Third Sunday of Lent

The Readings

Available from the USCCB here.

First Reading Exodus 20:1-7

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Gospel John 2:13-25

Prayers of the Faithful

• For Pope Francis and all church leaders: May they lead lives according to the Commandments and the ways of the Lord offering hope for this troubled world. Lord in your Mercy, hear our prayer.
• For our government and world leaders: May they be willing to sacrifice their will for the greater good of those they are called to serve. Lord in your Mercy, hear our prayer.
• For those suffering spiritually, physically, and emotionally: May they unite their cross with the saving cross of Christ. Lord in your Mercy, hear our prayer.
• For teachers, children, parents, and all involved in education: May they “Be not afraid” for God’s Blessings are with them, as they learn and teach during this Pandemic. Lord in your Mercy, hear our prayer.
• For those seeking warmth and shelter during this cold Winter sea: May they be lifted up by God’s mercy, finding warmth in the kindness of others, and comfort knowing that the new life of Spring is on its way soon. Lord in your Mercy, hear our prayer.
• That Roger & Lois Gerardy; Earl Larson; Charlie Breitbach; Sarah Meyer Pratti; Tim Jamison; Grayson Dall; Gina Danner; Dan McCarron; Joseph Blasen; and all who have died rejoice in being seated at the banquet of God’s heavenly kingdom, Lord in your Mercy, hear our prayer.

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

A Prayer for During the Pandemic

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We turn to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.