Ls Prayer Book

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A FOUR-WEEK LASALLIAN PRAYER CYCLE
&
NIGHT PRAYER SETTING
(Compiled by George Van Grieken FSC)
Produced for Use by The Brothers of the Christian Schools De La Salle Institute Napa, California
INDEX for the Four-Week Prayer Cycle

Morning Prayer WEEK I Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEK II Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEK III Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEK IV Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Pg. 190 Pg. 200 Pg. 211 Pg. 222 Pg. 233 Pg. 243 Pg. 185 Pg. 195 Pg. 205 Pg. 217 Pg. 227 Pg. 238 Pg. 133 Pg. 143 Pg. 154 Pg. 164 Pg. 175 Pg. 128 Pg. 138 Pg. 149 Pg. 160 Pg. 169 Pg. 180 Pg. 78 Pg. 88 Pg. 98 Pg. 108 Pg. 118 Pg. 73 Pg. 83 Pg. 93 Pg. 103 Pg. 113 Pg. 123 Pg. 21 Pg. 32 Pg. 42 Pg. 52 Pg. 62 Pg. 16 Pg. 27 Pg. 37 Pg. 47 Pg. 57 Pg. 68 Evening Prayer
NIGHT PRAYER Setting
THEMATIC SCHEMA FOR THE FOUR-WEEK CYCLE

Each Sunday follows a similar pattern of prayer and psalmody. The readings, music, and petitionary prayers, however, differ each week. WEEK I Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEK II Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEK III Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEK IV Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday PRESENCE OF GOD ASSOCIATION TEACHING GOD'S WILL RECONCILIATION PROVIDENCE OBEDIENCE LOVE IN ACTION THANKSGIVING JUSTICE ZEAL CHASTITY SERVICE OF THE POOR COMMUNITY COMMUNION OF SAINTS FAITH POVERTY APOSTOLATE CONSECRATION HOPE
INTRODUCTION
This book has two main sections. The first is a Four-Week Lasallian Prayer Cycle arranged according to various Lasallian themes. Both psalms, scriptures, readings, and music have been chosen with a particular aspect of Lasallian life in mind. The second consists of 16 short prayer services by Br. Edward Stopper FSC - chosen from a total of 48 prayer services that he has composed. They are based on St. John Baptist De La Salle's Meditations for the Time of Retreat. Each service revolves around one of the "points" of DLS's meditation, with attention given to a contemporary interpretation. The music for the Four-Week Cycle has been chosen so that even small communities and those with a limited repertoire can regularly sing at least the opening hymn. All morning hymns and all Monday - Thursday evening hymns follow a "Long Meter" or "LM" This means that any of their melodies are interchangeable and other melodies with a long meter (usually listed as "LM" in the back of hymnals) may be substituted for the ones given. At the very least, the tune of old 100th ("Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow") could be used each time. All psalms also have a musical setting. Ten tones are utilized. The two-measure tones come from Canto Di Lode, a resource used at the Motherhouse (Dante De Stefanis: EMP - Edizioni Messaggero - Padova). The three and four-measure tones come from those used at the Abbey of New Clairveaux (P.O. Box 80, Vina, CA 96092). In the psalm text, the underlined syllable represents the point where the first tone of the measure changes, each line generally taking one measure. The antiphons are similarly marked. With the four-measure tones, the psalm antiphons are marked according to the LAST two measures. Antiphons may also be chanted on a single tone. The leader is, of course, free to ignore any of this. But the chanting of psalms is both beautiful (after some practice) and fairly easy. Reading them out is something akin to reading out
"On Eagles' Wings", or some other contemporary piece of liturgical music. Psalms are simply meant to be sung. The book has been designed for the discretionary leader. One should not simply plow through it, one page after the other. Each prayer service has two antiphonal sections (in most cases the second one is not a psalm). It is suggested that one of these be chosen for communal use, the other being used during the next cycle. You may wish to vary the groups and/or individuals that alternate stanzas. The readings are really too long for the complete attention of even the most assiduous listener. Morning readings are generally from the Founder, and evening readings generally from the Rule. It is suggested that a paragraph or two be chosen by the leader. The rest can be used at another time or may provide a quiet resource for some during the reflection period which follows. (Or one might choose readings from the second set of prayer services and vice versa.) The prayers of petition may be eliminated in lieu of the personal petitions, and the final prayer could be said by the leader, although experience has shown that at that point in any prayer service few people are fully present, let alone listening attentively. The best alternative is for the leader to improvise a closing prayer which "collects" the prayers that have just been voiced. The provided beginnings and endings for morning and evening prayer may be used, if desired. It is strongly suggested that some sort of candle-lighting service be used at the start of Evening Prayer. The "Reflect briefly..." section sets the theme for the prayer service. It should generally not be voiced, although - again at the discretion of the leader - it may provide for a short period of vocal reflection by the assembly. (Evening Prayer for the 4th Friday is meant as a Reconciliation Service. Others may wish to include some way of voicing one's reconciliation concerns publicly.)
At the end of the book, a Night Prayer setting is included. This setting has been used at the Buttimer Institute for the last few years and has proven to be quite successful. Here again, choices must be made. Choose one of the psalm settings each time, and choose alternate readings if used frequently. Pauses are always helpful. The psalms are from The Psalms - An Inclusive Version (GIA Publications, Inc. Chicago, IL, 1983). These are popularly know as the Grail Psalms and are used with permission. The musical texts are from Hymnal of the Hours (GIA Publications, Inc., Chicago, IL, 1989). The musical melodies, save one which was newly composed by George Van Grieken FSC (Monday Evening Prayer, etc.), are found in all major hymnals. The readings are from Meditations for the Time of Retreat (St. Mary's College Press, Winona, MN, 1975), The Letters of John Baptist De La Salle (Lasallian Publications, Romeoville, IL, 1988) and The Rule of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Rome: Institutio Pio XI, 1987). Some of the prayers of petition are adapted from those found in Christian Prayer (Catholic Book Publishing Co.). All other prayers and petitions are by George Van Grieken FSC. All artwork is by Joseph Nguyen FSC. The cover shows a stained-glass window by Br. Edward Stopper FSC. This document was produced using the programs PageMaker, Microsoft Word, MusicProse, and Applescan on a MacIntosh computer. George Van Grieken FSC De La Salle Institute P.O. Box 3720 Napa, California 94558-0372 August, 1992
GUIDELINES FOR Morning Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Rising early the next morning, he went off to a lonely place in the desert; there he was absorbed in prayer. (Mk 1:35)
OPENING
Let us remember, That we are in the holy presence of God.
Slowly
# & #c
Let us
re - mem - ber;
? ## c
# & # ? ##

We are in the ho - ly

pre - sence

of

God.
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CALL TO PRAYER
(Optional for Special Occasions or Seasons) Monday: Lord, listen to my prayer. You are faithful and just; give answer. In the morning let me know your love for I put my trust in you. Make me know the way I should walk; to you I lift up my soul. Tuesday: To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my sighing. In the morning I offer you my prayer In the morning you hear me. Lead me, Lord, in your justice, make clear your way before me. Wednesday: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to proclaim your love in the morning. O Lord, how great are your works. How deep are your designs. The just will flourish like the palm tree. They will flourish in the courts of our God. Thursday: Awake, my soul; awake, lyre and harp. I will awake the dawn. I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples, among the nations I will praise you. For your love reaches to the heavens and your faithfulness to the skies.
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Friday: O Lord, you have been our refuge. You are God, without beginning or end. In the morning, fill us with your love; We shall exult and rejoice all our days. Show forth your work to your servants. Let the favor of the Lord be upon us. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Opening Hymn, etc. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
CLOSING
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. St. John Baptist De La Salle. Pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.
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GUIDELINES FOR Evening Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Stay with us. It is nearly evening - the day is practically over. (Lk 24:29)
OPENING
Let us remember, That we are in the holy presence of God. During the lighting of the candle(s):
LUX CHRISTI Setting by George Van Grieken, FSC
# & #c # & # .
(ALL:)
. U
(Cantor:) Je-sus Christ, our light and our peace;
Your ra- diance dis - pells all
darkness.
# & # . ##
(Cantor:) Praise God al-ways and
for every - thing.
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(ALL:) Thanks be to God now and ev - er - more.
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CALL TO PRAYER
(Optional for Special Occasions or Seasons) Sunday: O come, bless the Lord, all you who serve the Lord, Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord through the night. Monday: O Lord, you are my rock of refuge, the shield of my salvation. I have kept your ways, O Lord, and you requite me according to my justice. You are my lamp, O God. You brighten the darkness about me. Tuesday: Lord, listen to my prayer, turn your ear to my appeal. You search my heart and visit me by night, you hold me in the shadow of your wings. In my justice I shall see your face and be filled in the morning with your glory. Wednesday: Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord, God, how great you are, Clothed in majesty and glory, wrapped in light as in a robe! How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all.
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Thursday: Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. Friday: My soul, give thanks to the Lord all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. The love of the Lord is everlasting slow to anger and rich in mercy. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Opening Hymn, etc. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
CLOSING
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. St. John Baptist De La Salle. Pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.
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THE TONES
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Week I
Sunday Evening Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have drawn closer to God today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & c
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O Lord, Cre - a - tor of all things, The Un - to your courts may we ap - proach, The

You A -
&
source of day prize of life
and night, to win;
fashioned first of void - ing ev - 'ry
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all your works The e - vil path, O
dawn of ra - diant light. By keep us free from sin. O
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your command the day was named, From lov - ing Fa - ther, hear our prayer, Through
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dawn to dusk its span. As Christ, your on - ly Son, Who
dark-ness falls we with the Spir - it
place our lives With - in your gra - cious hand. ev - er lives, Three persons, God - head one.
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b &b b
(Ps. 141) Ant. My prayers rise like incense, my hands like an evening offering. I have called to you, Lord; hasten to help me! Hear my voice when I cry to you. Let my prayer arise before you like incense, the raising of my hands like an evening oblation. Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth; keep watch, O Lord, at the door of my lips! Do not turn my heart to things that are wrong, to evil deeds with those who are sinners. Never allow me to share in their feasting. If the upright strike or reprove me it is kindness; but let the oil of the wicked not anoint my head. Let my prayer be ever against their malice. To you, Lord God, my eyes are turned; in you I take refuge; spare my soul! From the trap they have laid for me keep me safe; keep me from the snares of those who do evil. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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b &b b
(Ps. 8) Ant. How great is you name, O Lord our God, through all the earth! Your majesty is praised above the heavens; on the lips of children and of babes you have found praise to foil your enemy, to silence the foe and the rebel. When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you arranged, what are we that you should keep us in mind, men and women that you care for us? Yet you have made us little less than gods; and crowned us with glory and honor, gave us power over the works of your hands, put all things under our feet. All of them sheep and cattle, yes, even the savage beasts, birds of the air, and fish that make their way through the waters. How great is your name, O Lord our God through all the earth! -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
(Choose all, part, or another)
That which is of the utmost importance, and to which the greatest attention should be given in an Institute is that all who compose it possess the spirit peculiar to it; and that those who are already members make it their first care to preserve and increase it in themselves; for it is this spirit that should animate all their actions, be the motive of their whole conduct; and those who do not possess it and those who have lost it, should be looked upon as dead members, and they should look upon themselves as such; because they are deprived of the life and grace of their state, and they should be convinced that it will be very difficult for them to preserve the grace of God. The spirit of this Institute is first, a spirit of faith, which should induce those who compose it not to look upon anything but with the eyes of faith, not to do anything but in view of God, and to attribute all to God... Secondly, the spirit of the Institute consists in an ardent zeal for the instruction of children, and for bringing them up in the fear of God, inducing them to preserve their innocence if they have not lost it... In order to enter into this spirit, the Brothers of the Society strive by prayer, instruction, and by their vigilance and good conduct in school, to procure the salvation of the children confided to their care, bringing them up in piety and in a truly Christian spirit, that is, according to the rules and maxims of the Gospel. (Rule of 1718) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION We give glory to the one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - praying with one voice: Lord, be with us throughout this night. Let the spirit of faith grow in our hearts, so that we may look upon everything with the eyes of faith. Help us to do all our work within your sight, and to attribute everything to your grace. Grant that we might have zeal for instruction, allowing your spirit to work through us. Bind us together in prayer and compassion, let your presence be found in our community. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of love and justice, look upon us who stand before you to do your work. Empower our lives to bring your presence to others, to teach them the way of your life. Make us worthy of our vocation and fulfill by your power every honest intention and work of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week I
Monday Morning Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might express our common faith this day. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & c
Lord Sun Lord Give
&
of all be - ing, throned a - far, Your of our life, your liv - ing ray Sheds of all life, be - low, a - bove, Whose us the grace to make us true, And
star; day; love; you,
Cen Star Be Till
&
glo - ry flames from sun and on our path the glow of light is truth, whose warmth is kin - dling hearts that burn for
ter of fore all
sphere, light throne claim
&
and soul of ev - 'ry our hope, your gen - tle the bril - liance of your your liv - ing al - tars
And Shall We One
near. night. own. flame.
yet to lov - ing ev - er cheer the ask no lus - ter ho - ly light, one
hearts how long - est of our heav'n - ly
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&
(Ps. 90)
Ant. In the morning, fill us with your love; Let the favor of the Lord be upon us. O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next. Before the mountains were born * or the earth or the world brought forth, you are God, without beginning or end. You turn us back into dust and say: Go back, children of the earth. To your eyes a thousand years * are like yesterday, come and gone, no more than a watch in the night. You sweep us away like a dream, like grass which springs up in the morning. In the morning it springs us and flowers; by evening it withers and fades. So we are destroyed in your anger, struck with terror in your fury. Our guilt lies open before you, our secrets in the light of your face. All our days pass away in your anger. Our life is over like a sigh. Our span is seventy years, or eighty for those who are strong.
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And most of these are emptiness and pain. They pass swiftly and we are gone. Who understands the power of your anger and fears the strength of your fury? Make us know the shortness of life that we may gain wisdom of heart. Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever? Show pity to your servants. In the morning, fill us with your love; we shall exult and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth your work to your servants; let your glory shine on your children. Let the favor of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
&
(Ps.62)
Ant. In God is my safety and glory, the rock of my strength. In God alone is my soul at rest, my help comes from him. He alone is my rock, my stronghold, my fortress; I stand firm. How long will you attack me to break me down, as though I were a tottering wall, or a tumbling fence?
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Their plan is only to destroy; they take pleasure in lies. With their mouth they utter blessing but in their heart they curse. In God alone be at rest, my soul; for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock, my stronghold, my fortress; I stand firm. In God is my safety and glory, the rock of my strength. Take refuge in God, all you people. Trust him at all times. Pour out your hearts before him for God is our refuge. Common folk are only a breath, the great are an illusion. Placed in the scales, they rise; they weigh less than a breath. Do not put your trust in oppression nor vain hopes on plunder. Do not set your heart on riches even when they increase. For God has said only one thing; only two do I know: that to God alone belongs power and to you, Lord, love; and that you repay us all according to our deeds. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
(All, part, or another)
I shall always consider the establishment and the direction of our community as the work of God. That is why I have entrusted it to his care, in such a way that as far as I am concerned, I shall do nothing that concerns the Institute except by his orders. For that reason I shall always consult extensively concerning what I ought to do. I will often speak to God in the words of the prophet Habacuc: Domine opus tuum. [Lord, the work is yours.] (Retreat Resolution) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION We esteem Christ above all, for he was filled with grace and the Holy Spirit. In faith let us ask him: Give us your Spirit, Lord. Grant us a day of faith and zeal, when evening comes we will praise you with joy and wholeness of heart. Let your splendor rest upon us today, direct the work of our hands. May each of our tasks this day show forth the light of our faith, that all might give you glory. Join our thoughts and prayers as one, help us touch the hearts of others. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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All: Father, may everything we do begin with your inspiration and continue with your sustaining help. Let our work always find its origin in you as we carry Christ with us today. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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Week I
Monday Evening Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have expressed our common faith today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
b &b 3 4

