Monday, Fourth Week of Lent

I am about to create new heavens and a new earth. (Isaiah 65:17)

Reflection

“I am with you always, to the close of the age”. These words of Jesus assure us that in proclaiming and living the Gospel of charity we are not alone. Once again, during this Lent .. he invites us to return to the Father, who is waiting for us with open arms to transform us into living and effective signs of his merciful love.

—Pope John Paul II

Lenten Action

Take some intense time with God.

Prayer

As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today ... Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen.

—Saint Patrick of Ireland, Bishop and Missionary

A Prayer To St. Joseph

O blessed Joseph, faithful guardian of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, protector of thy chaste spouse, the virgin Mother of God, I choose thee this day to be my special patron and advocate and I firmly resolve to honor thee all the days of my life.

Therefore I humbly beseech thee to receive me as thy client, to instruct me in every doubt, to comfort me in every affliction, to obtain for me and for all the knowledge and love of the Heart of Jesus, and finally to defend and protect me at the hour of my death. Amen.