The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)

"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb"
(Lk 1:42).

Meditation: Isaiah 65:17-21

Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop (Optional Memorial)

Today's Meditation: Isaiah 65:17-21

I am about to create new heavens and a new earth. (Isaiah 65:17)

For most of us, the word “new” stirs up some excitement. A new season, a new job, a new outfit—such things evoke feelings of anticipation and hope. In today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah, God is promising the Israelites something truly new: a new creation! Isaiah’s prophecy probably stirred up the same feelings of anticipation and excitement in the Israelites, who had been experiencing only defeat and destruction. It gave them hope that something better than their current struggles would eventually come to pass.

We are about halfway through Lent. Our Lenten sacrifices are meant to bear fruit in our lives and to give God the opportunity to do something new in us. So today, think about what “new” things are happening in and around you.

As you spend time in prayer, perhaps you are experiencing a new or deeper relationship with the Lord. You might find yourself feeling closer to him. Maybe new thoughts come to mind—kinder or more compassionate thoughts or a deeper understanding of Scripture. Maybe you are beginning to hear some new things that God is saying to you personally.

As you give alms, you may be experiencing a deeper trust in the Lord. Perhaps you are able to be more generous, without fear of not having enough for yourself, or you are experiencing less worry about your finances or your future.

Through repentance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you may have gained a new sense of having been forgiven. You may feel lighter after being released from the burden of guilt or shame. You may also find yourself more able to forgive others.

Remember, God has already made you a new creation through his Son (2 Corinthians 5:17). So be expectant during the second half of Lent and look for more of the “new” that the Lord is producing in you. Believe that in the midst of your Lenten practices, his life is growing in you and new things are sprouting, even if you don’t see them right away. Place your hope in the One who is always creating and re-creating, making all things new—including you.

“Father, help me to see the new life that you are producing in me.”

Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
John 4:43-54