Once Saint Anthony of the Desert was caught in a prolonged, painful struggle with his own inner demons. When it was over, he asked the Lord: “Where were you?” Christ answered, “I was right here with you all along, Anthony.” Christ suffers in and with those who suffer, and he asks his followers to do the same. Compassion never stands at arm’s length.

How long, O Lord, will you forget me?

How long will you hide your face?

How long must I bear grief in my soul,

this sorrow in my heart day and night?

How long shall my enemy prevail?

Look at me, answer me, Lord my God!

Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death,

lest my enemy say: “I have overcome him”;

lest my foes rejoice to see my fall.

As for me, I trust in your merciful love.

Let my heart rejoice in your saving help:

Let me sing to the Lord for his goodness to me,

singing psalms to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Glory to the Father….

Word of God (Hebrews 2:17-18)

[Christ] had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Stay with us, O Lord!

(cf. Lk 24:29)

CANTICLE OF MARY

Behold, I am with you always. (Mt 28:20)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father…

INTERCESSIONS

As members of Christ’s body, we suffer with those who suffer. Let us pray:

R/Have mercy, Lord.

For those who feel abandoned in their suffering:

– send them compassionate companions to accompany them. R/

For those who struggle under the burden of sorrow:

– send them compassionate friends to support them. R/

For those who fear to share in the sufferings of others:

– send them compassionate guides to encourage

them. R/

For those who feel threatened by the presence of death:

– send them compassionate ministers to bear witness to the Gospel of the cross. R/

(Personal intentions)

Our Father….

The God of peace be with all of us. Amen. (cf. Rom 15:33)

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Antiphon for the Feast of the Nativity

of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

8 September

With joy let us celebrate the nativity of blessed Mary,

that she may intercede for us

before the Lord Jesus Christ.

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;

vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.

Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.

Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes

in hac lacrimarum valle.

Eia ergo, advocata nostra,

illos tuos misericordes oculos

ad nos converte.

Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,

nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.

O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs,

mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, O most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this our exile

show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

V/ Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,

R/ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Raphael BenedictLast Updated: September 11, 2020

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PRAYER FOR THIS EVENING (FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11)

Prayer for the Evening