O Up For Let -
&b
splen - dor on the give the heav - en's
of e - ter - nal twi - light cha - os sins we can - not Spir - it pulse with -
&b
light, Who played Your bear, Lest, in To
in full glo - ry Wis - dom form - ing o - ver - whelmed by purge the mem - o
dwell on night and earth - ly - ry of
&b
high! The world be - gan as light from day. As night de - scends to you we care, The mind for - get e - ter - nal sin; Thus, cast - ing off for - get - ful
Light, sing life, night,
All To And We
sight. wing. light. light.
goodness in the Fa - ther's hov - er near on brood - ing dwell in ex - ile from its rise en - robed with first - born
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(PS. 19B) Ant. The courts of heaven resound with the praise of our God. The law of the Lord is perfect, it revives the soul. The rule of the Lord is to be trusted, it gives wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever. The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just. They are more to be desired than gold, than the purest gold and sweeter are they than honey, than honey from the comb. So in them your servant finds instruction; great reward is in their keeping. But can we discern all our errors? From hidden faults acquit us. From presumption restrain your servant and let it not rule me. Then shall I be blameless, clean from grave sin.
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May the spoken words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart, win favor in your sight, O Lord, my rescuer, my rock! -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Mark 10: 4652) Ant. In God is my safety and glory, the rock of my strength. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, son of David, have pity on me. Many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, Son of David, have pity on me. Jesus stopped and said, Call him. So they called the blind man, saying to him, Take courage; get up, he is calling you. He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, What do you want me to do for you? The blind man replied to him, Master, I want to see.
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Jesus told him, Go your way; your faith has saved you. Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) The spirit of this Institute is a spirit of faith which leads the Brothers to look upon everything with the eyes of faith, to do everything in view of God and to attribute all to God. It is by faith that the Brothers judge all earthly realities in the light of the Gospel. It is by faith that the Brothers, cooperators with Jesus Christ, consecrate their whole existence to the building up of the kingdom of God through the service of education. It is by faith that the Brothers are aware of Gods presence in their undertakings, their cares and their joys. It is by faith that the Brothers learn to see in every happening and in every person, especially in the poor, a sign and a call of the Spirit. (art. 5) To acquire and to live by the spirit of their institute, the Brothers find endless sustenance in studying, meditating and sharing among themselves the word of God. They have a profound respect for Holy Scripture, especially the Gospel, their first and principal Rule. By a spirit of prayer and an attentiveness to the presence of God, the Brothers remain sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads them to an ever deeper appreciation of the realities of faith.... (art. 6) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION God has made an everlasting covenant with those who have been blessed. Grateful for these gifts, we confidently pray: Lord, bless your people. Grant us the faith to move mountains, even faith as small as a mustard seed. Give our students and our loved ones a share in divine life, let them be symbols of Christ before all. Show your love to those who are suffering, open the eyes of all to the hidden depths of your life. Be the faith that binds us all as one, the author of true unity. (Personal Intentions & Prayers)
Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: O God, your spirit of faith dwells within us; it leads us to regulate our conduct in all things by the sentiments and truths that faith teaches us. Help us to be wholly occupied in acquiring this spirit, so that it may be for us a shield against all opposition and a source of strength. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week I
Tuesday Morning Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might respond to the call to poverty today.
# & #3 4
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
We bless you, Fa - ther, Lord of We give you thanks, Re - deem- ing Come, Ho - ly spir - it, search- ing We praise you, Trin - i - ty in
life, To Christ, Who fire, Whose One, Sub -
# & #
liv weight e maj -
whom all bore our flame all lime in
ing be - ings tend, The of sin and shame; In vil burns a - way, With es - ty and might, Who
# & #
source dark light reign
# & #
of ho - li de - feat, you and love come for ev - er,
ness and grace, Our con-quered sin, And down to us In Lord of all, In
first death, si splen -
be by lence dor
gin - ning and our end. dy - ing, o - ver - came. and in peace to stay. and un - end - ing Light.
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&
(Ps. 65) Ant. Consider the lilies of the field, they neither toil nor spin. To you our praise is due in Zion, O God. To you we pay our vows, you who hear our prayer. To you all flesh will come with its burden of sin. Too heavy for us, our offences, but you wipe them away. Blessed those whom you choose and call to dwell in your courts. We are filled with the blessings of your house, of your holy temple. You keep your pledge with wonders, O God our savior, the hope of all the earth and of far distant isles. You uphold the mountains with your strength, you are girded with power. You still the roaring of the seas, and the tumult of the peoples. The ends of the earth stand in awe at the sight of your wonders. The lands of sunrise and sunset you fill with your joy.
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You care for the earth, give it water; you fill it with riches. Your river in heaven brims over to provide its grain. And thus you provide for the earth; you drench its furrows; you level it, soften it with showers; you bless its growth. You crown the year with your goodness. Abundance flows in your steps; in the pastures of the wilderness your abundance flows. The hills are girded with joy, the meadows covered with flocks, the valleys are decked with wheat. They shout for joy, yes, they sing. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Luke 12: 16-21) Ant. Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself,What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest? And he said,This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods. And I shall say to myself, Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!
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But God said to him, You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong? Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose, all, part, or another) The poverty which Jesus practised so strikingly at His birth should induce us to have a great love for this virtue, for it was to make us love it that Jesus was born in this condition. Let us not be astonished, therefore, when we lack something, even what is necessary, since Jesus, at His birth, was deprived of everything. ... Apart from the poor shepherds, nobody thought of Jesus being born. It would even seem as if God did not wish the rich and the great to have access to Him, for the angel, in announcing His coming, gave the shepherds as the only sign by which they would know Him the state of poverty and abjection in which they would find Him... Nothing so attracts souls to God as the poverty and humility of those who try to lead them to Him. For what, indeed, do the shepherds praise and bless God, if not for the fact that they had found a poor child lying in a crib? ... Rest assured that so long as you have a sincere love for poverty and for all that is humiliating [in the eyes of the world], you will produce fruit in souls ... But if, on the contrary, you do not resemble Christ at His birth by these two outstanding virtues, you will be little known and little employed; you will be neither loved nor appreciated by the poor, and you will never be for them a savior, as your profession requires, for you can attract them to God only in so far as you resemble Jesus at His birth. (Med. 102) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
36
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Brothers, we share a heavenly calling under Christ. Let us praise him together: Lord, our God and Savior, be in our hearts. Through baptism you made us one in faith, inspire us to act out of that faith. Help us to follow your example of poverty, may the the Holy Spirit live in all that we do. Give us your eternal wisdom and loving zeal, be with us today to guide us. Let us see your presence in the poor, open our eyes to the poverty that surrounds us. May our companions today be free of sorrow, and filled with compassion. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Help us, Jesus, to embrace that same simple style of life that you chose for yourself. Help us to give cheerfully and generously, to respect the dignity of those who are poor, suffering, or oppressed, and to be rich in all that truly matters. We ask this in your name. Amen.
37
Week I
Tuesday Evening Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have lived our vow of poverty today.
j &3 4
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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&
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poise the dis - tant stars that whirl sun and moon whose mo - tions bring find a meas - ure for the months raise the weight of sin be - fore
&
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blind - ing to the pass a spir - it
38
b &b b
(Ps.84) Ant. My soul is longing for the riches of the living God. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of hosts. Happy are those who trust in you, Lord, God of hosts. My soul is longing and yearning, is yearning for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my soul ring out their joy to God, the living God. The sparrow herself finds a home and the swallow a nest for her brood; she lays her young by your altars, Lord of hosts, my king and my God. They are happy, who dwell in your house, for ever singing your praise. They are happy, whose strength is in you, in whose hearts are the roads to Zion. As they go through the Bitter Valley they make it a place of springs. They walk with ever growing strength, they will see the God of gods in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer, give ear, O God of Jacob. Turn your eyes, O God, our shield, look on the face of your anointed.
39
One day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. The threshold of the house of God I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked. For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield; he will give us his favor and glory. The Lord will not refuse any good to those who walk without blame. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Luke 12:22-31) Ant. Where your treasure is, there also will be your heart. I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds! Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span? If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest? Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them.
40
If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the fire tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore. All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) By their poverty lived according to the gospel, the Brothers become poor in order to follow Christ who was poor and in order to serve better all persons as their brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. They are convinced that if they were to fill their hearts with the goods of this earth, they would close themselves off from God and become as strangers to the poor. The spiritual journey of John Baptist de La Salle, their Father, as well as their solidarity with people today and the needs of the Church, motivate the Brothers to cultivate within themselves the disposition of a poor person. By such a conversion, they witness to the fact that God is their only wealth. The Brothers live simply as persons of ordinary means, having everything in common. They provide for the livelihood of the community through their work. They decide together the guidelines for the best use of their resources. (art. 32) (Pause for reflection)
41
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us praise Christ the Lord, who lives among us within those who are most in need. Let us pray: Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, be with your people this evening, especially with the poor and the homeless. Let our efforts of this day become signs of grace, to those who are poor in spirit. May our young people be brought to your presence, help us to be true instruments of your spirit. May they imitate your example living in us, and grow in wisdom and grace. Accept our community in all its poverty, help us to be a sign of your wealth. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of all power and might, you are the author and giver of all good things. Bind our hearts to love you alone and nourish us with the treasures of your goodness. Then may we bring forth the splendor of your riches in all our works and labors, resting wholly within your bountiful presence. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week I
Wednesday Morning Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might live out our common apostolate today.. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & #c # & #
I sing as I a - rise to - day! I call upThe word of God to be my speech, The hand of

to to
# & #
on the God to
Fa-ther's might: The will of God be my stay, The shield of God
be my guide, The eye of God to be my sight. be my strength, The path of God to be my way.
43
&
(Ps. 92)
Ant. We acclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your truth in the watches of the night, on the ten-stringed lyre and the lute, with the murmuring sound of the harp. Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad; for the work of your hands I shout with joy. O Lord, how great are your works! How deep are your designs! The stupid cannot know this and the foolish cannot understand. Though the wicked spring up like grass and all who do evil thrive, they are doomed to be eternally destroyed. But you, Lord, are eternally on high. See how your enemies perish; all doers of evil are scattered. To me you give the wild oxs strength; you anoint me with the purest oil. My eyes looked in triumph on my foes; my ears heard gladly of their fall. The just will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a Lebanon cedar.
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Planted in the house of the Lord they will flourish in the courts of our God, still bearing fruit when they are old, still full of sap, still green, to proclaim that the Lord is just. In him, my rock, there is no wrong. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Wisdom 9:1-6,9-11) Ant. Wisdom of God, be with me, always at work in me. God of my fathers, Lord of mercy, you who have made all things by your word and in your wisdom have established us to rule the creatures produced by you, to govern the world in holiness and justice, and to render judgment in integrity of heart: Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne, and reject me not from among your children; for I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, a man weak and short-lived and lacking in comprehension of judgement and of laws. Indeed, though one be perfect among the sons of men, if Wisdom, who comes from you, be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem. Now with you is Wisdom, who knows your works and was present when you made the world; who understands what is pleasing in your eyes and what is conformable with your commands.
45
Send her forth from your holy heavens and from your glorious throne dispatch her that she may be with me and work with me, that I may know what is your pleasure. For she knows and understands all things, and will guide me discreetly in my affairs and safeguard me by her glory. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) Jesus compares those who have care of souls to a good shepherd who is very careful of his sheep. One of the qualities which Our Lord says distinguishes him is that he knows them all individually. This is also one of the essential qualities required of those who instruct others, for they must get to know their pupils, and discern the manner in which to act towards them. Some require great mildness, while others need to be directed with firmness. Some require patience; others need to be goaded on. It is necessary to punish and reprehend some, in order to correct their defects, whereas others need to be continually watched less they should wander and perish. This varied conduct must depend upon knowledge and discernment of character, and this grace you must beg of God most earnestly, as being one of the most essential for you in the direction of those over whom you have charge. (Meditation 33.1) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
46
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us give thanks to Christ and offer him continual praise, for he sanctifies us and calls us to new life: Lord, help us to grow in holiness. We dedicate this day to your resurrection, bring our works of faith to life. As we speak of your love, you renew each day, renew us for the sake of your glory. Teach us today to recognize your presence in all whom we encounter, especially in the poor and those most in need. Grant that we may live in peace with those who share our work, help us to be ministers of your peace. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of compassion, you are the perfect teacher. Live in our hearts through faith so that you may grow strong within us. Then, rooted in love, we will have the strength to grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth of your wisdom; so that, knowing your love, which is beyond knowledge, we may be filled with your life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week I
Wednesday Evening Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have lived out our common apostolate today.
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Who, rob - ing May gen - tly And let our God, o - ver
day with calm the deep - est all, whom
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night. rest. dore. pray.
light, Have clothed in breast, And lull our soar Be - fore the bey, Shield us, great
soft re - pose the anx - ious grief to God whom we a Trin - i - ty, we
48
&
(Ps. 36) Ant. You are a light to my eyes and a lamp for my feet.
Your love, Lord, reaches to heaven, your truth to the skies. Your justice is like Gods mountain, your judgments like the deep. To mortals and beasts you give protection. O Lord, how precious is your love. My God, the children of the earth find refuge in the shelter of your wings. They feast on the riches of your house; they drink from the stream of your delight. In you is the source of life and in your light we see light. Keep on loving those who know you, doing justice for upright hearts. Let the foot of the proud not crush me nor the hand of the wicked cast me out. See how the evildoers fall! Flung down, they shall never arise. Your love, Lord, reaches to heaven; your truth to the skies.
49
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Ezekiel 36:24-28) Ant. I will create a new heart in you, and breathe into you a new spirit. I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees. You shall live in the land I gave your fathers; you shall be my people, and I will be your God. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
By virtue of their mission, the Brothers establish schools and cooperate in creating educational communities inspired by the vision of St. John Baptist de La Salle. The educational policies of Lasallian institutions are centered on the young, adapted to the times in which they live, and designed to prepare them to take their place in society. These institutions are characterized by the determination to make the means of salvation available to young people through a quality education and by an explicit proclamation of Jesus Christ.... The Brothers consider their professional work as a ministry. They are attentive to each of their students and especially to those most in need. They make themselves available to all in an attitude of brotherly companionship, helping them to discover, appreciate and assimilate both human and gospel values. The Brothers help young people to grow as persons who are called to realize more and more that they are children of God. (art. 13) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
51
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION In all that we do, let the name of the Lord be praised: Lord, show us your love. Remember, God, your faithful ones, help us to grow in the challenges of your love. Grant success to the work of our hands, may your light shine out in all that we do. Console those who deal with daily hardships, preserve the dignity of all workers. Strengthen our association, unite us in heart, mind and will. (Personal Intentions & Prayers)
Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: You, O God, are a light for our eyes and a lamp for our feet. Place within us a new heart and a new spirit, so that all of our actions and thoughts are directed with love for you. Your power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Fill us with your mercy and preserve us in your grace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
52
Week I
Thursday Morning Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might live our consecration today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & c
Lord, At To May
meet pray; grant Name
All Each Rich Sing
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in your name your tend when un - to all your faith - ful all who love your
people you we people ho - ly
thanks si bless praise
to lent ings to
&
your a - bun - dant sup - pli - ca - tion from your bound - less you with glad - some
grace! With heed; O store. Lord, voice; Let
&
rev - 'rent God and with your all who
fear we wor - ship you In King, hear our ap - peal And mer - cy gird us round; Your build their trust on you Now
dwell time ev and
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this your cho - sen aid us in our fa - vor shield us mag - ni - fy you,
53
&b
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Ps. 147) Ant. We hold a treasure in earthen vessels, a dwelling place for God. Praise the Lord for he is good; sing to our God for he is loving: * to him our praise is due. The Lord builds up Jerusalem and brings back Israels exiles, he heals the broken-hearted, he binds up all their wounds. He fixes the number of the stars; he calls each one by its name. Out Lord is great and almighty; his wisdom can never be measured. The Lord raises the lowly; he humbles the wicked to the dust. O sing to the Lord, giving thanks; sing psalms to our God with the harp. He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares the rain for the earth, making mountains sprout with grass and with plants to serve our needs. He provides the beasts with their food and young ravens that call upon him.
54
His delight is not in horses nor his pleasure in warriors strength. The Lord delights in those who revere him, in those who wait for his love. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Colossians 1:12-20) Ant. Through him all things were made; all creation is held together in him. Let us give thanks to the Father for having made you worthy to share the lot of the saints in light. He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creatures. In him everything in heaven and on earth was created, things visible and invisible. All were created through him; all were created for him. He is before all else that is. In him everything continues in being. It is he who is head of the body, the church! he who is the beginning, the first-born of the dead, so that primacy may be his in everything.
55
It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of his cross. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) God is so good that He not only brings us into existence by His act of creation but also desires that all of us come to the knowledge of truth. This truth is God Himself and all that He has willed to reveal to us through Jesus Christ, through His apostles, and through His church. God desires all of us to be taught this knowledge, that our minds may be enlightened by the light of faith. We cannot be taught the mysteries of our religion unless we have the good fortune to hear about them, and we cannot have this advantage unless someone preaches the word of God. How can they believe, the Apostle says, unless they have heard of him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach? God diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge throughout the world by human ministers. Just as He commanded light to shine out of darkness, so He also kindles a light in the hearts of those whom He has called to announce His word to children, to enlighten them by making the glory of God known to them. Since God in His mercy has given you such a ministry, do not falsify His word but gain glory before Him by proclaiming His truth to those whom you are called to teach. Let this be your continual effort in the lessons you give them, looking upon yourselves as the ministers of God and the administrators of His mysteries. (MTR 1.1) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
56
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION The Lord Jesus Christ has given us the light of another day. Lord, bless us and bring us closer to you. You consecrated your life as a ransom for many, renew our dedication to the apostolate. You bring us joy by the light of another day, let the morning star of faith rise in our hearts. Give us strength to be patient with those we meet today, and thereby imitate your patience with us. Make us aware of the needs in our community, and let your guidance be our delight. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Loving God, all creation has been gathered up in Jesus Christ. All knowledge and love come from him and return to him. Take our lives and our hearts into your hands. Help us to be worthy of your blessings. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
57
Week I
Thursday Evening Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have lived our consecration today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & 3 . 4
Lord Je - sus Lord Je - sus Im - mor - tal,
Christ, a - bide with Christ, grant us your Ho - ly Three - fold
&
# .

its shall and
us, Now that the peace, And when the Light, Yours be the
sun has run trials of earth kingdom, pow'r
&
course; Let hope not cease; Grant us the might; All glo - ry
be ob - scured by morn - ing light of be e - ter - nal -
&
. .
night But may faith's darkness be as light. grace, The ra - diant splendor of your face. ly To you, life - giv - ing Trin - i - ty!
58
b &b b
(Ps. 131) Ant. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me. Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace. A weaned child on its mothers breast, even so is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and for ever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
59
(Ephesians 1:3-10) Ant. God chose us through Jesus Christ to become adopted children. Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens. God chose us in him before the world began to be holy and blameless in his sight He predestined us to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, such was his will and pleasure, that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us in his beloved. In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is Gods favor to us. God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ. A plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time, to bring all things into one in him, in the heavens and on earth. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
60
READING
In response to the call of the Holy Spirit, each Brother, freely, and without any thought of turning back, bases his whole existence on the gospel in order to follow Jesus Christ. Accordingly, he consecrates himself entirely to the Holy Trinity to procure the glory of God in the ministry of Christian education. Religious consecration gives meaning to the specific commitments which it inspires and brings into unity the successive moments in the life of the Brother. (art. 22) The call to religious profession is an invitation to the Brothers to deepen the rich meaning of their baptism and to express it by accepting the new demands that are made upon them. They strive more and more to die to sin and to live for God in Jesus Christ. In this way they are for all people witnesses to the transcendence of the Kingdom of God. The Brothers live out their consecration in a community of the Church.... (art. 23) Religious consecration establishes an intimate communion between the person of each Brother and that of Jesus Christ. This consecration is expressed by vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, association for the service of the poor through education, and stability in the Institute. As religious vowed to the ministry of Christian education, the first apostolate of the Brothers consists in the witness of their consecrated life. (art. 24) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
61
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Our hope is in God, who blesses us each day. Let us call upon him and say: Look kindly on you sons and daughters. Lord, our God, your covenant is eternal, keep us ever mindful of your faithful deeds. Be with us in our work of building up your body, that in building we may not labor in vain. Send workers into your vineyard, and glorify your name in all who follow you. Help us to grow toward perfect love, preserve our unity with the bond of peace. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of all the living, we pray that we may know you and love you; that we may always rejoice in you. Let us go steadily on to the day when we come to that fullness which has neither end nor beginning, when our joy will be complete and we will see you face to face. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
62
Week I
Friday Morning Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we can bring hope to our challenges today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
&c
Lord Fresh O Praise
God of hopes have Lord of God, our
morn - ing and of night, We wak- ened in the heart, Fresh light, your love a - lone Can mak - er and our friend; Praise
&
your our man till
gifts dai hearts time
thank you for force to do make our hu God through time,
of light; As ly part; In your own; Be shall end; Till
&
in the peace - ful ev - er psalm and
dawn of sleep our with us, song God's
shad - ows fly, We strength re - store, Through Lord, that we Your name a - dore, Through
&
seem to find you out the day to bless - ed face one heav'n's great day of
now more nigh. serve you more. day may see. ev - er - more.
63
&
(Ps. 42) Ant. When shall I come into your presence, and see you face to face? Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God. My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God? My tears have become my bread, by night, by day, as I hear it said all the day long: Where is your God? These things will I remember as I pour out my soul: how I would lead the rejoicing crowd into the house of God. Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God; I will praise him still, my savior and my God. My soul is cast down within me as I think of you, from the country of Jordan and Mount Hermon, from the Hill of Mizar.
64
Deep is calling on deep, in the roar of waters; your torrents and all your waves swept over me. By day the Lord will send his loving kindness; by night I will sing to him, praise the God of my life. I will say to God, my rock: Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning oppressed by the foe? With cries that pierce me to the heart, my enemies revile me, saying to me all the day long: Where is your God? Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God; I will praise him still, my savior and my God. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Romans 5: 15, 8, 10) Ant. Our hope lies in the Lord, our faith in Christ, our Savior. Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand. And we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. If, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
Be convinced of what St. Paul says, that you plant and water the seed, but it is God through Jesus Christ Who makes it grow, that He is the One Who brings your work to fulfillment. So, when you encounter some difficulty in the guidance of your disciples, when there are some who do not profit from your teaching and you observe a reckless spirit in them, turn to God with confidence. Earnestly ask Jesus Christ to make his Spirit come alive in you, since he has chosen you to do his work. Consider Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd of the gospel seeking the lost sheep, placing it upon his shoulders, and bringing it back to the fold. Since you are taking his place, look upon yourself as obliged to do the same thing. Ask him for the grace needed to bring about the conversion of the hearts of those in your care. You must, then, devote yourself very thoroughly to prayer in order to succeed in your ministry. You must constantly represent the needs of your disciples to Jesus Christ, explaining to him the difficulties you experience in guiding them. Jesus Christ, seeing that you regard him as the one who can do everything and yourself as an instrument to be moved only by him, will not fail to grant you what you ask. (MTR 4.1) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Through his cross the Lord Jesus brought salvation to us all. We adore him in faith and call out to him: Lord, pour out your mercy upon us. Christ, our rising sun, warm us with your grace, and keep our faith from every danger. Guard our thoughts, words, and actions, be our shield and refuge. Through your cross and resurrection, fill us with the consolation of your spirit. Help us to bear one anothers burdens, and carry your cross among one other. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Ever-loving God, we need only to present ourselves before you to find comfort for our afflictions. No matter what difficulties we may experience, you are always ready to help us do what is good. To you do we turn in our doubts and indecisions. You are our refuge when grinding burdens overwhelm us. It is you who inspires and strengthens us when we find ourselves empty of courage. Take our hope and bring it to completion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week I
Friday Evening Prayer

