We continue our movement toward the Sacred Triduum with very poignant prayers and scriptures. The Old Testament readings for these days are the first three of four of the Oracles of the Suffering Servant: service, sacrifice, and exaltation of the Servant of the Lord, the Messiah.


MONDAY of HOLY WEEK
COLLECT
     Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail,
     we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son. 
     Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
     for ever and ever. Amen
 
SCRIPTURES  Though he must suffer and die (Gsp), the Suffering Servant will not cry out (OT), for the Lord is his refuge (Ps).
     Isaiah 42: 1-7  (The First Oracle of the Servant of the Lord. We are introduced to the
         Servant of the LORD.)
     Psalm 27: 1,2,3,13-14  (The Lord is my light and my salvation.)
     John 12: 1-11
 
CONCLUDING PRAYER 
     May your protection, O Lord, we pray, defend the humble and keep ever safe
     those who trust in your mercy, that they may celebrate the paschal festivities
     not only with bodily observance but above all with purity of mind. 
     Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 

TUESDAY of HOLY WEEK
COLLECT
     Almighty ever-living God, grant us so to celebrate the mysteries of the
     Lord’s Passion that we may merit to receive your pardon.  Through our
     Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity
     of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
 
SCRIPTURES  The Lord will show his glory to his Servant (OT), by delivering from death (Ps) the one handed over by Judas (Gsp).
     Isaiah 49: 1-6 (The Second Oracle of the Servant of the Lord speaks of the Messiah’s work
          in the world and His success.)
     Psalm 71: 1-4a,5ab-6ab,15,17 (I will sing of your salvation.)
     John 13: 21-33,36-38
 
CONCLUDING PRAYER 
     May your mercy, O God, cleanse the people that are subject to you
     from all seduction of former ways and make them capable of new holiness. 
     Through Christ our Lord. Amen
 

WEDNESDAY of HOLY WEEK
COLLECT
     O God, who willed your Son to submit for our sake to the yoke of the Cross,
     so that you might drive from us the power of the enemy, grant us, your servants,
     to attain the grace of the resurrection.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
     who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
     and ever. Amen
 
SCRIPTURES  Trusting in the Lord who is his help (OT, Ps), Jesus speaks of his betrayal which is at hand (Gsp).
     Isaiah 50:4-9a (The Third Oracle of the Servant of the Lord contrasts Israel’s sin
          with the Servant’s obedience.)
     Psalm 69: 8-10,21-22,31,33-34 (Lord, in your great love, answer me.)
     Matthew 26: 14-25
 
CONCLUDING PRAYER 
     Grant your faithful, O Lord, we pray, to partake unceasingly of the paschal mysteries
     and to await with longing the gifts to come, that, persevering in the Sacraments
     of their rebirth, they  may be led by Lenten works to newness of life.  Through Christ
     our Lord. Amen