Out of the depths I cry to you O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice!
(From Psalm 130, Fifth Sunday of Lent)
How are we experiencing the depths of this COVID-19 health crisis and time of social distancing? Those who are especially vulnerable – due to age and health – live in fear of what is coming next. Indeed, many of us fear for our health. Some are working tirelessly in our healthcare system, putting themselves in danger. Some are continuing to work in service professions, often out of financial necessity. Many are fearful of financial ruin for businesses and families. Parents, teens, and children are trying to be patient and gentle with one another. Teachers are trying to form our students in new and stressful ways. And those who live alone, the old and the young, may be struggling with loneliness.
Out of the depths, can we summon the space to reflect on our deepest pains? Out of the depths, can we summon the energy to lift up our cries? Out of the depths, and though apart, can we be mindful of how one another is crying out to God in unique ways, and allow our prayers to mingle as one great cry to our God?
In our Gospel this weekend we hear that “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Then he lifted his prayers for his friend Lazarus. Our biblical and liturgical faith insists that Christ intercedes for us now, and always (Hebrews 7:25). Somehow, the prayers and voice of Jesus offer freedom from bondage and restoration to life, as it did for Lazarus. Somehow, we will continue to pray as the Body of Christ – many voices, though distanced, still in communion as one voice, praying for our broken world.
Praying with the Readings
(Fifth Sunday of Lent)
READINGS | PRAYER PATH FOR THE READINGS | KEY WORDS AND PHRASES
What other words or phrases from the biblical readings resonate with you and your anxieties, fears, hopes, or yearning right now? This is a good way of starting what is often called lectio divina, praying with the Bible. MORE ON LECTIO DIVINA FROM FATHER JAMES MARTIN
Resource pages above from St. Louis University Liturgy Website
Keeping Sunday Holy
(Fifth Sunday of Lent at Home)
MORNING PRAYER | EVENING PRAYER
From Diana Macalintal, liturgy.life
FAMILY WORSHIP@HOME
From Paul Canavese and Ann Naffziger, The Pastoral Center
INTERCESSIONS FOR SUNDAY | Justin Huyck
Mass Video Streams: ST MICHAEL CANTON, OH | CATHOLIC TV | SAINT JOHN’S ABBEY | NATIONAL SHRINE LIVE AND ARCHIVE
Tips for Watching and Praying Mass from Home:
PRAYING MASS AT HOME: CREATING A SACRED SPACE | Diocese of Sioux Falls
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION RESOURCE PAGE | Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Praying Throughout the Week
And Additional Well-Being Resources during COVID-19
GIVE US THIS DAY DIGITAL AND APP | Morning and Evening Prayer, Daily Readings, Reflections
LIVING FAITH DIGITAL | Daily Reflections
ONE CALL INSTITUTE HUB | Live Prayer Events, Podcasts, and More
BECKY ELDREDGE SPIRITUAL SUPPORT HUB | Guided Reflections and More
SIGN OF THE CROSS GUIDED MEDITATION | Father Michael Sparough, SJ
MENTAL HEALTH, ANXIETY, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES | Covid-19 Hub from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability – Mental Health, Caregivers, Persons with Disabilities
A FAITH RESPONSE TO COVID-19 | The Pastoral Center
NFYCM HUB | ST MARY’S PRESS HUB | Teens and Parents
ST MICHAEL HUB FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Help us to hear the voice of Jesus, who called Lazarus out of bondage.
our freedom from every fear.
Text: Copyright © 2020 Justin Huyck. All rights reserved.
Images:
Jesus Praying, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56704 [retrieved March 28, 2020]. Original source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/talesoftaromeet/6867087845 – DL Duncan. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
Ando, Tadao, 1941-. Interior of the Church of the Light, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55848 [retrieved March 21, 2020].
Environment for Taize Prayer, prepared by youth participants of Music and Liturgy at Pyramid Lake, Diocese of Albany
FAITHSHAPE 