This is part of The Great Fast, our program for Lent, 2024. You can find the rest of the program content here.

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‍DAILY ASPIRATION

A reflection on Lenten fasting to guide you into a deeper relationship with Christ.

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PRAYER

(To be prayed in light of the Daily Aspiration.)

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On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite this “Prayer Before a Crucifix”:

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Thy face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity; true contrition for my sins; and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me while I call to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen.

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ANTIPHON

Remember, not O Lord our or our parents' offences: neither take vengeance of our sins.

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Psalm 6

O Lord, do not reprove me in Thy wrath, nor in Thy anger chastise me. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak, heal me, Lord, for my body is in torment. And my soul is greatly troubled, but Thou, O Lord, how long?

Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul; save me on account of Thy mercy. For who amongst the dead remembers Thee, who of the dead will tell of Thee?

I have suffered and wept, every night have I washed my bed and drenched my blanket with my tears. My eyes are filled with grief, I have grown feeble in the midst of my enemies.

Leave me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my appeal, the Lord has accepted my prayer.

May my enemies be put to shame and come to ruin. May they be turned away and be swiftly put to shame.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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DAILY TABLE READING:

Listen to this when you are able. For a true monastic experience, try playing it while you are breaking your fast (during your meal of the day).

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