MONDAY (June 29, 2020)
St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
Reading
“Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.”” (Jeremiah 28:5–9)
Meditation
The people don’t know it, but Hananiah is lying. He is considered a false prophet—one who offers slick promises, but is unable to deliver what he says for he speaks not from God, but from darkness. These false voices are seductive, leading us to want what sounds good and pleasing to our ears, except they are the voices of death. The Voice of life is Christ. He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Heavenly Father, bless John with faith in you and fervent love toward all those who cross his path this day. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles
Merciful and eternal God, Your holy apostles Peter and Paul received grace and strength to lay down their lives for the sake of Your Son. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that we may confess Your truth and at all times be ready to lay down our lives for Him who laid down His life for us, even Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer