April 05, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 27, 102, 126
Jeremiah 20:7-18
1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32
John 17:1-26

II. Selections
Psalm 126:5
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.

Jeremiah 20:18
Why did I come forth from the womb
to see toil and sorrow,
and spend my days in shame?

1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

John 17:11
And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

III. Meditation: For those who sow in tears

We pray your protection
for those who sow in tears,
who see only toil and sorrow
and spend their days in shame.

Holy Father, protect in your name
all the ones who, to follow Christ,
suffer to do your will in the world.
May they reap with shouts of joy.

As we break the bread, Christ's body,
remind us of them who sow in tears;
as we share the cup of blessing,
join us in the blood of Christ.