.

Conclusion

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.