We remember Jesus lying dead in the tomb for three days. There appeared to be no hope. The long-awaited Messiah was dead.
Yet this is only how the situation seemed. In reality, Jesus had conquered death.
Many occurrences took place after Jesus died on the cross. An earthquake took place, rocks split and the Veil in the Jerusalem Temple tore in two.
Jesus descended into the holding place of the dead, to release those imprisoned by death. Jesus' descent into hell as Triumphant King proclaimed His Victory over sin, death and the devil.
Satan realized that he had been outwitted by the Son of God Who had allowed Himself to be broken and crucified in order to destroy satan's kingdom.
Tombs broke open, and the saints inside were resurrected. They left their graves, and went into Jerusalem, where many people saw them. Jesus opened the way to Heaven for humankind.
Together let us pray a sinner's pray for God's Mercy:
"May God our King deign to grant us His Mercy,
Behind our bluster may He perceive our pain,
Behind our shouting our weeping,
Behind our guilt our innocence,
Behind our ignorance our ache for wisdom,
Behind our drunkenness our thirst for forgiveness,
Behind our lovelessness our craving for affection,
Behind our impurity our pained self-reproach,
Behind our complacency the pangs of uncertainty,
Behind our pretence the sincerity we fear to show,
Behind our rejection our yearning for eternal redemption.
Behind our defiance the regret for our disobedience to our Redeemer.
May God compassionately console all those we have disappointed and heal all hearts we have broken,
May God graciously forgive us our every sin and transgression,
May God mercifully allow all of us together in heaven one day to sing His praises in His glorious Presence,
May God's Divine and infinite ocean of mercy for sinners be glorified forever. Amen."
Good Shepherd Church is holding Holy Saturday prayer vigil, as we remember that in the early hours of Sunday Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour triumphantly arose from the grave.
As we too shall one day.
We pray for
- an end for all wars
- for all who are suffering
- for end to torture and killing of humans and animals
- for peace to reign in the world
- for families to be healed and reunited
- for those who are seeking to find meaning in their lives
- for all babies whose lives are threatened in the womb, that their lives may be saved
Why not join us in prayer? If possible, attend or pray at all, of the following:
- Blessed Eucharist
- Prayer Service
- Holy Rosary
- Bible reading
Blessings on the culmination of your Lent, time of repentance and spiritual renewal.
Law Professor Charles J Russo of the University of Dayton discussed "After School satan clubs" in an article in the Dayton Daily News: Alleged News. [1]
Professor Russo reportedly said the following:
"Without endorsing or condemning satan clubs, or banning them, and other clubs, as some boards have done, basically risks 'throwing the baby out with the bath water,' accomplishing little, if anything. Moreover, banning satan clubs risks turning them into victims who may gain greater sympathy and support. Finally, denying satan clubs the same access as religious and other groups creates impermissable double standards, violating their right to free speech and sending a message, however unintended, that schools are not open to all points of view." [1]
Mission Statement of the University of Dayton Ohio
The Mission Statement of the University of Dayton states inter alia the following:
- The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic research university
- They are a diverse community committed in the Marianist tradition
- The Identity of the University of Dayton is a Catholic University committed to a Catholic vision of learning and scholarship
- A Catholic vision of the intellectual life springs ultimately from the revelation of God in Jesus Christ [2]
Thus, the University of Dayton is a University with Catholic ethos. Due to this fact, therefore it would be understandable that the University of Dayton encourage activities with club ethos in the Name of the Founder of Christianity Jesus Christ, not in the name of the adversary of the Son of God.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catholic ethos has full acceptance of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches thus:
"II. The Fall of the Angels
391. Behind the disobedient choice of our first parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to God, which makes them fall into death out of envy. Scripture and the Church's Tradition see in this being a fallen angel, called 'satan' or the 'devil'. The Church teaches that satan was at first a good angel, made by God: 'The devil and the other demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by their own doing.
392. Scripture speaks of a sin of these angels. This 'fall' consists in the free choice of these created spirits, who radically and irrevocably rejected God and His reign. We find a reflection of that rebellion in the tempter's words to our first parents: 'You will be like God.' The devil 'has sinned from the beginning'; he is 'a liar and the father of lies'.
394. Scripture witnesses to the disastrous influence of the one Jesus calls 'a murderer from the beginning', who would even try to divert Jesus from the mission received from His Father. 'The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.' In its consequences the gravest of these works was the mendacious seduction that led man to disobey God."
Jesus Christ exorcised:
"550. The coming of God's kingdom means the defeat of satan's: 'If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.' Jesus' exorcisms free some individuals from the domination of demons. They anticipate Jesus' great victory over 'the ruler of this world'.
