Psalmody
Psalm 41
Ant. God in his goodness is helping me. (1832 letter to Fr. Tempier)
Blessed are they who have concern for the poor.
In time of trouble, the LORD will rescue them.
The LORD will guard them, preserve their life,
and make them blessed in the land,
not give them up to the will of their foes.
The LORD will help them on their bed of pain;
in their sickness, you tend even to their bedding.
As for me, I said, “LORD, have mercy on me;
heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.”
My foes speak evil against me and wonder,
how long before I die and my name is forgotten?
When they come to visit me, they speak empty words.
Their hearts store up malice; on leaving, they spread lies.
All my foes whisper together against me.
They devise evil plots against me,
Saying something deadly has fastened upon me,
that I will not rise from where I lie.
Thus even my friend, in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread,
has lifted a heel against me.
But you, O LORD, have mercy on me.
Raise me up and I will repay them.
By this I know your favour:
that my foes do not triumph over me.
In my integrity you have upheld me,
and have set me in your presence forever.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. God in his goodness is helping me.
Psalm 46
Ant. We must leave ourselves in the hands of Divine Providence.
(1822 letter to Fr. Courtès)
God is for us a refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in time of distress:
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains quake to the heart of the sea;
even though its waters rage and foam,
even though the mountains be shaken by its tumult.
The LORD of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
The waters of a river give joy to God’s city,
the holy place, the abode of the Most High.
God is within her, she cannot be shaken;
God will help her at the dawning of the day.
Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken:
a divine voice roars, and the earth melts away.
The LORD of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come and behold the works of the LORD,
the awesome deeds God has done on the earth.
God puts an end to wars over all the earth;
breaking bows, snapping spears, and burning shields with fire:
“Be still and know that I am God,
exalted over nations, exalted over earth!”
The LORD of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. We must leave ourselves in the hands of Divine Providence.
Canticle (Rev 15:3-4)
Ant. It truly seems that the good God wills me to pursue my task while united to him. (1826 letter to Fr. Tempier)
Great and wonderful are your works,
God the Almighty One!
Just and true are your ways,
Ruler of all ages!
Who shall refuse you honour,
or the glory due your name?
For you alone are holy,
all nations shall come and worship in your presence.
Your judgements are clearly seen.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. It truly seems that the good God wills me to pursue my task while united to him.
Reading
Community life, in its many forms, has always been essential to our Congregation. We are now being challenged to explore more deeply our living in intercultural communities. We desire that our community life be an outward reflection of the Church as Communion, or as a “Church as God’s Family,” always nurturing “love of the family” in order to do mission as expressed by our Founder. Together with Christ, lived in communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit, our community life gives a testimony of faith, love, and hope to humanity. Community is a place for dialogue and healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.
(Acts of the 37th General Chapter)
Responsory
Christ loved us and washed away our sins, in his own blood
- Christ loved us and washed away our sins, in his own blood
He made us his chosen people
- in his own blood
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
- Christ loved us and washed away our sins, in his own blood
Canticle of Mary
Ant. The Oblate cross which is received at perpetual profession is a constant reminder of the love of the Saviour who wishes to draw all hearts to himself and sends us out as his co-workers. (Constitution 63)
My heart is radiant, overflowing with joy,
for you have loved my lowliness.
You have shown me great favour;
all people will call me blest.
Your mercy extends throughout the ages
toward those who revere your holy name.
You have revealed your strength,
scattering the proud of heart.
You dethrone the powerful
and lift up the lowly.
The famished are filled;
the rich sent empty away.
Your people Israel you have remembered,
true to your loving kindness,
just as you have promised long ago
to Sarah and Abraham.
Glory to the Father…
Ant. The Oblate cross which is received at perpetual profession is a constant reminder of the love of the Saviour who wishes to draw all hearts to himself and sends us out as his co-workers.
Intercessions
That those suffering from injustice, poverty and disease may find courageous, generous people who will assist them in their need. We pray.
For those who are tempted to despair under the crushing weight of their problems. May they find consolation by placing them in the heart of Jesus.
For our Mazenodian Family, may we share Christ’s love and peace wherever we go and whatever we do.
Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayer
Attend with kindness, Lord God, to the cries of your people, that we may see the things that ought to be done and grow in the strength to do them. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Novitiate Liturgy of the Hours 