Noon
Friday, April 2, 2027
Opening
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hymn
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin: The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed: To do the will of Jesus,—this is rest.
Edward H. Bickersteth (1825–1906); first published 1875. 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.
1 Kings 19:4–8
And he continued on, into the desert, for one day’s journey. And when he had arrived, and was sitting under a juniper tree, he requested for his soul that he might die. And he said: “It is enough for me, O Lord. Take my soul. For I am no better than my fathers.” And he stretched himself out, and he slept deeply in the shadow of the juniper tree. And behold, an Angel of the Lord touched him, and said to him, “Rise up and eat.” He looked, and behold, at his head was bread baked under ashes, and a container of water. Then he ate and drank, and again he slept deeply. And the Angel of the Lord returned a second time, and touched him, and said to him: “Rise up, eat. For a great journey again stands before you.” And he when he had risen up, he ate and drank. And he walked by the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights, as far as the mountain of God, Horeb.
Reflection
Is there a line you would like to read again?
What would you like to tell Jesus?
Silence
Rest here for a minute. Let the reading settle.
Psalm
Psalm 31 (30):25
Ant. Strengthen my heart, Jesus, for what is still left to do today.
Act manfully, and let your heart be strengthened, all you who hope in the Lord.
Ant. Strengthen my heart, Jesus, for what is still left to do today.
Today’s lesson from Jesus
The greatest commandment
And one of the scribes, who had heard them arguing, drew near to him. And seeing that he had answered them well, he questioned him as to which was the first commandment of all. And Jesus answered him: “For the first commandment of all is this: ‘Listen, O Israel. The Lord your God is one God. And you shall love the Lord your God from your whole heart, and from your whole soul, and from your whole mind, and from your whole strength. This is the first commandment.’ But the second is similar to it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him: Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth that there is one God, and there is no other beside him; and that he should be loved from the whole heart, and from the whole understanding, and from the whole soul, and from the whole strength. And to love one’s neighbor as one’s self is greater than all holocausts and sacrifices.” And Jesus, seeing that he had responded wisely, said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to question him.
Mark 12:28–34
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. Speak, Lord, we are listening.
Prayer on Fire intention
For prisoners, and for those who guard them, bring mercy into the long hours.
R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.
Prayer on Fire intention
For those who have left the Church, or were hurt in it, let them meet one kind face today.
R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.
Closing
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy 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. Amen.
Lord Jesus, you bless the poor in spirit and the merciful. For the rest of this day, make us both. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.