“Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Collect:
Lord,
help us to do your will
that your Church may grow
and become more faithful in your service.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
The Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102; John 8:21-30
Daily Meditation:
May we be lifted up with you.
In the first reading, lifting up the image of a serpent
healed and protected the people during their
journey of liberation in the desert.
In the gospel, like a trial scene, Jesus is defending himself.
They want to know who he is.
They want to know him - but they resist knowing him.
He tells them that they’ll really know him
when he is “lifted up.“
They will lift him up on the cross, to be put to death.
God transformed that tragedy, by letting his death
“pay the price” for all of our sins.
When we look at a crucifix, we look at the image of
the one who is “lifted up” in Glory.
He is lifted up for our liberation from sin and death.
Let us give him thanks, from the bottom of our hearts.
Our celebration of our glorious salvation is near.
“When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.”
Put your hope in the Lord. Take courage and be strong. - Ps. 26:14
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Ps. 102:2
Closing Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have heard my complaints, my impatience.
Sometimes I become frightened when I move away from you.
Guide my heart back to you.
Help me to think beyond my own wants
and to desire only to do you will.
Thank you for the many blessings in my life
and for the ways I feel your presence.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.