Jesus Christ the Son of God prayed:
"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:15)
Satan strikes at God;
Satan strikes at God by "corrupting His most beloved creature, made in His Image and Likeness", according to author Michael O'Brien, Alleged News. [3]
Canon 808
The New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law with regard to Canon 808 of the Catholic Church states, "... Ex corde Ecclesiae ... does, however, provide guidance for its application in its enunciation of "essential characteristics" of a Catholic university as "Catholic": 1. A Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community as such; 2. a continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to contribute by its own research; 3. fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church: . . ." [4]
Faithful to the message of Christ
It is essential for a Christian institute and its adherents to remain faithful to the message of Christ as it comes to us through the Church.
Full adherence to the teaching of the Catholic Church - as espoused by Dayton University of Ohio - would require support to parents who wish their children to be taught the Christian faith as opposed to exposure to tenets named after the being Jesus Christ came to the world to save us from.
[1] Allowing satanism into America's schools risks turning over America's children to lucifer, Alleged News
Today we relive the events of Good Friday. In this service we remember and honour Jesus Christ the Son of God Who came to earth to save all humanity from sin. We can never thank the Lord enough for all He has done for us. Let us remember Him with honour and dignity in this worship service.
WELCOME
We pray for all in the world. We remember those who have gone before and those who suffer now. We pray for God's Grace to bless our world. We thank God for all His Help to us.
GOOD FRIDAY READING
The reading of the Passion of Jesus Christ. During these readings we remember the events which took place in the last hours of Jesus' Life on earth.
Let us never forget the price Our Savior paid for us: so deep is His Love.
READINGS:
THE LAST SUPPER
St Luke Chapter 22, verses 14 to 16
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
St Luke Chapter 22, verses 19 to 20
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
THE BETRAYAL
St John, Chapter 13, verses 21 to 30
21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”
25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him.29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor.30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
THE DENIAL
St Mark, Chapter 14, verses 27 to 31
27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
THE AGONY
St Mark, Chapter 14, verses 32 to 46
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour?38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus Arrested
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him.
THE TRIAL St Luke, Chapter 22, verses 52 to 53 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”
THE VERDICT St Matthew, Chapter 27, verses 15 to 26 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
THE CROSS St Mark, Chapter 15, verses 21 to 39
21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”).23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.26 The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the Jews.
27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.[28] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days,30 come down from the cross and save yourself!”31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus
33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”
36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
THE TOMB
St John, Chapter 19, verses 38 to 42
38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
SILENCE
Spend some time in silence. Let us remember all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Let us pray for all.
COMMUNION
Receive communion. If you cannot attend a service, receive Jesus in your heart. If this is your first time to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you wish to receive Him as your personal Savior, you can do so at the following link:
We remember that the tragedy and sorrow of Good Friday is not the end. This sad day leads towards the glorious Easter Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ Who triumphed over our real enemies - satan, illness, death and the long estrangement from our Father God.
Let us go forward in peace and silence to serve others as our Savior taught us. Let us help others with Christly love, friendship and kindness. .
Go in peace from this blessed service to love and serve the LORD. Spend as much time in prayer this sacred night as you wish. During this time let us pray for all especially for those most in need
Priest; "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you."
Congregation; "And also with you." Priest; "Let us remember the sufferings of our Saviour this night." Congregation; "Let us never forget the price He had paid for our deliverance."
ENTRANCE HYMN Here at Your table You who are humble, You who are gentle, breath taking beauty, life giving touch. We who are empty, we who are hungry, frail and unworthy, needing so much. But you've called us worthy and able to meet with You here at Your table. Here where You serve us, and here where You feed us, It's here that our time with You is the sweetest. Towel in hand, God serving man, here at Your table. You who are humble, You who are gentle, breath taking beauty, life giving touch. We who are empty, we who are hungry, frail and unworthy, needing so much. But you've called us worthy and able to meet with You here at Your table. Here where You serve us, and here where You feed us, It's here that our time with You is the sweetest. But you've called us worthy and able to meet with You here at Your table. Here where You serve us, and here where You feed us, It's here that our time with You is the sweetest. Towel in hand, God serving man, here at Your table. Holy is He, and great is His glory, Holy is He, and worthy of our praise. I stand in His presence amazed, And crown Him with worship and praise! Holy is He, Holy is He, Holy is He. Towel in hand, God serving man, here at Your table. CONFESSION AND PARDON
Priest; "My brothers and sister, Christ shows us His love by becoming a humble servant. Let us draw near to God and confess our sin in the truth of God's Spirit."
Congregation; "Most merciful God, we confess that often our spirit has not been that of Christ. Where we have failed to love one another as He loves us, where we have pledged loyalty to Him with our lips and then betrayed, deserted or denied Him.
