Lent Week V

 Death  to  Resurrection

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains just a grain of wheat;

 but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

- John 12:20-33

 

As you take a stroll through the fields of your life during this fifth week of lent, take stock of your Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and goods works.  God molds the grains of these actions to produce a rich harvest and bring salvation to the world.

  

Listen      To today’s Gospel from Saint John

“Whoever serves me must follow me, 

and where I am, there also will my servant be.   

-John 12:20-33

Practice       Letting go of myself to reveal God’s Presence in the world.

Follow Jesus 

Follow your Lenten Practices: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Make Bread

Pray             Psalm 51   The Miserere Prayer of Repentance

  

Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;

in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.

Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me.

For I know my transgressions; my sin is always before me. 

Against you, you alone have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your eyes

So that you are just in your word, and without reproach in your judgment. 

Behold, I was born in guilt, in sin my mother conceived me. 

Behold, you desire true sincerity; and secretly you teach me wisdom.

Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; 

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 

You will let me hear gladness and joy; the bones you have crushed will rejoice.

Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my iniquities.

A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. 

Do not drive me from before your face, nor take from me your holy spirit. 

Restore to me the gladness of your salvation; uphold me with a willing spirit.

I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you.

Rescue me from violent bloodshed, God, my saving God,

and my tongue will sing joyfully of your justice. 

Lord, you will open my lips; and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it;

a burnt offering you would not accept. 

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;

a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.

Treat Zion kindly according to your good will;

build up the walls of Jerusalem. 

Then you will desire the sacrifices of the just,

burnt offering and whole offerings;

then they will offer up young bulls on your altar

Psalm 51  Create In Me a Clean Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7gaPcP9sz4