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have brought hope to our challenges today.
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&
(Ps. 22: 122) Ant. Your strength renews our heart, as we place our hope in you. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? You are far from my plea and the cry of my distress. O my God, I call by day and you give no reply; I call by night and find no peace. Yet you, O God, are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our forebears put their trust; they trusted and you set them free. All who see me deride me. They curl their lips, they toss their heads. He trusted in the Lord, let him save him: let him release him if this is his friend. Yet, it was you who took me from the womb, entrusted me to my mothers breast. To you I was committed from my birth, from my mothers womb you have been my God. Do not leave me alone in my distress; Come close, there is none else to help. Like water I am poured out, disjointed are all my bones.
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My heart has become like wax, it is melted within my breast. Parched as burnt clay is my throat, my tongue cleaves to my jaws. Many dogs have surrounded me, a band of the wicked beset me. They tear holes in my hands and my feet and lay me in the dust of death. I can count every one of my bones. These people stare at me and gloat; they divide my clothing among them. They cast lots for my robe. O Lord, do not leave me alone, my strength, make haste to help me! Rescue my soul from the sword, You are my salvation. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Ps. 22: 2330) Ant. O God, you are my strength, your love alone upholds me. I will tell of your name to my people and praise you where they are assembled. You who fear the Lord give him praise; * all children of Jacob, give him glory. Revere him, children of Israel. For he has never despised nor scorned the poverty of the poor. From them he has not hidden his face, but he heard the poor when they cried.
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You are my praise in the great assembly. My vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and shall have their fill. They shall praise the Lord, those who seek him. All the earth shall remember and return to the Lord, all families of the nations worship before him; for the kingdom is the Lords, he is ruler of the nations. They shall worship him, all the mighty of the earth. And my soul shall live for him, my children serve him. They shall tell of the Lord to generations yet to come, declare his faithfulness to peoples yet unborn: These things the Lord has done. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) Every culture needs to be evangelized. The Brothers make every effort to get to know, to respect and to assimilate the positive values of the cultural heritage of the people where they are located and whom they are called to serve. With joy and hope the Brothers discover there the signs of the presence of the Spirit. They ensure that the ferment of the gospel renews and enriches this cultural heritage... (art. 18) The Brothers have a special devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ and of the Church. They discover the meaning of their own consecration in the total Yes that she spoke to God. They learn from her how to be docile towards the Spirit who brings them to the likeness of Christ by faith, hope, and love, and so leads them towards the Father from whom all good flows and to whom all apostolic activity is directed. (art. 76) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Blessed by God, who hears the prayers of the needy, and fills the hungry with good things. Let us pray in confidence: Lord, show us your mercy. Merciful Father, upon the cross Jesus offered you the perfect sacrifice of himself, we pray for all who suffer out of love. Release our troubles from the bondage of skepticism, give sight to those who are blinded by fear. Let your merciful presence be with us, Lord, for we labor in your vineyard. Clothe our community with your robe of salvation, save us from deception and malice. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Grant to us, Lord, the spirit to always think and do what is right. May we, who cannot exist without you, be enabled to live according to your will . In the person of Mary, let us find an example of confident hope, remaining open to the spirit working in our lives and drawing us out in the challenges that we face. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have come into God's presence today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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O Lord of light, who Who poised the struc - ture Let not our hearts weighed But rath - er raise our
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world of clay, death of light. gift of peace. love has sealed.
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READING
The words of St. John Baptist de La Salle are still true: The need for this Institute is very great. The young, the poor, the world and the Church still need the ministry of the Brothers. Despite the difficulties which they meet, the Brothers know, in faith, that God does not abandon his work but that it pleases him, to make it bear fruit day by day. (art. 141) The life and development of the Institute depend primarily on the mystery of the and the power of grace. By the gift of freedom, however, the Lord has willed to place the destiny of the Institute into the hands of the Brothers who are committed to work together so that it will prosper and remain faithful to its mission. It is above all to Jesus Christ, to his gospel and to his Spirit that the Brothers are faithful. (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION We give glory to the one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - praying with one voice: Lord, stay with us throughout this coming week. Let the spirit of faith increase within our hearts, may look upon everything with the eyes of faith. You do not abandon your work in us, make it bear fruit day by day. Grant that your grace may increase our zeal, let your holy spirit be part of all that we do. Increase our commitment and life together, be present within our community. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of love and justice, look upon us who stand before you to do your work. Increase our vitality to do your work, to teach others the way of true life. Make us worthy of our vocation and fulfill by your power every sincere intention and work of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might be zealous in our efforts today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Ps. 5)
Ant. Zeal for your house consumes me, strengthen your servant in peace. To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my groaning. Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God. It is you whom I invoke, O Lord. In the morning you hear me; in the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting. Your are no God who loves evil; no sinner is your guest. The boastful shall not stand their ground before your face. You hate all who do evil; you destroy all who lie. Deceitful and bloodthirsty people are hateful to you, O Lord. But I through the greatness of your love have access to your house. I bow down before your holy temple, filled with awe. Lead me, Lord in your justice, because of those who lie in wait; make clear your way before me. Lead me in your justice.
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No truth can be found in their mouths, their heart is all mischief, their throat a wide-open grave, all honey their speech. Declare them guilty, O God. Let them fail in their designs. Drive them out for their many offenses, for they have defied you. All those you protect shall be glad and ring out their joy. You shelter them; in you they rejoice, those who love your name. Lord, it is you who bless the upright: you surround them with favor as with a shield. Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Matthew 5:1316) Ant. Your light must shine before others, that they may glorify Gods goodness. You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor does anyone light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
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it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) What ought to encourage you to have much zeal in your vocation is the fact that you are not only the ministers of God, but also of Jesus Christ and of the church. This is what St. Paul says when he expresses the wish that men should regard those who announce the gospel as ministers of Jesus Christ, whole role it is to write the letter dictated by Christ, not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh which are the hearts of children. ... For this reason, and in this spirit, you must have the love and the glory of God as your single aim in teaching these children, since the love of God impels you. ... This is what your zeal must inspire in your disciples, God as it were appealing through you, since you are ambassadors of Christ. ... Let your zeal give tangible proof that you love those whom God has entrusted to you just as Jesus Christ has loved his church ... It is for you to give them this education and training, so that they may become heirs of the kingdom of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord... Tell the parents ... what Jesus Christ said about the flock which he shepherds and saves: I came that they might have life and have it to the full. For this was the kind of ardent zeal you had for the salvation of those you teach, when you were led to sacrifice yourself and to spend your whole life to
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give these children a Christian education and to procure for them the life of grace in this world and eternal life in the next. (Meditation 9.2) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Our Savior has made us into a community of faith, hope, and love. Let us call upon him: Preserve us in our ministry, Lord. Christ, eternal teacher, you sent us to teach all the nations, grant us the grace to spread your gospel. In your goodness, pour your spirit upon us, enliven the zeal of our hearts. Walk with us today in all that we do, let us find your presence in each person we meet. Give us unity in purpose and in labor, form us into your one body. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: My God, we offer you all the thoughts, words, and actions of this day, that they may be wholly consecrated to you and that they may procure the fullness of your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have been zealous in our efforts today.
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&
(Ps. 135)
Ant. You grace us with your goodness and call us to new life. Praise the name of the Lord, praise him servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the Lord for the Lord is good. Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his own possession. For I know the Lord is great, that our Lord is high above all gods. The Lord does whatever he wills, in heaven, on earth, in the seas. He summons the clouds from all the ends of the earth; makes lightning produce the rain; from his treasuries sends forth the wind. The first-born of the Egyptians he smote, of humans and beasts alike. Signs and wonders he worked in the midst of your land, O Egypt. Nations in their greatness he struck and kings in their splendor he slew. He let Israel inherit their land; on his people their land he bestowed.
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Lord, your name stands for ever, unforgotten from age to age, for the Lord does justice for his people; the Lord takes pity on his servants. Pagan idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths but they cannot speak; they have eyes but they cannot see. They have ears but they cannot hear; there is never a breath on their lips. Their makers will come to be like them and so will all who trust in them! House of Israel, bless the Lord! You who fear him, bless the Lord! From Zion may the Lord be blessed, he who dwells in Jerusalem. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Romans 12:918, 2021) Ant. Let your hearts be filled with zeal, and your minds with the mind of Christ. Let your love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
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Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, of another) The spirit of faith kindles in the Brothers an ardent zeal for those confided to their care in order to open their hearts to receive the salvation revealed in Jesus Christ. This zeal, enlivened by the Holy Spirit, inspires their apostolic prayer and all the activities of their educational ministry. In this way they participate in the gospel mission of the Church. Through the promotion of justice and peace they cooperate in the building up of the kingdom of God.... (art. 7) As ministers of God and of the Church, desirous of touching hearts, the Brothers accomplish their mission with the ardent zeal that the work of the Lord requires. Urged on by this zeal, and with the mind of Christ the servant of all, they generously place at the disposal of those whom God has entrusted to them, their time, their talents and their energy. For this reason, they constantly seek to improve their competence, the quality of their relationships, the witness of
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their life, and the vigor of their faith. The entire life of the Brothers is transformed by the presence of the Lord who calls, consecrates, sends, and saves. (art. 21) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us praise Christ, who loves, nourishes, and supports his disciples. With faith let us pray to him: Answer the prayers of your people, Lord. Strengthen our faith with vigor, help us bring our convictions to action. Help our relationships grow in quality, bring us into the life of the Trinity. Remember those who long for honest work, may all who labor with us find fulfillment. Lord, bring us ever closer to yourself, let the witness of your life be seen in ours. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Almighty God, keep us in your steadfast faith and love. Grace us with your goodness as you call us to greater zeal and fuller love. May we proclaim your truth with boldness and minister your justice with compassion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might discover the graces of chastity today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & # 3 4
We bless you, Fa - ther, Lord of life, To We give you thanks, Re - deem- ing Christ, Who Come, Ho - ly spir - it, search- ing fire, Whose We praise you, Trin - i - ty in One, Sub -
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liv weight e maj -
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end. came. stay. Light.
be - gin - ning and our by dy - ing, o - ver lence and in peace to dor and un - end - ing
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(Ps. 24) Ant. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. The Lords is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm. Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place: Those with clean hands and pure heart, who desire not worthless things. They shall receive blessings from the Lord, reward from the God who saves them. These are the ones who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob. Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place: Those with clean hands and pure heart, who desire not worthless things. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Isaiah 61:10 62:5) Ant. For the Lord delights in you, his love is everlasting. I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations. For Zions sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalems sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all kings your glory; you shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the Lord. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord, a royal diadem held by your God. No more shall men call you Forsaken, or your land Desolate, but you shall be called My delight, and you land Espoused. For the Lord delights in you, and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.
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-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) When, in your troubles, you have had recourse to those who conduct you and they have been unable to supply the appropriate remedy, God requires that you should remain in a state of entire abandonment to His good pleasure, awaiting from His goodness the help you need, after the example of the multitude of people who had followed Our Lord and who waited patiently for Him to supply their wants without even troubling to expose them. You may, in fact, rest assured that God will not allow you to be tried beyond your strength. It is when people are powerless that He does all, and thereby manifests His power and goodness in a striking manner. (Meditations, K99) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us bless our Savior who enlightens the world by his resurrection; Keep us, Lord, on your path. Lord Jesus, we honor your resurrection, the hope of your glory enlightens our day. Accept, Lord, the work and prayers we offer, both now and throughout this day. Grant that we may grow in your love, in clarity of purpose and purity of soul. Make our light shine so brightly before others, that our commitment may lead to theirs. (Personal Intentions & Prayers)
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Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: O God, you call us to a love of fullness and delight. Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole being. May the perseverance of our efforts bring forth the grace of your intimate presence and hold us in your saving mercy. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have discovered the graces of chastity today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Ps. 16) Ant. I have given you as a covenant for the people. Preserve me, O God, I take refuge in you. I say to you Lord: You are my God. My happiness lies in you alone. You have put into my heart a marvelous love for the faithful ones who dwell in your land. Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows. Never will I take their name upon my lips. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup, it is you yourself who are my prize. The lot marked out for me is my delight, welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me! I will bless you, Lord, you give me counsel, and even at night direct my heart. I keep you, Lord, ever in my sight; since you are at my right hand, I shall stand firm. And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay.
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You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever. My happiness lies in you alone. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Colossians 1:1220) Ant. Through him all things are made perfect; all creation is brought into one. Let us give thanks to the Father for having made you worthy to share the lot of the saints in light. He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creatures. In him everything in heaven and on earth was created, things visible and invisible. All were created through him; all were created for him. He is before all else that is. In him everything continues in being. It is he who is head of the body, the church! he who is the beginning, the first-born of the dead, so that primacy may be his in everything.
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It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of his cross. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) Chastity, rooted in the gospel and lived in celibacy, is an expression of love totally vowed to God. It is a gift of the Spirit. It frees the Brothers for the service of others and for the kingdom of God. Chastity disposes the Brothers to live united together in community. It sustains them in their educational work and teaches them how to love each and every person with an unselfish and respectful love. For this reason each Brother shares in some way in the very fatherhood of God. (art. 27) In order to follow Christ, and as an expression of the total gift of themselves to him personally, the Brothers commit themselves by vow to live a celibate life and to renounce, from a new motive, that of the vow, every act, interior or exterior, contrary to chastity. Consecrated chastity, a mystery of death and resurrection, of sacrifice and of fruitfulness, witnesses to the value of a life in which love places itself at the service of all. The Brothers choose celibate chastity in a response to a call from God. They live this call progressively, developing humanly by reason of their tender regard for everyone, especially the poor. (art. 28) In order to reinforce their fidelity to the demands of consecrated chastity, the Brothers place their confidence in divine grace and live in an awareness of God. They recognize in the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus and of all Christians, their model and their support. (art. 29) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us praise Christ, the shepherd and guardian of our souls, who loves and protects those who place their hope in him. Guide your people, Lord, with your love. Bring us to a love that embraces everyone, with unselfishness and respect. Let all our actions resonate with chastity, with the mystery of your death and resurrection. Bring us to a tender regard for the poor, and all to whom we give ourselves. Strengthen our common commitment to celibacy, fill our community with your presence. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Creative and merciful God, your covenant keeps us ever in your sight. Grant that we may stand firm in the true joy of our calling, in the path of Jesus Christ himself. Provide us with those things that will help us grow and remove from our way those that make us stumble. Through Jesus and the example of His mother, we bring our entire lives to you. Help us to flourish within your covenant of love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might be of service to the poor today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Ps. 57)
Ant. In the early hours of the morning my heart will sing your praise. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy for in you my soul has taken refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge till the storms of destruction pass by. I call to you God the Most High, to you who have always been my help. May you send from heaven and save me and shame those who assail me. My soul lies down among lions, who would devour us, one and all. Their teeth are spears and arrows, their tongue a sharpened sword. O God, arise above the heavens; may your glory shine on earth! They laid a snare for my steps my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my path but fell in it themselves. My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready. I will sing, I will sing your praise. Awake, my soul;
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awake, lyre and harp, I will awake the dawn. I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples, among the nations I will praise you for your love reaches to the heavens and your truth to the skies. O God, arise above the heavens; may your glory shine on earth! -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Matthew 5:310) Ant. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
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Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) The Magi entered the poor hamlet of Bethlehem in search of the King they were looking for ... How is it that at this sight the Magi did not fear to have been mistaken? Are these the marks of royalty...? Where are His palace, His throne and His court? ... This stable did not appear to them despicable; those swaddling clothes did not shock them; and they took no exception to the sight of a poor Child being suckled by His mother. They fell down to worship Him, says the gospel. They respected Him as their King, and adored Him as their God. That is what the faith with which their mind was enlightened led them to do. You should learn to recognize Jesus beneath the rags of the poor children whom you have to teach. Adore Him in their person. Cherish poverty and honor the poor, after the example of the Magi, for poverty should be amiable in your eyes since you are engaged in instructing the poor. Faith should lead you to acquit yourself of this task with zeal and affection, since the poor are the members of Christ, ... for He always loved poverty and the poor. (Meditations, K73) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Blessed be God our Savior, who promised to remain with us all days. Let us give him thanks. Remain with us, Lord. Remain with us the whole day, Lord, let your grace be a sun that never sets. May we find you in the face of those most in need, in all those who are victims of poverty. Teach us to live lives of true simplicity and poverty, may you become our sole necessity. As you loved poverty and the poor, help us to follow your example in all ways. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Remind us, Jesus, of your poverty. Your rich graces often fall on both the just and the unjust, the poor and the wealthy, the secure and the homeless. Grant that we may see you in the least of our neighbors, in the most needy of our students, in the least deserving of our acquaintances. May your glory shine on earth through the light of faith that we reflect within us. Let us be your light shining out for others. We ask this in your name. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have been of service to the poor today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Ps. 10)
Ant. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Lord, why do you stand afar off and hide yourself in times of distress? The poor are devoured by the pride of the wicked; they are caught in the schemes that others have made. For the wicked boast of their hearts desires; the covetous blaspheme and spurn the Lord. In their pride the wicked say: God will not punish. There is no God. Such are their thoughts. Their path is ever untroubled; your judgment is far from their minds. Their enemies they regard with contempt. They think:Never shall we falter. Their mouths are full of cursing, guile, oppression; mischief and deceit are their food. They lie in wait among the reeds; they murder the innocent in secret. Their eyes are on the watch for the helpless. They lurk in hiding like lions in their den; they lurk in hiding to seize the poor; they seize the poor and drag them away.
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They crouch, preparing to spring, and the helpless fall beneath such strength. They think in their hearts: God forgets, he hides his face, he does not see. Arise the, Lord, lift up your hand! O God, do not forget the poor! Why should the wicked spurn the Lord and think in their hearts: God will not punish? But you have seen the trouble and sorrow, you note it, you take it in hand. The helpless entrust themselves to you, for you are the helper of the orphan. Lord, you hear the prayer of the poor: you strengthen their hearts; you turn you ear to protect the rights of the orphan and oppressed so that earthly tyrants may strike terror no more. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Jeremiah 31:1014) Ant. The poor call out to God for help; hear their cries of anguish. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, proclaim it on distant coasts, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock. The Lord shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the Lords blessing: the grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen; they themselves shall be like watered gardens, never again shall they languish.
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Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows. I will lavish choice portions upon the priests, and my people shall be filled with my blessings, says the Lord. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) By the vow of association for the service of the poor through education, the Brothers commit themselves, as the Founder did, to conduct schools or other centers of Christian education that are accessible to the poor. At the same time they strive to develop educational methods that promote above all the social betterment of ordinary classes of people. (art. 39) The Brothers have always in view the promotion of justice in the light of the gospel and either the direct or indirect service of the poor as the preferred aspect of their ministry of education. They work directly for the poor by providing an education for the economically deprived, victims of social injustice, delinquents, and those neglected by the rest of society. When the Brothers work with students from families that are more or less well off, they teach them their duties and responsibilities with regard to social justice and charity towards everyone. The Brothers give special attention to their students who have difficulties at school, at home, or problems adjusting to society. (art. 40) Their preferential option in favor of the poor, continually enlightened by a view of faith, helps the Brothers to recognize the inequalities to which society gives rise. In their desire to make it possible for poor people to live with dignity and to be open to the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Brothers show genuine creativity in responding to these new needs. (art. 41)
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(Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us pray to the God of the poor, who bestows blessings upon those who are faithful. Give us your grace and your peace, Lord. Give us a true preference for the poor, those most in need and most neglected by others. Let our work with the poor be a sign of faith, and a way of bringing dignity to your creation. Inspire us to find ever new ways of serving the poor, let our creativity become their salvation. Help us to see the poverty amongst ourselves, heal the blindness caused by our attachments. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of the poor, you gather us for greatness and call us to a hope of blessing. Teach us to hear the strangled cry of the poor and stir within us our clear response. Clothe us in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and creativity, humility, gentleness and patience. May we see in the poor your own most distressing disguise. Lord, have mercy on our blindness and strengthen our resolve. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might enter more deeply into the life of our community today.
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(Ps. 93) Ant. Let your glory shine upon us; bring us to your one true light. The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed; the Lord has robed himself with might, he has girded himself with power. The world you made firm, not to be moved; your throne has stood firm from of old. From all eternity, O Lord, you are. The waters have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted up their voice, the waters have lifted up their thunder. Greater than the roar of mighty waters, more glorious than the surgings of the sea, the Lord is glorious on high. Truly your decrees are to be trusted. Holiness is fitting to your house, O Lord, until the end of time. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(1 Peter 3: 89, 15; 4: 7-11) Ant. Let us dwell together in peace, proclaiming the gospel of justice. Be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate and humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing. Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. Let you love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve another as good stewards of Gods varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
The petition which Jesus makes to the Eternal Father for His Apostles ... is that they should be closely united among themselves. This union should be so close and firm as to resemble that which exists between the three Divine Persons ... And this union of heart and mind which Jesus desires to see among His Apostles is to produce the same effect as the essential union between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. That is to say, they are all to share the same sentiments, to have the same will, the same affections, the same rules and the same practices ... As St. Luke records in the Acts, saying, there was one heart and soul in all the company of believers. ... Only by means of such harmony will you be able to maintain that peace which constitutes the whole happiness of your life. Ask therefore the Lord of all hearts to make yours one with those of your Brothers, in that of Jesus. (Meditations,K68) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Blessed be God who protects us and never spurns our prayers. Let us offer our prayer. Enlighten our common vision, Lord. We thank your, Lord, for binding us together, through your Son, Jesus Christ. Let your wisdom lead us today, Lord, to work in one faith with an ardent zeal. May we bear hardships with courage, and be generous to each other and those we serve. Direct our thoughts, feelings, and actions this day, help us to follow your providential guidance. Let us follow the example of St. La Salle, committed by association to the work he began. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Lord God, holiness is fitting to your house. Let those of us who dwell within a house where your light burns throughout the night, find the reason for our common hope by looking to you and to each other. May our gifts serve one another, so that our surplus is used to fill anothers deficit and all may be one in the Lord. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have entered more deeply into the life to our community today.
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(Ps. 67)
Ant. Your unifying spirit, O God, moves within those who love you. O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. The earth has yielded its fruit for God, our God, has blessed us. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him. Let the peoples praise you, O God; Let all the peoples praise you. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Philippians 2:15, 4:49) Ant. We put on the mind of Christ, united in Gods steadfast love. If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interest, but also everyone for those of others. Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be know to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is love, whatever is gracious,
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if there is any excellence and if there is anything worth of praise, thing about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) From the beginning of the Institute, the Brothers have fulfilled their mission together and by association. Each Brother exercises his apostolate as a member of a community by whom he knows he is accepted, supported and entrusted with his mission. The Brothers are in solidarity with their community, with their District and with the Institute as a whole.... (art. 16) The distinctive character of the Brothers community is to be a community of faith where the experience of God is shared... In their relations with one another, the Brothers make every effort to model their community life on the relations of knowledge and love that constitute the life of the Holy Trinity. (art. 48) The Spirit of love who dwells within each of the Brothers is what creates the unity in their community. Animated by the Spirit, the Brothers build community by the joyful gift of themselves for the service of others. (art. 49) The Brothers community is a community of prayer... Together they seek God and it is together that they find him. (art. 50) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Lift up your hearts to our Lord, who give us every spiritual blessing in the heavens. Bless your people, Lord. Keep us in the solidarity of our faith, let our community be one of grace. Teach us to share ourselves with each other, let our life of prayer enrich our common bond. May the Trinity be the model for community, a lived relationship of knowledge and love. Let your spirit animate our life together, dwelling within each one of us in unity of heart. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Loving God, you give us more than we either desire or deserve. Unite us in our common bonds of faith, our common works of charity, and our common strivings for peace and justice. Let us praise you with one voice. Let your Spirit within each of us recognize the other. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might participate in the communion of saints today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Ps. 146) Ant. You set us free, O God, from the chains that bind us. My soul, give praise to the Lord; I will praise the Lord all my days, make music to my God while I live. My soul, give praise to the Lord. Put no trust in the powerful, mere mortals in whom there is no help. Take their breath, they return to clay and their plans that day come to nothing. They are happy who are helped by Jacobs God, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who alone made heaven and earth, the seas and all they contain. It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever, who is just to those who are oppressed. It is God who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord, who set prisoners free, the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down, the Lord, who protects the stranger and upholds the widow and orphan.
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It is the Lord who loves the just but thwarts the path of the wicked. The Lord will reign for ever, Zions God, from age to age. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Revelation 11:1718; 12:10b12a) Ant. Christ yesterday and today; the saints show Gods glory to the nations. We praise you, the Lord God Almighty, who is and who was. You have assumed your great power, you have begun your reign. The nations have raged in anger, but then cam your day of wrath and the moment to judge the dead: the time to reward your servants the prophets and the holy ones who revere you, the great and the small alike. Now have salvation and power come, the reign of our God and the authority of his Anointed One. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who night and day accused them before God. They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by the work of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. So rejoice, you heavens, and you that dwell therein! -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
Your sole concern ... should be the establishment of Gods reign in your heart... by his grace and through the plenitude of his love. You should live for God alone, and the life of your soul should be the life of God himself. You ought likewise to nourish yourself with God by thinking of his holy presence as often as you possibly can. That which constitutes the life of the saints is precisely their continual attention to God, and this also should form the life of those who are consecrated to him, and who seek only to accomplish his holy will, to love him, and to make others love him. Hence, this is what your sole occupation on this earth should be, and towards this end all your efforts should tend. (Med. 67) How happy you would be if all your thoughts were turned towards God and were concerned with Him alone! You would then have found heaven on earth, since your occupation would be the same as that of the saints, and you would enjoy the same happiness as they do. (Med. 70) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us adore Christ who offered himself so that we might be kept from the works of death. Let us call upon him with sincere hearts: In your will is our peace, Lord. Let your reign come into our hearts, Lord. Our faith, like that of the saints, lies in you alone. Bring your presence into all that we do this day, Grant us new life as you grant us a new day. Inspire us to look to your will, to seek your love among those whom we serve. May the saints participate in the works of our hands, binding us within the greater fellowship of love. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us. We stand on the shoulders of all who have gone before us, the great and the small alike. As they now dwell in your presence, give us a share in the life of your grace. May we be continually challenged by both past and future, bringing your reign to those most in need and building up your body of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week II

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have participated in the communion of saints today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*j j b c . & .
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Be al - ways near! Love's end - less light! This e - ven - tide!
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&
(Ps. 34)
Ant. Revere the Lord, you his saints. They lack nothing, those who revere him. I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad. Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and he answered me; from all my terrors he set me free. Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. When the poor cry out the Lord hears them and rescues them from all their distress. The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, to rescue them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. They are happy who seek refuge in him. Revere the Lord, you his saints. They lack nothing, those who revere him. Strong lions suffer want and go hungry but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing. Come, children, and hear me that I may teach you the fear of the Lord. Who are those who long for life and many days, to enjoy their prosperity?
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Then keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn aside from evil and do good; seek and strive after peace. The Lord turns his face against the wicked to destroy their remembrance from the earth. The Lord turns his eyes to the just and his ears to their appeal. They call and the Lord hears and rescues them in all their distress. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Ephesians 1: 3-10) Ant. From Gods fullness we have all received, grace upon grace unending. Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens. God chose us in him before the world began to be holy and blameless in his sight He predestined us to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, such was his will and pleasure, that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
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In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is Gods favor to us. God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ. A plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time, to bring all things into one in him, in the heavens and on earth. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) The Brothers find a model for their whole life in St. Joseph. He responded with confidence and faith to the fidelity God showed his people; he was a helpmate to Mary; he participated in the work of salvation by providing for the upbringing and education of Jesus; he was faithful to death in his humble role as foster father. ... (art. 77) The Brothers pay special homage to St. John Baptist de La Salle as their Founder. They immerse themselves in his writings and the lessons to be learned from his life. They make every effort to imitate him in his submission to the will of God, his love for the Church and his devotedness towards people. They entrust to him their fidelity to their own vocation and the future of the Institute. (art. 78) The Brothers also honor the beatified and canonized members of their Institute. Inspired by their example, the Brothers count on their intercession to procure in faith and zeal, day after day, the glory of God as they work for the salvation of those who are entrusted to them. (art 79) The Brothers remember faithfully their deceased Brothers, especially those whom they have known and loved. The prayers and suffrages they offer for them show that there
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is a communion between those still on their journey and those already resting in the peace of Christ. (art. 80) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us bless Christ, who gives life to all who follow him and work for the Reign of God. In love, we ask him: Have mercy on your people, Lord. Lord Jesus, come into our hearts, join our will with your own. Merciful God, hear those who cry out to you, and open our ears to all who seek your presence. May Mary and St. Joseph be with us in our labors, giving strength and direction in all we do. Let our saints guide the way before us, let their example deepen our commitment. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Grant, Lord, that we love most those things that shine forth with your love. Like the saints, help us to build grace upon grace. May we come to partake in the communion of saints for the needs of our apostolate, and may Jesus be a constant source of unity among all believers, both living and deceased. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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READING
The Brothers commitment to his apostolic mission engages fully his consecration to God. Yet the religious consecration which the Brothers lives at the very heart of his apostolic activities is not confined to any one of them. Consecration reaches its full expression in the mystery of the personal relation each one has with God. It is, after all, a characteristic of the person to transcend his activity, and regularly renew his awareness of the meaning of his life in the eyes of God. The Institute and every community, therefore will consider each Brother in the totality of his person and not simply in terms of the apostolic work he does. The community should provide the opportunity to develop the special talents of each of its members; it should respect as well their personal spiritual qualities. Each Brother, for his part, in devoting himself entirely to the common mission, can be assured that it is in giving that he receives, and in losing himself that he finds his salvation. (1967 Declaration. Art. 27) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION We give glory to the one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - praying with one voice: Lord, consecrate us to your service. Let your love be formed within us, so that we may look upon everything with the eyes of faith. Keep us within your sight, let us be never parted from you. Grant that we might have zeal for teaching, recognizing your needs in the needs of others. Unite our intentions in prayer and compassion, form our community into a beacon of hope. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of love and justice, look upon us who stand before you to do your work. Empower our hearts to bring your presence to others, to teach them the way of your life. Make us worthy of our vocation and fulfill by your power every honest intention and work of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might follow the designs of providence today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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&
(Ps. 33) Ant. God dwells in the mightiest storm, and in the whispering breeze. Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp, with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. O sing him a song that is new, play loudly, with all your skill. For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. By his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars. He collects the waves of the ocean; he stores up the depths of the sea. Let all the earth fear the Lord all who live in the world revere him. He spoke; and it came to be. He commanded; it sprang into being. He frustrates the designs of the nations, he defeats the plans of the peoples. His own designs shall stand for ever, the plans of his heart from age to age. They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own. From the heavens the Lord looks forth, he sees all the peoples of the earth.
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From the place where he dwells he gazes on all the dwellers on the earth; he who shapes the hearts of them all and considers all their deeds. A king is not saved by his army, nor a warrior preserved by his strength. A vain hope for safety is the horse; despite its power it cannot save. The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. In him do our hearts find joy. We trust in his holy name. Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Mark 4:3541) Ant. Be still and know that I am God, supreme among the nations and on the earth. As evening drew on, he said to them, Let us cross to the other side. Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him.
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A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, Why were you terrified? Do you not yet have faith? -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) I had imagined that the care which I assumed of the schools and the masters would amount only to a marginal involvement committing me to no more than providing for the subsistence of the masters and assuring that they acquitted themselves of their tasks with piety and devotedness. . . It was as a result of two occurrences, namely my meeting with Monsieur Nyel and the proposition put forward by this lady (Madame lEveque), that I began to concern myself with schools for boys. Previously I had given no thought at all to the matter, though this was not for lack of people putting the idea to me. Several of Monsieur Rolands friends had tried to interest me in the matter. But the possibility had not gained entry into my mind, and I had never entertained the notion of doing anything of the kind. If in fact I had ever thought that the obligation of charity which prompted my concern for the welfare of the schoolmasters would lead me to feel it a duty to live with them I should have abandoned the work. ... It was, in fact, a source of great trouble to me that, at an early stage, I brought them to live in my house, a situation which lasted for two years. Evidently this was the reason why God, who directs all things with wisdom and with gentleness and is not at all accustomed to force the inclinations of men, wishing to draw me entirely into undertaking the care of the
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schools, did so in a quite imperceptible way, and with plenty of time, so that one commitment led me into another without my having foreseen it in the beginning. (From the Memoir of the Beginnings) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION We were created to glorify God through our deeds. Let us earnestly pray: May we give glory to your name, Lord. We bless you, Creator of all things, for you have given us the goods of the earth. Look with favor on us as we begin our daily work, let us be cooperators in your work of redemption. Let us see each person as someone sent by you, and each challenge as an opportunity for charity. Form our community into one fellowship of love, united under your providential care. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Grant, O God, that our lives may be governed by your providential care. With you in our midst, we have no cause to fear the storms that beset us. May your love be upon us as we place all our trust in you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have followed the designs of providence today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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Ant. You care for all the earth and hold creation in your hands. Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to you Lord: You are my God. My happiness lies in you alone. You have put into my heart a marvelous love for the faithful ones who dwell in your land. Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows. Never will I take their name upon my lips. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup, it is you yourself who are my prize. The lot marked out for me is my delight, welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me! I will bless you, Lord, you give me counsel, and even at night direct my heart. I keep you, Lord, ever in my sight; since you are at my right hand, I shall stand firm. And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay.
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You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever, at your right hand happiness for ever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Matthew 7: 711) Ant. Gods tent is placed in our midst; the reign of God is among you. Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you, then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
By faith the Brother recognizes that his life consists in a succession of calls from God to which he continues to respond. This dialogue between God and each Brother permits the Brother to grow continuously in fidelity. For this reason the Brother is invited to be open each day to the presence of the living God in such a way that he discovers it, and lives it in his mission, his consecration and his community of life. (art. 100) ... The life of an Institute is a continual challenge to be creative while remaining faithful to its origins. It can sometimes call for difficult commitments, as St. John Baptist de La Salle discovered at various points in his life.... Filled with the spirit which he left them as their legacy, the Brothers grow in the living tradition of the Institute. In communion with those who have gone before them they continue to respond with ardent zeal to the appeals of the Lord, the Church and the world, in order to procure the glory of God. (art. 149) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Christ desires to bring all people to salvation. Draw all things to yourself, Lord. Unite our commitments with your providence, with you as our guide we cannot go astray. Fill our souls and labors with your spirit, may each decision we make reflect your will. Grant that all who seek the truth may find it, and in finding it may they desire it all the more. In communion with all those who have gone before, help us to bring your creative love to fruition. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: O God, you brighten the darkness around us and direct our hearts to do what is right. Our happiness lies in you alone. Give us what we need to respond with zeal and conviction, in confidence and serenity, to the appeals directed to us from many sides. With your providence, we are rich indeed. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might practice genuine obedience today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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&
(Ps. 97) Ant. You are my disciples, if you follow my commandments. The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, let all the coastlands be glad. Cloud and darkness are his raiment; his throne, justice and right. A fire prepares his path; it burns up his foes on every side. His lightnings light up the world, the earth trembles at the sight. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory. Let those who serve idols be ashamed, those who boast of their worthless gods. All you spirits, worship him. Worship him, all you spirits. Zion hears and is glad; the people of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O Lord, because of your judgments.
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For you indeed are the Lord most high above all the earth, exalted far above all spirits, most high above all the earth. The Lord loves those who hate evil; he guards the souls of his saints; he sets them free from the wicked. The Lord sets them free. Light shines forth for the just and joy for the upright of heart. Rejoice, you just, in the Lord; give glory to his holy name. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Matthew 5:1748; Selections) Ant. Through the law we died to the law so that Christ may live through faith. Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard it said, You shall not kill. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. You have heard it said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
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You have heard it said, Do not take a false oath. But I say to you, do not swear at all. Let your Yes mean Yes and your No mean No. Anything more is from the evil one. You have heard it said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. You have heard it said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. God makes the sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. If you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
We can consider God present in the place where we are because He is everywhere; and because, whenever two or three persons gather in Our Lords name, He is in their midst... He is in the midst of us to impart to us His Holy Spirit and through Him, direct our actions and our conduct... Jesus Christ is present with us, to teach us the truths and maxims of the holy Gospel, in order that they may sink more deeply into our hearts and that we may make them the rule of our conduct... Jesus Christ is with us ... in order that all our actions being directed towards Him as their center and united to Him, we may be one in spirit and purpose, Jesus Christ acting in us and by us. (Expl. of Mental Prayer, Pgs. 7,8) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Lord Jesus, by your blood you have made us into your new people. We pray to you: Remember your people, Lord. Hear our praises, Lord, as we begin this day, show us the light of your will. You are our hope and our strength, in you we trust, may we always follow you alone. Be in our midst to show us the way, may we listen to your law with care. Help us to anticipate each others needs, and sacrifice our will for that of another. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of all creation, we know that you dwell in our midst. Rule over all our interior tendencies and exterior movements, so that we will follow your designs instead of our own. By striving for perfection and true obedience, we keep your law, taking onto ourselves the person of Jesus. Grant us the grace to fulfill your will within us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have practiced genuine obedience today.
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&
(Ps. 15)
Ant. Teach us to do your will, O Lord, for your paths are true. Lord, who shall me admitted to your tent and dwell on your holy mountain? Those who walk without fault. Those who act with justice and speak the truth from their hearts, those who do not slander with their tongue. Those who do no wrong to their kindred, who cast no slur on their neighbors, who hold the godless in disdain, but honor those who fear the Lord. Those who keep their word, come what may, who take no interest on a loan and accept no bribes against the innocent. Such people will stand firm for ever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Isaiah 45:1525) Ant. Every knee shall bend at the name of Jesus Christ. Truly with you God is hidden, the God of Israel, the savior! Those are put to shame and disgrace who vent their anger against him.
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Those go in disgrace who carve images. Israel, you are saved by the Lord, saved forever! You shall never be put to shame or disgrace in future ages. For thus says the Lord, the creator of the heavens, who is God, the designer and maker of the earth who established it, not creating it to be a waste, but designing it to be lived in: I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken from hiding nor from some dark place of the earth. And I have not said to the descendants of Jacob, Look for me in an empty waste. I, the Lord, promise justice, I foretell what is right. Come and assemble, gather together, you fugitives from among the Gentiles! They are without knowledge who bear wooden idols and pray to gods that cannot save. Come here and declare in counsel together: Who announced this from the beginning and foretold it from of old? Was it not I, the Lord, besides whom there is no other God? There is no just and saving God but me. Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other!
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By myself I swear, uttering my just decree and my unalterable word: To me every knee shall bend; by me every tongue shall swear, saying, Only in the Lord are just deeds and power. Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against him. In the Lord shall be the vindication and the glory of all the descendants of Israel. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) Obedience based on the gospel is a communion with the Holy Spirit who unites the will of the Brothers progressively to that of Christ who became obedient unto death. It is through world events, through young people, the community of the Brothers and the Superiors, through the Body of the Institute and the Church, that the Spirit manifests His purposes. Inspired by the teaching and example of the Founder, who submitted himself to the Body of the Society, the Brothers live out their obedience by their availability within a community committed to accomplishing the mission of the Institute. (art. 36) The ordinary way in which the Spirit is revealed is through a community working together to discover the needs of the world and of the Church. Each member of the community ought to be heard, since the Spirit speaks and acts in every Brother. ... (art. 37) By the vow of obedience, the Brothers make explicit and concrete their willingness to obey the legitimate Superiors in all they command according to the Rule in those matters that relate either directly or indirectly to the purpose of the Institute... (art. 38) (Pause for reflection)
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-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION God has established us in obedience to creations laws and to those of Jesus Christ. You are the hope of your people, Lord. Teach us to listen to your laws, your ways give life to all who call upon you. O God, in your hands are the hearts of many, dispose the powerful to listen to the poor. The talents of artisans reflect your splendor, may our teaching be as full of your creativity. You inspire us to be obedient as a community, guide our response to the needs of today. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: O God, from whom all goodness comes, teach us to follow your paths, to see your face in justice, and to live the truth within our hearts. You do not speak from hiding. Your great designs encompass the universe. Open our ears as we turn to you, Lord. Let our obedience find its joy and completion within this particular community. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might put love into action today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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to to
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on the God to
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b &b b
(Ps. 136) Ant. In Christ, Gods grace is revealed; the love of all creation. O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love endures for ever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his love endures for ever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his love endures for ever; who alone has wrought marvelous works, for his love endures for ever; whose wisdom it was made the skies, for his love endures for ever; who fixed the earth firmly on the seas, for his love endures for ever. It was he who made the great lights, for his love endures for ever; the sun to rule in the day, for his love endures for ever; the moon and the stars in the night, for his love endures for ever. The first-born of the Egyptians he smote, for his love endures for ever. He brought Israel out from the midst, for his love endures for ever; arm outstretched, with power in his hand, for his love endures for ever.
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He let Israel inherit their land, for his love endures for ever. On his servant their land he bestowed, for his love endures for ever. He remembered us in our distress, for his love endures for ever. And he snatched us away from our foes, for his love endures for ever. He gives food to all living things, for his love endures for ever. To the God of heaven give thanks, for his love endures for ever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(1 Corinthians 13:17, 1213) Ant. Faith, hope, and love remain; but the greatest of these is love. If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated,
157
it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
Since you are ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ in the work that you do, you must act as representing Jesus Christ himself. He wants your disciples to see him in you and receive your teaching as if he were teaching them. They must be convinced that the truth of Jesus Christ comes from your mouth, that it is only in his name that you teach, that he has given you authority over them. They are a letter which Christ dictates to you, which you write each day in their hearts, not with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God, For the Spirit acts in you and by you through the power of Jesus Christ. (MTR 3.2) ... Your zeal for the children under your guidance would be very imperfect, if you expressed it only in teaching them. It will only become perfect if you practise yourself what you are teaching them. Example makes a much greater impression on the mind and heart than words. This is especially true of children, since they do not yet have sufficient capacity for reflection, and ordinarily model themselves on the example of their teachers. They are led more readily to do what they see done for them than to carry out what they hear told to them, particularly when the words they hear are not in harmony with the actions they see. (MTR 10.3) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Christ nourishes and supports the church in the love that was made real. Let us pray to him: Bring that love into our lives, Lord. You are the one who writes upon our hearts, strengthen us to be your true ministers. Lead us in the way of truth, give us the courage to say what must be said. May the example of our lives be unambiguous, a clear sign of what we believe. Help us bring life to our love, Lord, to put our love into action and to follow your designs. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Keep us, O God, within your loving care. Your grace lies revealed in all creation. Let it flourish in delights and trials, in joys and sorrows, in shining splendor and in secret. We strive to know as we are known by you, to love as we are loved by you, and to put our love into action as you brought your love to us in the person of Jesus. Give us the courage to follow in your way. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have put love into action today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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b &b b
(Ps. 100) Ant. We are your people, Lord, the sheep of your pasture. Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy. Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock. Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(1 John 4:712) Ant. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
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Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he has loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. If God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) It is necessary that the Brothers take for the foundation and support of their observance of the Rule what Saint Augustine says at the beginning of his Rule: that those who live in community should, before all else, love God and next their neighbor because these are the principal commandments given to us by God and because any observance of the Rule is useless if separated from the observance of these two commandments and is quite useless for salvation because it is established in communities only for the purpose of giving the members facility to observe with exactness the commandments of God. (Rule of 1718) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us pray to God who sent his Son as a sign and means of divine love: May your people praise you, Lord. May we become your sign of love for others, sharing with them your glorious revelation. Bring us to commitment and action, let our labors emerge from our faith and zeal. You desired to dwell among us, make us instruments of your peace. Unite our work and vision with that of St. La Salle, supporting and encouraging each other in faith. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Almighty God, fountain of all love, you are faithful from age to age. Your love for us shines out in Jesus Christ. We are brought to perfection in our love of others. Give us the grace to live and move and have our being in the life of the risen Christ, to serve you with gladness and joy in the people that we encounter each day, especially those most in need. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
164
Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might express thanksgiving today.
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# &
(Ps. 138)
Ant. We give you thanks for your love, O Lord, for your created splendor. I thank you, Lord, with all my heart, you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple. I thank you for your faithfulness and love which excel all we ever knew of you. On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul. All the rulers on earth shall thank you when they hear the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the Lords ways: How great is the glory of the Lord! The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly and the haughty he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of affliction you give me life and frustrate my foes. You stretch out your hand and save me, your hand will do all things for me. Your love, O Lord, is eternal, discard not the work of your hands. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(1 Chronicles 29:1013) Ant. We praise your glorious name, O Lord, and thank you for your goodness. Blessed may you be, O Lord, God of Israel our father, from eternity to eternity. Your, O Lord, are grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory. For all in heaven and on earth is yours; yours, O Lord, is the sovereignty: you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor are from you, and you have dominion over all. In your hands are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all. Therefore, our God, we give you thanks and praise the majesty of your name. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
God is so good that he does not leave unrewarded the good work that is done for him and the service that is rendered to him, especially for the salvation of souls. If it is true that God rewards so generously even in this world those who have left all things for him, that they receive a hundred-fold in this life, with how much more reason will he not reward, even in this present time, those who have devoted themselves with zeal to the spreading of his kingdom! ... God gives two kinds of rewards in this world to those who commit themselves unconditionally to the work of saving souls. First, He gives them an abundance of grace; second, he gives them a larger field for their ministry and a greater facility for accomplishing the conversion of souls... Oh, how fortunate you ought to consider yourselves, to be working in the field of the Lord, since our Lord says that the reaper will surely receive his reward! ... (MTR 15) ...Your happiness in heaven will be greater than what will be enjoyed by those who have worked only for their own salvation. It will, in fact, be much greater in proportion to the number of children you have taught and won over to God... as great as the good that you will achieve in the lives of the children who are entrusted to your care. ... On the day of judgment they will be your glory...because the glory that you have procured for them will reflect on you. Fulfill the duties of your ministry so well that you may be able to enjoy this blessing. (MTR 16.1) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us joyfully give thanks to God whose love guides and nourishes us. May you be glorified, Lord, for all ages. Most merciful God, we praise your for your love, For you created us and bring us to grace. Fill our hearts with zeal for serving you, may our thoughts and actions give you glory. Purify our hearts from every evil desire, make us intent on doing your will alone. Open our hearts to the needs of all we meet, may our community give strength to our work. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Lord of the living, you give your life to all your creation, from eternity to eternity, from galaxy to galaxy, from person to person. Grant us the capacity to appreciate your greatness and to love your goodness. Those whom we serve will be our glory both now and in heaven. They will attest to the eternal power of your love and bring our thanksgiving to fulfillment. Be with us in all of our dealings today. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
169
Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the things for which we are thankful today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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# &
(Ps. 8)
Ant. We give you thanks, O God, for the greatness of your love. How great is you name, O Lord our God, through all the earth! Your majesty is praised above the heavens; on the lips of children and of babes you have found praise to foil your enemy, to silence the foe and the rebel. When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you arranged, what are we that you should keep us in mind, men and women that you care for us? Yet you have made us little less than gods; and crowned us with glory and honor, gave us power over the works of your hands, put all things under our feet. All of them sheep and cattle, yes, even the savage beasts, birds of the air, and fish that make their way through the waters. How great is your name, O Lord our God through all the earth! -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Daniel 3:5788, 56) Ant. Sing a hymn of praise to our God, a song of thanksgiving to the Lord. Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, Praise and exalt him above all forever. Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. You heavens, bless the Lord. All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord. All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord. Sun and moon, bless the Lord. Stars of heaven, bless the Lord. Every shower and dew, bless the Lord. All you winds, bless the Lord. Fire and heat, bless the Lord. Cold and chill, bless the Lord. Dew and rain, bless the Lord. Frost and chill, bless the Lord. Ice and snow, bless the Lord. Nights and days, bless the Lord. Light and darkness, bless the Lord. Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. Let the earth bless the Lord. Praise and exalt him above all forever. Mountains and hills, bless the Lord. Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord. You springs, bless the Lord. Seas and rivers, bless the Lord. You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord. All you birds of the air, bless the Lord. All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord. You sons of men, bless the Lord.
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O Israel, bless the Lord. Praise and exalt him above all forever. Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord. Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord. Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord. Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord. Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord. Praise and exalt him above all forever. Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us praise and exalt him above all forever. Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven. Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) Prayer is primarily a gift which the Brothers receive from the Father, the Son and the Spirit. For their part, the Brothers welcome this gift in all the events of their daily life and respond to it in praise, thanksgiving, intercession, or by asking for forgiveness.... (art. 65) The Brothers find the principal sources for their prayer in Holy Scripture, the liturgy, and the challenges that come to them from their ministry, from the Church and from the world. They read and meditate on the Word of God every day; they prolong this contact with the Lord in their spiritual reading. (art. 67) The Brothers should have a great love for meditation and they should look upon it as the first and principal of their daily exercises and the one most capable of drawing down Gods blessing on all the others. ... (art. 69) Every aspect of the Brothers life is energized by the mystery of the Eucharist... There, in communion with the death and resurrection of Christ and listening to the Word of God, the Brothers are a community united in mind and heart in the same Spirit for the same mission. (art. 70)
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Each Brother has the primary responsibility for his personal prayer. Each one and all together are jointly responsible for community prayer. (art. 72) Ordinarily the Brothers give to God at least two hours of each day in meditation, the Eucharist, community vocal prayer, spiritual reading and personal prayer. In this way they nourish their life of faith and strengthen their religious and apostolic commitment. (art. 73) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us call upon Christ, who is our prayer and our thanksgiving. Hear us, O God, as we pray to you. Blessed are you, Lord, for you called us to this life, keep us in our vocation with your constant care. Grant the grace of conversion to all who stray, may our prayers for them come to fulfillment. You were willing to live as a stranger among us, let us recognize you in the strangers we see today. Encourage our prayer with your presence, as we live in your love from day to day. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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All: O God, we bless you for your creation, for your gift of life to the universe and to us. The greatness of your love lies clearly before us. You have put all things under our feet, all things within our grasp. Teach us to care for the earth, to care for the gifts we have, to care for those you place within our path. As we pray to you, bring us into your prayer towards us, and let our works shine out with your goodness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
175
Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we could be an instrument for justice today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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find you day to face one day of
176
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(Ps. 85)
Ant. O God, forgive the sins of your people, help us to live in justice. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people and his friends and those who turn to him in their hearts. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land. Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven. The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Isaiah 26:14, 79, 12) Ant. My soul has yearned for you in the night, and as morning breaks I watch for your coming. A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock. The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level. Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord, we look to you; your name and your title are the desire of our souls. My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you; when your judgment dawns upon the earth, the worlds inhabitants learn justice. O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
Jesus compares those who have care of souls to a good shepherd who is very careful of his sheep. One of the qualities which Our Lord says distinguishes him is that he knows them all individually. This is also one of the essential qualities required of those who instruct others, for they must get to know their pupils, and discern the manner in which to act towards them. Some require great mildness, while others need to be directed with firmness. Some require much patience; others need to be goaded on. ... This varied conduct must depend upon knowledge and discernment of character, and this grace you must beg of God most earnestly, as being one of the most essential for you in the direction of those over whom you have charge. Have you ... charity and tenderness towards the poor children whom you have to instruct? Do you avail yourself of the affection the children have for you to attract them to God? If you show the firmness of a father in withdrawing them from evil, you should also show the tenderness of a mother in gathering them together, and in doing for them all the good in your power. (Meditations, K95) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Raising our eyes to Christ, who was born and died and rose again, let us pray: Dwell with us despite our injustice, Lord. Let your justice be manifest among us, as your love reaches out through our hands. You provide fountains of eternal life, to those who look to you as they labor. You send us to preach justice to the oppressed, help us to bring to others the liberation of grace. Teach us to care for others according to their needs, practicing your justice among ourselves. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of justice and mercy, the way of those who seek justice is often not smooth or level, yet we hold fast to the freedom of your your precepts. Injustice anywhere effects justice everywhere. Help us to rightly discern the character of all the people and situations that we encounter, that we might be both firm and tender, both right and loving, embracing both justice and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
180
Week III