Forgive us, we pray; and by Your Spirit make us faithful in every time of trial; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
SCRIPTURE LESSON
Matthew Chapter 26, verses 17 to 75
The Last Supper
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’”19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.28 This is my blood of thecovenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. ”Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled.58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”63 But Jesus remained silent.
The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.66 What do you think?”
“He is worthy of death,” they answered.
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”
Peter Disowns Jesus
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed.75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Words of comfort; "On this holy night, we walk alongside Jesus as we remember the unbelievable victory He won over satan in securing our freedom from the tyranny of sin. The events of this Holy Week Thursday continue to reverberate over the world.
Let us confess our shortcomings to the Lord, and ask pardon for our sins. We remember how Jesus accepted the cup of suffering in reparation for the sins of the world. Only in the world to come will we truly realize the awesome scale of spiritual victory our Heavenly Warrior Prince won for us.
We remember how Jesus humbly prayed before the Father, sweating in fear of the impending events to the point of hematidrosis. Jesus was in so much terror and distress that capillary sweat gland blood vessels ruptured, exuding blood. Yet He accepted the cup of suffering that He so feared. Jesus overcame His fear for sheer love of us, and pity of our fate if He did not confront satan's plans through the events of Holy Week.
The disciples, exhausted from the labor of walking from town to town and ministry, slept the sleep of the overextended. They did not realize the enormity of events which were moving forward and would soon embroil them in grief, remorse and sorrow. The aftermath of the heat of the day, together with recent stress, worry and the supper wine combined and they slept. Leaving the Son of God to sweat His fear out all alone.
Until the Father sent a special friend, one of the Angels in Heaven Who had always known how to speak to Jesus to bring comfort, wisdom and counsel. We do not know the name of the Angel - not on this side of eternity, at any rate - but we have cause to be deeply thankful to this holy being. He brought great comfort to a grown man who was so distraught that He wept.
At the Supper Jesus had instituted the Eucharist, the holy sacrament which infuses God's Divine Life into our human beings. Do we realize what an incredible gift this is? And freely given! Tonight, let us thank the Saviour for the supreme gift of His entire being, love and purification of our inner selves which the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ effects in us at communion.
Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, humbly serving them. Let us always remember that the Lord and Master of the Universe of immeasurable Intellect, is not arrogant and proud. He is so humble that He wiped the sweat and dust from calloused feet. Let us likewise love to serve and assist all we meet, in the same humble spirit.
Tonight is the night we REMEMBER. We thank, praise, honor and worship the Lord our God Who brought us out of the Egypt of our banishment, and brought us back to the road which leads to Him.
What a great destiny is ours! All we need do is accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, repent our sins, and try to lead good lives. The sacraments help to nourish and comfort us on our journey as we each carry our own personal cross on life's road, ready to lay it down when the time comes and we joyfully enter heaven."
HOLY EUCHARIST
Priest; "As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke it. He gave it to His disciples, saying; "Take all of you, and eat. This is My Body, which is broken for you."
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."
Priest; 'At the end of supper, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, all of you, and drink; this is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me." '
Congregation; 'Lord Jesus, You are the cup of life, the wine blessed for our salvation.'
[Receive communion. If you are unable to attend Holy Mass, receive Jesus spiritually within your heart and soul now. Spend some time in prayer].
LORD'S PRAYER Priest; 'Let us now pray the Lord's prayer in the words Jesus gave us.' Priest and Congregation; 'Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day Our daily bread, And forgive us our sins, As we forgive those who sin against us, And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, For ever and ever, Amen.' PRAYER
Priest; 'Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for sending us Your only Son, Jesus Christ. We stay at Your Son's side tonight, as we ponder the mysteries of redemption. Our songs, prayer and thanks, the bowing down of our hearts before You are the ways we can show our gratitude for the immeasurable gift You gave us in Your Son.'
Congregation; 'Amen.'
Priest; 'And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever,' Congregation; 'Amen'.
NOW WE SPEND TIME IN PRAYER AS
WE REMEMBER THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS ON THIS HOLY NIGHT
HYMN Stay with me Stay with Me, Remain here with Me, Watch and pray, Watch and pray. . . 2x
Stay here, and keep watch with Me, Watch and pray, Watch and pray. Stay with Me, Remain here with Me, Watch and pray, Watch and pray. . . 6 x
Stay with Me, Remain here with Me, Watch and pray, Not to give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak. . . Stay with Me, Remain here with Me, Watch and pray, Watch and pray. . . My heart is nearly broken with sorrow, Remain here with Me, Stay awake and pray. . . Father, if it is possible, let this Cup pass Me by. . . Father, if it can not pass Me by Without I drinking it. . . Thy Will be done. Stay with Me, Remain here with Me, Watch and pray, Watch and pray. . . Repeat With thanks to Youtube
