Opening Prayer
Holy God, You are our hope! Amid our rocky desert and stony hearts, You refresh us with living water. In Christ, we blossom and grow, and are connected to You as the Source of Life. Our stone hearts are moistened by Your saving love and become responsive, fleshy hearts who beat with the pulse of Your Spirit. Thank you for inviting us to Your eternal banquet. Give us the wisdom not to ignore Your invitations, even when they come in surprising times and puzzling ways. May we come dressed, not in the apparel of our righteousness, deeds, rituals, selfishness, and arrogance, but clothed simply in Christ and His saving blood and cleansing water. Thank You for being our God, for embracing us in Jesus, for inviting us to Your table, for moistening our hardened hearts, and creating of us the promised land of Your presence and blossoming justice! Mary, be Queen of our hearts and lead us to Jesus and the fullness of God’s reign.
View Scripture on USCCB Website