Lent Day 17

Opening Prayer:

Merciful Father,
may our acts of penance bring us to your forgiveness,
open our hearts to your love,
and prepare us for the coming feast of the resurrection.

Today's Readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46

Daily Meditation:
Help us open our hearts to you.

We hear of the vineyard owner whose tenants killed his servants and then his son.
Let us be called open our hearts and lives
to the challenge of your Gospel.
It is possible to say it every day

"Therefore, I say to you,
the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you
and be given to a people that will produce its fruit."
Matthew 21

Intercessions:
Let us pray to Christ our Savior, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection::
Lord, have mercy on us.

You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory,
- bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier's lance,
- heal our wounds.
Lord, have mercy on us.
You made the cross the tree of life,
- give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.
Lord, have mercy on us.
On the cross you forgave the repentant thief,
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Closing Prayer:

Loving God, Caring parent,
I am a child who so often turns my back
on your love.
Please accept my small acts of sorrow today
and help to release me from the self-absorption
that closes my heart to you.
As I journey through Lent,
let me remember the feast you have prepared for me
in the resurrection
and let me be filled with thanks to you.