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have been an instrument for justice today.
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181
b &b b
(Ps. 96) Ant. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice; they shall be satisfied. O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth. O sing to the Lord, bless his name. Proclaim his help day by day, tell among the nations his glory and his wonders among all the peoples. The Lord is great and worthy of praise, to be feared above all gods; the gods of the heathens are naught. It was the Lord who made the heavens, his are majesty and state and power and splendor in his holy place. Give the Lord, you families of peoples, give the Lord glory and power; give the Lord the glory of his name. Bring an offering and enter his courts, worship the Lord in his temple. O earth, tremble before him. Proclaim to the nations: God is king. The world he made firm in its place; he will judge the people in fairness.
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Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, let the sea and all within it thunder praise, let the land and all it bears rejoice. All the trees of the wood shout for joy, at the presence of the Lord for he comes. He comes to rule the earth. With justice he will rule the world, he will judge the peoples with his truth. He will rule the world with justice. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Isaiah 61:10 62:5) Ant. God has given to the just, a robe of grace and salvation. I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations. For Zions sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalems sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all kings your glory; you shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the Lord. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord, a royal diadem held by your God.
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No more shall men call you Forsaken, or your land Desolate, but you shall be called My delight, and you land Espoused. For the Lord delights in you, and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) ... Commitment to the apostolate is an integral part of the consecration of the Brother to God. The spirit of the Institute implies therefore that all of its members are penetrated with the spirit of zeal in the light of the Founders life and teaching. Thus the Brother is enabled to go out to others with the heart of a poor person. (art. 7) The Brothers are entrusted with their mission by the Institute, a mission especially to the poor. As a community they become increasingly conscious of the reasons for the poverty that surrounds them and so become earnestly involved in the promotion of justice and human dignity through the educational service they provide. This concern of the Brothers for the poor serves also to motivate their activities when they deal with people in a more favorable social environment, urging these to become more sensitive to unjust situations of which the poor are so often the victims. (art. 14) The Brothers have always in view the promotion of justice in the light of the gospel... (art. 40) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION With confidence let us pray to the God of justice and mercy who has manifested his love in Christ: Be with us in your justice, Lord. You called us to proclaim you Reign, inspire our words and actions with your spirit. Strengthen us to speak for those who have no voice, and to work for all who are oppressed. Make us sensitive to injustice in our midst, let our lives be seamless garments of your love. Let our community be a sign for true justice, and a beacon of authentic hope. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God, you hunger and thirst for justice, as people all over the world and in our own backyards hunger and thirst for justice. Let Christs new mantle of justice rule our thoughts and actions; let his redeeming life of transforming love animate our souls and guide us through the pain of struggle. If we wish to teach justice, we must teach justly. Grant us the grace to see all things in the light of your justice. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week IV

