Noon
Wednesday, March 31, 2027
Opening
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hymn
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
Isaac Watts (1674–1748); first published 1707. Public domain.
The reading
Pause in the middle of the day. Read slowly, as if someone were speaking to you.
No Gospel is published for this date.
Isaiah 43:1–5
And now thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob, and who formed you, O Israel: Do not be afraid. For I have redeemed you, and I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not cover you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have presented Egypt as your atonement, Ethiopia and Seba on your behalf. Since then, you have become honorable in my eyes, and glorious. I have loved you, and I will present men on behalf of you, and people on behalf of your life. Fear not, for I am with you. I will lead your offspring from the East, and I will gather you from the West.
Reflection
What word or phrase stays with you?
What would you like to tell Jesus?
Silence
Rest here for a minute. Let the reading settle.
Psalm
Psalm 19 (18):8
Ant. Turn me back to you, Lord, as often as I drift today.
The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones.
Ant. Turn me back to you, Lord, as often as I drift today.
Today’s lesson from Jesus
The vine and the branches
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he will take away. And each one that does bear fruit, he will cleanse, so that it may bring forth more fruit. You are clean now, because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. Just as the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so also are you unable, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without me, you are able to do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he will be cast away, like a branch, and he will wither, and they will gather him and cast him into the fire, and he burns. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, then you may ask for whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. In this, my Father is glorified: that you should bring forth very much fruit and become my disciples.
John 15:1–8
Where do these words meet your day?
Intentions
Add your own personal intentions
Shared by the community
For Mary and Dewey as they begin their life together, may the Holy Spirit be with them and help grow their love for one another through Holy Matrimony.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Prayer on Fire intention
For those who have no work today, or work that does not pay enough, give them dignity and open a door.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Prayer on Fire intention
For mothers who are afraid, and for children not yet born, send help they can see and love they can feel.
R. Lord, have mercy.
Closing
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Lord, make us grateful at noon for what we did not earn: the work, the meal, the people. Let thanks be our rest. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.