This is part of The Great Fast, our program for Lent, 2024. You can find the rest of the program content here.
DAILY ASPIRATION
A reflection on Lenten fasting to guide you into a deeper relationship with Christ.
PRAYER
(To be prayed in light of the Daily Aspiration.)
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.
ANTIPHON
Remember, not O Lord our or our parents' offences: neither take vengeance of our sins.
Psalm 142 [143 in some translations]
Hear, O Lord, my prayer, give ear to my supplication in Thy truth: hear me in Thy justice. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant: for no one living shall be justified in Thy sight.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath ground my life into the earth. He hath made me dwell in darkness as the dead of old.
And my spirit is in anguish within me: my heart within me is troubled. I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all Thy works: upon the works of Thy hands I pondered.
I stretched forth my hands to Thee: my soul is as earth without water unto Thee. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted away.
Turn not away Thy face from me, lest I be like those that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I hoped.
Make the way known to me, wherein I should walk: for I have lifted up my soul to Thee. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, to Thee have I fled.
Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. Thy good spirit shall lead me into the right land: for Thy name's sake, O Lord, Thou wilt give me life in Thy justice.
Thou shalt bring my soul out of trouble. And in Thy mercy Thou wilt destroy my enemies. And Thou wilt cut off all that afflict my soul: for I am Thy servant.
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.
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).