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guard our wak - ing, love's pos - sess - ing, hearts in - dwell - ing,
Be al - ways near! Love's end - less light! This e - ven - tide!
186
b &b b
187
b &b b
188
READING
Societies, like individuals, grow old and die once the habits inherited from the past outweigh the will to renewal. It is not easy to balance fidelity to the intuitions that sparked our origins and the requirements of life today. The destiny of the Institute is in the hands of the Brothers. They must not expect those in authority to give ready-made solutions to the new problems that come from a world in evolution. It is up to each Brother in the presence of God to start out along the path of spiritual conversion and determine to have a personal share in the great community work of renewal and adaptation. This is the price each must pay if the threat of stagnation is to be warded off and the Institute is to live in youth and vigor. (1967 Declaration, Art. 53.2) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
189
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION We give glory to the one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - praying with one voice: Lord, be with us throughout this night. Let the spirit of conversion grow in our hearts, so that we may look upon everything with new insight. Help us to work for peace and justice, by being just and living in peace. Grant that we might renew our zeal, that we let your life-giving spirit dwell within us. Unite us in our efforts of renewal and adaptation, encourage our resolve and strengthen our faith. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of love and justice, look upon us who stand before you to do your work. Empower our hearts to bring your presence to others, to teach them the way of your life. Make us worthy of our vocation and fulfill by your power every honest intention and work of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
190
Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might dwell in the presence of God today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & c
Lord Sun Lord Give
&
Cen Star Be Till
&
ter of fore all
&
And Shall We One
191
&
(Ps. 46)
Ant. In God alone is my soul at rest, my hope lies with the Lord. God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand, in time of distress, so we shall not fear though the earth should rock, though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea; even though its waters rage and foam, even though the mountains be shaken by its waves. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. The waters of a river give joy to Gods city, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within, it cannot be shaken; God will help it at the dawning of the day. Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken; he lifts his voice, the earth shrinks away. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Come, consider the works of the Lord, the redoubtable deeds he has done on the earth. He puts an end to wars over all the earth; the bow he breaks, the spear he snaps. Be still and know that I am God, supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth!
192
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(1 Kings 19:913)
Ant. Jesus went out to the mountain to pray; all night long he continued in prayer to God. Elijah came to a cave on mount Horeb, where he took shelter. But the word of the Lord came to him, Why are you here, Elijah? He answered: I have been most zealous for the Lord, but they have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life. Then the Lord said, Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by. A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
193
READING
You sole concern ... should be the establishment of Gods reign in your heart, in this life and in the next. In this life your study should be to bring about this reign of God in your heart by His grace and through the plentitude of His love. You should live for God alone, and the life of your soul should be the life of God Himself. You ought likewise to nourish yourself with God by thinking of His holy presence as often as you possibly can. That which constitutes the life of the saints is precisely their continual attention to God, and this also should form the life of those who ... seek only to accomplish His holy will, to love Him, and to make other love Him. (Meditations, K284) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Christ is present to us, hearing those who hope in him. In his presence, let us pray: We praise you, Lord, and we hope in you. We thank you because of your rich mercy, and for your abundant love in our midst. Open our eyes to see you in those around us, especially in those most in need. You call us today to your service, let your presence be with us as we do our work. Unite our community as one in mind and spirit, let us be a sign of your resurrection. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: O God of grace and compassion, in you alone are our souls at rest. You are the stronghold of our faith, the anchor of our restless ship, our shelter in relentless winds. Grant us the grace to know you in the small whispers of life as in its mighty storms. Help us to be still and know you, to be calm and love you, to be Christ and live you. With the saints, set our hearts fully within your grasp that we might always attend to your clear designs. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have dwelt in the presence of God today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Ps. 139) Ant. Behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of time. O Lord, you search me and you know me, you know my resting and my rising, you discern my purpose from afar. You mark when I walk or lie down, * all my ways lie open to you. Before ever a word is on my tongue you know it, O Lord, through and through. Behind and before you besiege me, your hand ever laid upon me. O where can I go from your spirit, or where can I flee from your face? If I climb the heavens, you are there. If I lie in the grave, you are there. If I take the wings of the dawn and dwell at the seas furthest end, even there you hand would lead me, your right hand would hold me fast. If I say: Let the darkness hide me and the light around me be night, even darkness is not dark for you and the night is as clear as the day.
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For it was you who created my being, knit me together in my mothers womb. I thank you for the wonder of my being, for the wonders of all your creation. Already you knew my soul, my body held no secret from you when I was being fashioned in secret and moulded in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw all my actions, they were all of them written in your book; every one of my days was decreed before one of them came into being. To me, how mysterious your thoughts, the sum of them not to be numbered! If I count them, they are more than the sand; to finish, I must be eternal, like you. O search me, God, and know my heart, O test me and know my thoughts. See that I follow not the wrong path and lead me in the path of life eternal. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Matthew 25: 3436, 40) Ant. Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst. Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
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a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least of mine, you did for me. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) Throughout the tasks which fill their day, the Brothers make an effort to remain united with God whose emissaries they are: they welcome him and serve him in other people. They remain in union with God by frequently remembering his presence, by looking upon events with faith, by concern to bring a great purity of intention into the different aspects of their work and relationships, and by assuring periods of time for silence and more profound recollection. (art. 68) ... In ... prayer they set their minds on God and unite themselves to the person of Jesus Christ in his mysteries, his virtues and his teachings. Each day they undertake the ascent to God through meditation, as apostles responsible for the salvation of those confided to them. In this way, they hope to receive from the Lord the internal freedom and the spiritual discernment which their ministry requires, and the graces they need to work effectively for building up the kingdom of God. (art. 69) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Jesus does not abandon those who hope in him. Therefore, let us pray to him: Our Lord and our God, hear us. Christ our light, brighten us with your spirit, so that it may become a sacrament of your love. Watch over all those who minister by teaching, may they remain faithful to your resurrection. You gave peace to the world, let that peace be lived through all that we do. Dwell within our community, help us to be genuinely united in one spirit. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Ever-present God, lamp for our feet and light for our eyes, you have known us from our mothers womb and your right hand holds us fast. We cannot escape your tender care yet often move away from your intimate touch. Help us to see you present in our midst, to see Christ present in those most in need, to see ourselves present in the cause of justice. Teach us to ascend into your holy presence by descending into the suffering presence of the poor, to dwell with you at all times and in all ways. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might make our association become a living reality today.
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(Ps. 101) Ant. Look with favor upon our common lives, be with us today and always. My song is of mercy and justice; I sing to you, O Lord. I will walk in the way of perfection. O when, Lord, will you come? I will walk with blameless heart within my own house; I will not set before my eyes whatever is base. I will hate the ways of the crooked; they shall not be my friends. The false-hearted must keep far away the wicked I disown. Those who secretly slander their neighbors I will bring to silence. Those of proud look and haughty heart I will never endure. I look to the faithful in the land that they may dwell with me. Those who walk in the way of perfection shall be my friends. No one who practices deceit shall live within my house. No one who utters lies shall stand before my eyes.
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Morning by morning I will silence all the wicked in the land, uprooting from the city of the Lord all who do evil. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Ephesians 1: 310) Ant. God has give us the wisdom to live the mysteries of faith. Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens. God chose us in him before the world began to be holy and blameless in his sight He predestined us to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, such was his will and pleasure, that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us in his beloved. In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is Gods favor to us. God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ.
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A plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time, to bring all things into one in him, in the heavens and on earth. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) As St. Paul says, whatever we may do, if we lack charity, it goes for nothing. Experience itself demonstrates the force of this truth. In fact, a community where charity and union are lacking, is a species of hell. Here one complains; there another raises his voice against his Brother on account of some grievance; a third is angry because someone has annoyed him; a fourth denounces his Brother to the Superior for what he has done to him. Nothing but complaints, murmuring and backbiting is to be heard, causing great trouble and disquietude. The only remedy to such disorders is union and charity. ... What a blessed thing it is to learn and practice the lesson Our Lord gives when he says: Learn from me; I am gentle and humble of heart. ... The chief advantage is that it enables us to acquire all the other virtues. ... We hold all our passions in check, and prevent them from escaping our grasp. Never speak except in a kindly manner. When you fear to fail in this, remain silent. ... It sometimes happens, even in a religious community, that we do good to our Brothers because we have receive similar treatment from them, and that we refuse a service, or do it with a bad grace, because those who ask it are displeasing to us, or have done something to grieve us. Such charity is merely human. How far it is from deserving to be considered disinterested; from disclaiming its own rights! (Med. 65) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION To the God who gives us the joy of giving praise this morning and who strengthens our hope, let us pray: Hear us, O Lord, for the glory of your name. We thank you, O God, for bringing us together, for drawing our strengths into one. Make us aware of each others needs and burdens, caring for each other with equal respect. Pour out your spirit among us, your servants, make us sincere in our love for one another. Let our association be based on real bonds of peace, let your grace flow through our every action. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Blessed Trinity of love, favor our community with the grace to walk in the way of perfection. Let us praise your glorious favor by the practice of real charity among us. Teach us to speak clearly our concerns and to listen carefully to those of others. Build our community into one body of grace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we have made our association become a living reality today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Ps. 145)
Ant. Every day will I bless your life among us, and praise your name in our midst. Let me speak your praise, O Lord, let all peoples bless your holy name. I will give you glory, O God my king, I will bless your name for ever. I will bless you day after day and praise your name for ever. You are great, Lord, highly to be praised, your greatness cannot be measured. Age to age shall proclaim your works, shall declare your mighty deeds, shall speak of your splendor and glory, tell the tale of your wonderful works. They will speak of your terrible deeds, recount your greatness and might. They will recall your abundant goodness; age to age shall ring out your justice. You are kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. How good you are, Lord, to all, compassionate to all your creatures.
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All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, and your friends shall repeat their blessing. They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God, to make known all your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of your reign. Yours is an everlasting kingdom; your rule lasts from age to age. You are faithful in all your words and loving in all your deeds. You support all those who are falling and raise up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all creatures look to you and you give them their food in due time. You open wide your hand, grant the desires of all who live. You are just in all your ways and loving in all your deeds. You are close to all who call you, who call on you from their hearts. You grant the desires of those who fear you, you hear their cry and you save them. Lord, you protect all who love you; but the wicked you will utterly destroy. Let me speak your praise, O Lord, let all peoples bless your holy name. I will give you glory, O God my king, I will bless your name for ever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Romans 12: 918, 21) Ant. As a body is one though it has many parts, so also it is with Christs body. Let love be sincere, hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
The life and development of the Institute depend primarily on the mystery of and the power of grace. By the gift of freedom, however, the Lord has willed to place the destiny of the Institute into the hands of the Brothers who are committed to work together so that it will prosper and remain faithful to its mission. It is above all to Jesus Christ, to his gospel and to his Spirit that the Brothers are faithful. (art. 142) John Baptist de La Salle was led to found a community of men who were enlightened by God to have a share in his plan of salvation. They associated together to respond to the needs of young people who were poor and far from salvation. Even today, each of the Brothers communities finds in this historical event a fundamental source of inspiration. (art. 47) ...The Brothers live their faith as a gift to be used for their ministry of Christian education. In faith they contemplate God as the one who chooses them to be workers bringing his salvation to the least and to the poorest. Together and by association they labor to accomplish Gods saving work in a profession where the poor have the gospel preached to them and where young people grow as human persons and children of God. In faith, the Brothers praise God as they see his kingdom being extended. (art. 20) ...The Brothers are in solidarity with their community, with their District and with the Institute as a whole. In fulfilling their ministry, whatever their individual assignment may be, they are contributing, as a community, to the unique mission of the Institute within the Church. (art. 16) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us praise Christ who gives power and strength to his people, and let us entreat him with sincere hearts: Hear us, O Lord, that we may praise you forever. You called your faithful ones to live by association, strengthen us in our vocation. Direct our leaders according to your will, help them to lead us wisely and courageously. You enlightened St. La Salle to form us into one, keep us together with bonds of peace. Grant your blessings on this community, may we live out the love that you have given us. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of all living, we praise your name in our midst, even as you walk among us in that person who is most in need of your unconditional care. Let us live our solidarity with the grace of your redeeming love, a grace which empowers us to bless those who most disturb us, to conquer the evil of our selfishness with the good of your self-sacrifice. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might experience moments of authentic teaching today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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Ant. How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all. Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are, clothed in majesty and glory, wrapped in light as in a robe! You stretch out the heavens like a tent. Above the rains you build your dwelling. You make the clouds your chariot, you walk on the wings of the wind. You founded the earth on its base, to stands firm from age to age. You wrapped it with the ocean like a cloak: the waters stood higher than the mountains. They rose over the mountains and flowed down to the place which you had appointed. You set limits they might not pass lest they return to cover the earth. You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow in between the hills. They give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild asses quench their thirst.
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On their banks dwell the birds of heaven; from the branches they sing their song. From your dwelling you water the hills; earth drinks its fill of your gift. You make the grass grow for the cattle and the plants to serve our needs, that we may bring forth bread from the earth and wine to cheer our hearts. The trees of the Lord drink their fill, the cedars he planted on Lebanon; there the birds build their nests; on the treetop the stork has her home. You made the moon to mark the months; the sun knows the time for its setting. When you spread the darkness it is night and all the beasts of the forest creep forth. At the rising of the sun they steal away and go to rest in their dens. Men and women go out to their work, to labor till evening falls. May the glory of the Lord last for ever! May the Lord rejoice in his works! He looks on the earth and it trembles; the mountains send forth smoke at his touch. I will sing to the Lord all my life, make music to my God while I live. May my thoughts be pleasing to him. I find my joy in the Lord. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(1Corinthians 2:16, 1113) Ant. Gods Spirit is our wisdom, seek first the mind of Christ. When I came to you, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Who knows what pertains to a person except the spirit of the person that is within? Similarly, no one know what pertains to God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God. And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
Jesus Christ, speaking to his apostles, said that he gave an example to them that they might do as he had done. He also wanted his disciples to be with him at all the conversions he brought about, so that they could see how he acted and take him as the rule and model for all they would do to win others to God. This is also what you must do, since Jesus Christ has chosen you among so many others to be his cooperators in the salvation of souls. You must study in the gospel how Jesus brought his disciples to practise the truths of the gospel... In carrying out your service to children, you will not fulfill your ministry adequately if you conform only to the external actions of Jesus Christ in his guidance and in his conversion of souls. You must also enter into his way of thinking and adopt his goals. He came on earth, as he himself said, that all might have life and have it to the full. This is why he said in another place that his words are spirit and life. By this he meant that his words procure the true life, which is the life of the soul for those who hear them and, with gladness over what they have heard, act on them with love. (MTR 4.3) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Christ, our teacher, enlightens us with his word and example. With deep love we call upon him. Hear us, teacher of eternal glory. Blessed are you, the first and last teacher of the faith, for you called us into your marvelous light. You enable the blind to see, the deaf to hear, enable us to open others eyes and ears to you. Give us strength in temptation, endurance in trials, and gratitude in success. Lord, let our teaching be your own, may it be an occasion for putting prayer to work. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: You, O God, are our strength, our patience, our light, and our counsel. It is you who opens the minds and hearts of the ones confided to our care. Abandon us not to ourselves for one moment. Grant us the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and fortitude; the spirit of knowledge and piety, the spirit of respect for your presence within those whom we encounter, and an ardent zeal for touching the hearts of others. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we experienced moments of genuine teaching today.
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218
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Ant. We work within your presence, O Lord, throughout the day. I will thank the Lord with all my heart in the meeting of the just and their assembly. Great are the works of the Lord, to be pondered by all who love them. Majestic and glorious his work, his justice stands firm for ever. He makes us remember his wonders. The Lord is compassion and love. He gives food to those who fear him; keeps his covenant ever in mind. He has shown his might to his people by giving them the land of the nations. His works are justice and truth, his precepts are all of them sure, standing firm for ever and ever; they are made in uprightness and truth. He has sent deliverance to his people and established his covenant for ever. Holy his name, to be feared. His praise shall last for ever! -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Matthew 18: 17, 10) Ant. You, Lord, have the words of eternal life, you fill us with your blessing. The disciples approached Jesus and said, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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READING
... The Institute is concerned above all for the educational needs of the poor as they strive to become aware of their dignity and to live and to be be recognized as human beings and children of God. The Institute establishes, renews and diversifies its works according to what the kingdom of God requires. (art. 11) As ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ, the Brothers participate in the Churchs mission by consecrating their lives to God in order to bring the Gospel to the educational world. In their educational activity the Brothers seek to integrate the effort for human advancement with the announcement of Gods word. They are convinced that any education that respects the human person is a way to open people to Gods grace and so dispose them to accept the faith. (art. 12) The Brothers make a genuine effort to understand the deeper aspirations of the people in the milieu in which they work by being actually involved in it. Thus they can take advantage of the right moment and use the appropriate language to speak of Jesus Christ to those to whom they bring their message. Reciprocally, they themselves are open to being evangelized. The Brothers consider that their principal function consists in the work of evangelization and catechesis whereby they contribute to growth in faith of those who have been baptized.... (art. 15) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION With joyful hearts, let us praise God who teaches us with love and mercy. Let all who hope in you rejoice, Lord. Keep us open to your grace, that we remain disposed to receive you in faith. You made us stewards of your marvelous gifts, help us to appreciate the gifts of others. Grant the grace to see our deepest aspirations, and the genuine needs of those whom we serve. Inspire us to continually grow in our faith, enabling others to grow in their faith. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: O God, we remember the wonders of your creation, especially the wonders that make up those with whom we work. Grant us your wisdom and give us the mind of Christ that we may truly be his ministers, forming others with the clothing of his glory. Let your grace work through us as we become the gospel others read most clearly. The heart of what we teach lies within our own hearts. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways that we might consciously follow Gods will in our regard today.
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Ant. Your ways, O Lord, are my delight, you guide me along your way. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful water he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lords own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
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(Isaiah 42: 1016) Ant. I will lead you on your journey; by paths unknown I will guide you. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth: Let the sea and what fills it resound, the coastlands, and those who dwell in them. Let the steppe and its cities cry out, the villages where Kedar dwells; let the inhabitants of Sela exult, and shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord, and utter his praise in the coastlands. The Lord goes forth like a hero, like a warrior he stirs up his ardor; he shouts out his battle cry, against his enemies he shows his might: I have looked away, and kept silence, I have said nothing, holding myself in; but now, I cry out as a woman in labor, gasping and panting. I will lay waste mountains and hills, all their herbage I will dry up; I will turn the rivers into marshes and the marshes I will dry up. I will lead the blind on their journey; by paths unknown I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
225
READING
If my work does not come from God, I would consent to its ruin. I would join our enemies in destroying it if I thought that it did not have God for its author, or that He did not will its progress. But if He declares Himself its defender, let us fear nothing. He is the Almighty. No arm can uproot what He has planted; no hand can snatch away what He holds in His ... So, let us abandon ourselves to His guidance. If He takes our work in hand, He will make use of the very ones who are so determined to destroy it to further progress ... If contradiction is a proof that an enterprise comes from God, let us be happy; our Institute is indeed His creation. The cross which follows it everywhere gives us assurance of this. (Meditations, K49) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
226
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us pray to God, who gives salvation to all who follow the designs of faith. You are our life, O Lord. Blessed are you, for you bring us to birth, into a life of creativity and grace. You renew us in the life of Christ, your Son, renew our commitment to following your will. May all our works always come from you alone, and have you as their end. Help us to abandon ourselves to your will, for your blessings carry us from grace to grace. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: O God, grant that we may know the things that we should do and have the strength to do them. You guide us by paths unclear and lead us in ways untested. Send us your Spirit that we too can live out the words our Founder spoke at the end of his life: I adore in all things the will of God in my regard. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
227
Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Reflect briefly on the ways we have consciously followed Gods will in our regard today. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
# & 3 . 4
The set - ting We praise your To God the
sun now dies a name with joy this Fa - ther, God the
&
# .

