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“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.” Psalm 51:12

Yes, it’s been a long five weeks.  But be hopeful.  Very soon we will arrive at the moment in our spiritual journey sure to fill us with a lasting joy.  Easter is almost here.

Everything we have done since Ash Wednesday—the prayer, the sacrifices, and acts of charity—have had a single goal:  to invite God into our lives to create a clean heart.  I think today’s wisdom from the psalmist is this:  A heart focused on God—love and the sanctity of life—doesn’t get caught up in petty things or self-satisfying pursuits but lives for others instead.  To me a clean heart is just another way of saying “the ability to love without holding back”!

Being human, we can easily forget our original intentions to stay focused and steadfast.  After all, forty days of focus is a long time and distractions are going to test our will.   But even when they do, we can work through them by calling on God’s grace.  We do that through Mass and the sacraments especially the Eucharist.  We also bring God into our hearts through scripture, personal prayer, and the Rosary.  All the things we have been doing.

Friend, as you prepare for Holy Week, lay claim to the comfort of a clean heart—and recognize that God’s presence during Lent has guided you every step of the way.  Lent is almost over, but the richness we are about to inherit will last forever.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.

Prayer for Fifth Sunday of Lent

Take from me, most merciful Lord,

my heart of stone and in its place

give me a human heart like Yours:

loving, forgiving, compassionate,

and caring, thus vulnerable and

open to being hurt and wounded.

You remain with us, Lord Jesus,

not only in the Blessed Sacrament

but also in hearts made pure again

by Your grace and good will.

You dwell within us, Lord Jesus,

just as You dwelt in the Temple of old

and in the ark of the new covenant:

the Blessed Virgin Mary,

Your Holy Mother and ours.

With hearts and souls cleansed

and renewed by Your blood on the cross

and empowered by that same Holy Spirit

that changes bread and wine into

the Sacrament of Your presence,

empower me always to do Your Will

and share Your life and Good News

with everyone I meet this day.

Amen.

Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.