Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences — The Way of the Cross

Let all creation give thanks to the Risen Lord.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!

Filled with His praises, give thanks to the Risen Lord.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!

He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!

Stepping out boldly, we claim resurrection.
Give thanks to the Risen Lord!

Morning reading

John 21:24-25 ESV

This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.

Reflections

truthful eyewitness

As the author of this Gospel, the Beloved Disciple fulfills Jesus’ commission to those who were with him to be witnesses to him. The Beloved Disciple is directly responsible for what was written. This Gospel claims to be a true eyewitness account.

However, it is not clear on what grounds John’s disciples bear witness. Were some of them also eyewitnesses who can certify the accuracy of the information, or are they testifying that the Spirit has confirmed to them the truth of what John has said? If it is the latter sense, then we today can join our testimony to theirs and to that of Christian brothers and sisters throughout the ages who have found the truth of this Gospel confirmed by the living Jesus through the Spirit.

the greatness of Jesus

The final voice adds one last witness to the greatness of Jesus. Such hyperbole may be a literary convention (Talbert; Moloney), but in this case it is quite literally true, for there is no limit to the riches that are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is the very presence of God come into our midst. All authority has been given to him, and judgment is in his hands. He is quite strict regarding obedience, but he is full of mercy. He has revealed the Father, overcome the prince of this world and taken away the sin of the world. He also washed his disciples’ feet and served them breakfast. No human being has ever dreamed up such a God — we have a hard enough time remaining true to the witness he has left us through his servants, in particular, through John, the Beloved Disciple.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series
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May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord smile on you, shine His light upon you. May the Lord lift you, turn His face towards you. Give you His peace, give you His peace.

Blessed we came to this place today and blessed now we will go. In the name of the Father, the Spirit and the Son. Blessed we came to this place today and blessed now we will go. In the name of the Father, the Spirit and the Son.

May the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord smile on us, shine His light upon us. May the Lord lift us, turn His face towards us. Give us His peace, give us His peace. Go now in peace, go now in peace.

Go now in peace. And the blessing of our God, and the blessing of our God. Go now in peace and the blessing of our God.

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Canticle:

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.

Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.