of the in
way, and dark - ness night; O watch and Son, And Ho - ly
comes at close guide us till Spir - it, Three
&

im your a -
day. Your ra - diant light That we may One, Tri - ni - ty
hope, O Lord, rest with - in blest, whom we
&
. .
part To ev - 'ry grace And know the dore, Be praise and
mind and ev - 'ry heart. calm that is your peace. glo - ry ev - er - more.
228
&
(Ps. 25)
Ant. Lead me in your truth, and guide me in the path of salvation. To you, O Lord I lift up my soul. I trust you, let me not be disappointed; do not let my enemies triumph. Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed. Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my savior. In you I hope all day long because of your goodness, O Lord. Remember your mercy, Lord, and the love you have shown from of old. The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path, He teaches his way to the poor. His ways are faithfulness and love for those who keep his covenant and will. Lord, for the sake of your name forgive my guilt, for it is great.
229
To those who revere the Lord he will show the path they should choose. Their souls will live in happiness and their children shall possess the land. My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues my feet from the snare. Turn to me and have mercy for I am lonely and poor. Relieve the anguish of my heart and set me free from my distress. See my affliction and my toil and take all my sins away. Preserve my life and rescue me. Do not disappoint me, you are my refuge. May innocence and uprightness protect me, for my hope is in you, O Lord. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Colossians 1: 1220) Ant. Your will, O God, reaches through the ages, your love is everlasting. Let us give thanks to the Father for having made you worthy to share the lot of the saints in light. He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.
230
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creatures. In him everything in heaven and on earth was created, things visible and invisible. All were created through him; all were created for him. He is before all else that is. In him everything continues in being. It is he who is head of the body, the church! he who is the beginning, the first-born of the dead, so that primacy may be his in everything. It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of his cross. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
231
READING
The vitality of the Institute depends on the quality and the fidelity of each of its members. Each Brother develops his talents and places them at the service of the Institute which the Founder saw as the work of God. (art. 143) Each Brother, regardless of his age, has a role to play in the vitality of the Institute. The fidelity of the Brothers is achieved by their daily response to different situations, by getting to know more fully persons and the milieu in which they live and work, and by their determination to find new strength in frequent prayer. (art. 145) The Rule defines the meaning of the Brothers life. It translates into modern terms and reaffirms what St. John Baptist de La Salle intended in his Rule. By their religious profession the Brothers undertake to observe it joyfully, as a personal response by which they continually renew the gift of themselves....(art. 147) The Brothers bear witness to their love for St. John Baptist de La Salle as their Founder. They imitate him in his abandonment to God, his loyalty to the Church, his creative apostolic spirit, and his definitive commitment to the evangelization of young people.... (art. 149) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
232
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us pray to Christ, the light of the nations and the joy of every living creature: Give us light, peace, and clarity of vision, Lord. You came to save all those in darkness, help us to save those within our reach. Our vitality as an Institute depends on each of us, bring our talents to bear on the needs before us. You open the way of truth to all who call on you, teach us to see your will in our daily circumstances. May we discover your designs as one community, may we see your will manifest in one another. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: God of mercy, you lead us in truth and do not break your faith with us. Equip us with everything that is good, work in us everything that is pleasing in your sight, and move us toward those most in need. Our eyes are ever on you as we unite our will with that of Jesus and labor as one for the vitality of our Institute. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
233
Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Bring to mind at this time and during this day the ways that we have hurt others or that others have hurt us. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
&c
Lord Fresh O Praise
&
your our man till
thank you for force to do make our hu God through time,
&
&
seem to find you out the day to bless - ed face one heav'n's great day of
234
b &b b
(Ps. 32)
Ant. In the integrity of my heart, I lie my guilt before you. Happy those who offense is forgiven, whose sin is remitted. O happy those to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no guile. I kept it secret and my frame was wasted. I groaned all day long, for night and day your hand was heavy upon me. Indeed my strength was dried up as by the summers heat. But now I have acknowledged my sins; my guilt I did not hide. I said: I will confess my offense to the Lord. And you, Lord, have forgiven the guilt of my sin. So let faithful men and women pray to you in the time of need. The floods of water may reach high but they shall stand secure. You are my hiding place, O Lord; you save me from distress.
235
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel with my eye upon you. Be not like horse and mule, unintelligent, needing bridle and bit. Many sorrows has the wicked but those who trust in the Lord, * loving mercy surrounds them. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Luke 6: 3739, 4142) Ant. Every tree is know by its own fruit; from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which your measure will in return be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brothers eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye, when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brothers eye. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
236
READING
There are many ... who wish to see miracles and wonders in their Brothers, in the sense that they would like to have to suffer nothing from them, which is a thing quite impossible. It is a law of God, and consequently an obligation on our part, that persons living together should exercise mutual forbearance. This is what St. Paul teaches when he says: Bear the burden of one anothers failings, that is to say their defects, then you will be fulfilling the law of Christ.... To bear with the shortcomings of our neighbor is, moreover, a practice of charity which is essential to the preservation of union. Thus we show that we form but one body with our Brothers, and being one body we share in the sufferings of individual members ... It is impossible for two people to live together without being a source of mutual suffering, and as we cause others to suffer, it is but just that we should bear with their failings also ... And such a burden is light since Jesus Christ helps us to carry it. Do not therefore be so lacking in sense, so unreasonable and so unchristian as to pretend that you should not have to suffer anything from your Brothers. This would truly be asking a most unheard of and extraordinary miracle. Do not expect to see any such thing during the whole of your life. (Meditations, K62) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
237
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION We trust in Gods concern for every person in creation. Let us renew our prayer: Fulfill the work you have begun in us, Lord. O God of mercy, you guide us to spiritual growth, fill our hearts with the strength of reconciliation. Accept us in our brokenness, renew your life within our midst. Help us recall the ways that we bring suffering, help us to see ourselves as others do. Our lives call for prophecy and mercy, let us come to reconciliation in your presence. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Merciful God, we stand before you with integrity of heart and clarity of conscience. Our limitations hem us in, yet your loving mercy surrounds us still. Increase our ability to forgive instead of judge, to build up instead of tear down, to seek peace instead of conflict. As we bring our stumbling blocks into the light, let the light of Christ shine through the darkness of our hiding and burn away the scars of our oppression. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
238
Week IV

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*Let us bring into the presence of God among us, the ways that we have hurt others and the ways that others have hurt us ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
9 &4
Christ be be - side me, Christ be be Christ on my right hand, Christ on my Christ be in all hearts Think - ing a -
& .
fore me, Christ be be - hind me, King of my left hand, Christ all a - round me, Shield in the bout me, Christ be on all tongues Tell - ing of
& .
heart. strife. me.
Christ be with - in me, Christ be be Christ in my sleep - ing, Christ in my Christ be the vi - sion In eyes that
& .
. .
low me, Christ be a - bove me, Nev - er to part. sit - ting, Christ in my ris - ing, Light of my heart. see me, In ears that hear me Christ ever be.
239
bbb &
(Ps. 51) Ant. Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew your spirit within me. Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offense. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. My offenses truly I know them; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. That you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge, O see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived. Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear rejoicing and gladness that the bones you have crushed may thrill. From my sins turn away your face and blot out all my guilt. A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
240
Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. O rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise. For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse; my sacrifice, a contrite spirit, a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(Ephesians 4: 16, 2527, 3132) Ant. God showers us with mercy; in Christ is our salvation. Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
241
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil. All bitterness must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*READING (Choose all, part, or another) The Brothers are determined with one spirit to be brothers among themselves, brothers to the adults they deal with, and older brothers to the young people confided to their care. In all their relationships they are concerned about persons in their deepest hopes and desires. (art. 53) The community is for the Brothers their home. It is there that they live together. It is there that they experience each day anew the friendship, the esteem, the trust and the respect that they have for one another. They pay special attention to the needs of the young Brothers. They enjoy sharing their meals, their periods of recreation, and the various services that are called for by a life together. By their active presence and by their sensitivity to one another, the Brothers assure the solidarity of the community. To ensure its unity the community reinforces the generous gift each Brother makes of himself in the sacrifices necessary for the common good. The community recognizes and welcomes the grace-filled occasions for pardon and reconciliation among its members. (art. 54) (Pause for reflection) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
242
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us pray to Christ, the source of hope for all who know his name: Lord, have mercy. Christ, our frail humanity is weak, strengthen us with your grace and example. Left to ourselves, we are prone to sin and division, let your love always restore us to full life. Grant us the grace of reconciliation, and the openness of heart to listen to your voice in others. Bring us to true repentance and sincere renewal of mind, let your presence our anchor for forgiveness. (Personal Intentions & Prayers) Our Father ... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*All: Compassionate God, as the sun sets on our day, so also our most disturbing concerns move beyond us. You love truth in the heart, purity of intention, and the bonds of peace. Bring us to true compassion with each other. Remove all bitterness or malice from our midst. Create a clean heart and renew your spirit within us. May we become living signs of your resurrection by dying to our selves and coming to the gates of mercy. Strengthen our unity with your life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
243
Night Prayer
244
Night Prayer
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*During the lighting of the candle:
# & # c & ## .
LUX CHRISTI Setting by George Van Grieken, FSC
. U U
(Cantor:) Je- sus Christ, our light
and our peace;

all
(ALL:)
Your ra- diance dis - pells
darkness.
# & # . ##
(Cantor:) Praise God al-ways and
for every - thing.
&
(ALL:) Thanks be to
God now and ev - er - more.
All recollect themselves for a few moments, reviewing their day. Then the leader begins: Let us humbly confess our sins to God before the whole company of heaven. All: Almighty God, our heavenly Father: we have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone.
245
For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all our offenses; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your name. Amen Leader: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM Setting by Howard Hughes, S.M.
# # & # 3 j 4
2 4
j3 4
gifts of cure; in seek in
We praise you, Fa - ther, for your With - in your hands we rest se Your glo - ry may we ev - er
# # & # 3 4
2 4
j 3 4
dusk and night- fall o - ver qui - et sleep our strength re rest, as in ac - tiv - i
earth, fore new, yet ty. Un -
# # & # 3 4
j
of in O
shad - ow - ing the mys - te - ry give your peo - ple hearts that wake til its fullness is re - vealed,
# # & #
death love source
that to of
day. Lord. ty.
leads to end - less you, un - sleep - ing life, O Trin - i
246
PSALM SETTING
Antiphon:
(Choose one of the three)
Psalm 15/16: Prayer of confidence
&b c
Lead me to fullness of joy in your presence.
&b
Protect me, God, I come to you for safety. * I say, "You are my God; / all the good things I have come from you." You have put into my heart a steadfast love; those who are faithful dwell in your land But they who rush to other gods. * bring troubles onto themselves. I will not take part in their sacrifices; * I will not pray to their gods. You, Yahweh, are all I have; * you give me all that I need. How wonderful are your gifts to me; * how marvellous and good they are! I praise God, who ever guides me, * who in the night directs my heart. I am always aware of your presence; * you are near, and not a thing can shake me. And so my heart is filled with joy, and my soul is full of gladness.
247
Even my body will rest secure; you will not abandon the one that you love. You will show me the path that leads to life; * your presence fills me with joy, / and your help brings delight forever. Give praise to the Father Almighty, / to his Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord, * to the Spirit who dwells in our hearts. Leader Let us pray (Pause for silent prayer) O God, the heritage and happiness of our lives, preserve those who take refuge in you. By the power of your Christ, bring us to the fullness of joy in your presence, in union with St. La Salle and all your saints. Through the same Christ our Lord. All Amen.
Psalm 30/31: Trustful prayer in adversity Antiphon:
b & b b c .
. w
In- to your hands, my God, I com-mend my spir - it.
248
b &b b
In you, my God, I take refuge; * let me never be disgraced. In your righteousness deliver me, rescue me; * quickly, turn your ear to me! Be a sheltering rock for me, * and a walled fortress to save me! For you are my rock, my stronghold; * for the sake of your name, guide me and lead me! Pull me out of the snares that others have hidden, * for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; * you will redeem me, O God. All you faithful ones, love Yahweh, * who will more than repay the arrogant. Be strong, let your hearts be bold, * all you who hope in God. To the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit * give praise for ever. Amen. Leader Let us pray (Pause for silent prayer) God of power and might, be our rock of refuge, our stronghold in times of adversity. Let your spirit guide us in ways that are level and smooth. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen.
249
Psalm 138/139, 1-12: God sees and cares for all. Antiphon:
# & c .
Your
right hand, O Lord, holds me fast.
&
Yahweh, you search me and know me. / You know if I am standing or sitting. * You perceive my thoughts from far away. Whether I walk or lie down, you are watching; * you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is even on my tongue, * my God, you know it through and through. Close behind and close in front you hem me in,* shielding me with your hand. Such knowledge is beyond my understanding, * too high, beyond my reach. Where could I escape your spirit? * Where could I flee from your presence? If I climb to the heavens, you are there; * there, too, if I sink to Sheol. If I flew to the point of sunrise, / or far across the sea, * your hand would still be guiding me, / your right hand holding me.
250
If I asked darkness to cover me / and light to become night around me, * that darkness would not be dark to you; / night would shine as the day. You created my inmost being * and knit me together in my mothers womb. For all these mysteries, / for the wonder of myself, * for the wonder of your works I thank you. Give praise to the Father Almighty, / to his Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord, * to the Spirit who dwells in our hearts. Leader Let us pray (Pause for silent prayer) God of life, God of the universe, you are near to all who call upon you. Guide and guard us this night. Make even our darkness as bright as day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen
THE WORD OF GOD
(This reading or another)
We who live by day must be alert, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. God has not destined us for wrath but for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him. (1 Thes. 58-10)
251
j &3 4
j
Safe My Whose
Lord, keep our dai - ly Dis - miss your ser - vant Praise Fa - ther, Son, and
course from tears, now in peace, Spir - it blest,
&
night's your and
fears, light: test
j
That, A To
guard us from eyes have seen sav - ing works
dark - est sav - ing words at
&
cease, earth strife:
j
UnThe Our
now with Christ, our watch not bright- ness show - ing all the love that passed through death's great
&
we your in
peace. worth. life.
til at length full - ness of hope se - cured
rest in peo - ple's ris - en
CLOSING
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in you mercy, grant us safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen.

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1

A FOUR-WEEK LASALLIAN PRAYER CYCLE

INDEX for the Four-Week Prayer Cycle

NIGHT PRAYER Setting

THEMATIC SCHEMA FOR THE FOUR-WEEK CYCLE

GUIDELINES FOR Morning Prayer

GUIDELINES FOR Evening Prayer

(Cantor:) Je-sus Christ, our light and our peace;

Your ra- diance dis - pells all

(Cantor:) Praise God al-ways and

for ev- ery - thing.

(ALL:) Thanks be to God now and ev - er - more.

Sunday Evening Prayer

source of day prize of life

and night, to win;

fash- ioned first of void - ing ev - 'ry

all your works The e - vil path, O

dawn of ra - diant light. By keep us free from sin. O

dawn to dusk its span. As Christ, your on - ly Son, Who

dark-ness falls we with the Spir - it

(Choose all, part, or another)

Monday Morning Prayer

Lord Sun Lord Give

star; day; love; you,

Cen Star Be Till

ter of fore all

sphere, light throne claim

And Shall We One

near. night. own. flame.

hearts how long - est of our heav'n - ly

(All, part, or another)

Monday Evening Prayer

splen - dor on the give the heav - en's

light, Who played Your bear, Lest, in To

dwell on night and earth - ly - ry of

Light, sing life, night,

sight. wing. light. light.

Tuesday Morning Prayer

life, To Christ, Who fire, Whose One, Sub -

liv weight e maj -

whom all bore our flame all lime in

source dark light reign

of ho - li de - feat, you and love come for ev - er,

first death, si splen -

Tuesday Evening Prayer

O This For Bring

Mas - ter of mo - ment of so you would light in - to

the u cre - a di - vide the hearts

ni - verse, Cretion saw Ex and keep Each of all, Di -

light, birth, day sires.

You The And O

night. earth; way. tires!

blind - ing to the pass a spir - it

Wednesday Morning Prayer

Fa-ther's might: The will of God be my stay, The shield of God

Wednesday Evening Prayer

O That Help Christ,

blest sleep us with

God limbs glad e -

Cre - a - tor, may wea - ried that we may the Fa - ther

high, store, bring one;

Great And The Spir -

the and sic ther