WEDNESDAY (February 24, 2021)
Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
Reading
“And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”” (Genesis 22:15–18)
Meditation
This narrative of the sacrifice of Isaac is full of paradoxes. God commands Abraham to sacrifice—to kill— his only son. Abraham is ready to plunge the knife into Isaac when the angel of the LORD stops him and saves Isaac by providing a ram to sacrifice. The promised Messiah is to come from Abraham’s seed….the same Messiah, the Lamb of God that will be crucified as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Be with Diane this day, O Lord, and show her your great love throughout all the days of her life. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle
Almighty God, You chose Your servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve. Grant that Your Church, ever preserved from false teachers, may be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer