Night
Friday, January 29, 2027
Opening
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hymn
Abide with me! fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
Henry Francis Lyte (1793–1847); first published 1847. Public domain.
The reading
Set the day down. Let this reading be the last word you hear before you rest.
No Gospel is published for this date.
John 20:24–29
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus arrived. Therefore, the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I will see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the place of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will not believe.” And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them. Jesus arrived, though the doors had been closed, and he stood in their midst and said, “Peace to you.” Next, he said to Thomas: “Look at my hands, and place your finger here; and bring your hand close, and place it at my side. And do not choose to be unbelieving, but faithful.” Thomas responded and said to him, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said to him: “You have seen me, Thomas, so you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Reflection
What stood out to you, even if you do not know why?
What would you like to tell Jesus?
Silence
Be quiet for a minute. Let Jesus have the last of the day.
Psalm
Psalm 130 (129):7
Ant. With you, Lord Jesus, there is room for everything I could not do right.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him there is bountiful redemption.
Ant. With you, Lord Jesus, there is room for everything I could not do right.
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 prepare for their upcoming wedding, 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 those who died today, give rest; for those who will wake to grief, give comfort.
R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.
Prayer on Fire intention
For our bishops and priests, that they may keep watch over your people and not lose heart.
R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.
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.
Jesus, light of the world, no night is dark enough to hide us from you. Be our light until morning. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.