Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
March 20, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032024.cfm

---

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,
“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31

---

In our first reading, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are examples of absolute trust in God. Their story is intended to assure the Jews in Babylonian captivity that God would deliver them.

In our Gospel, Jesus assures his followers that they too will be delivered from life’s tests if they trust fully in His Word.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:

Let’s pray to deepen in our trust that God is with us always. Let’s sink the anchor of our faith, hope, and love into Christ’s promise. The more we can do this, the more we will be freed to love God, ourselves, and others with the fullness of Gospel love.

---

Poetry: Avowal – Denise Levertov

As swimmers dare
to lie face to the sky
and water bears them,
as hawks rest upon air
and air sustains them,
so would I learn to attain
freefall, and float
into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,
knowing no effort earns
that all-surrounding grace.

---

Music: How Beautiful Is Your Love – The Commons/Josh Blakesley

oh how beautiful is your love for me.
oh what joy is mine in this mystery.
i will not fear the dark
here in the presence of your heart.
oh how beautiful is your love.

oh how wonderful is your offering.
lamb laid down for me on compassion’s tree.
how could i turn away
from the mercy of your face?
oh how wonderful is your love.

Jesus, Jesus,
oh how beautiful is your love.
Jesus, Jesus,
oh how beautiful is your love.

so miraculous is your sacrifice.
body broken here that i might have life.
take everything i own,
let me be yours alone.
so miraculous is your love.

Jesus, Jesus,
oh how beautiful is your love.
Jesus, Jesus,
oh how beautiful is your love.