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Lectio with Sister Mary – Meditation for Holy Thursday Yr. B – By celebrating the Last Supper with his apostles in the course of the Passover meal, Jesus gave the Jewish Passover its definitive meaning.  Jesus’  passing over to his father by his death and Resurrection,  the new Passover, is anticipated in the Supper and celebrated in the Eucharist, which fulfills the Jewish Passover and anticipates the final Passover of the Church in the glory of the Kingdom.

1st  Reading: Exodus12: 1 – 8, 11 – 14, “The Law regarding the Passover meal”

Responsory: Psalm116: 12 – 13, 15 – 18, “Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.”

2nd Reading: Corinthians 11: 23 – 26, “For as often you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord.”

Gospel: John 13: 1 – 15, “Jesus loved them to the end.” Today we celebrate the memories of the Institution of the First Eucharist; the Institution of the Priesthood; and the Greatest Commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you!”  The washing of the feet of His Apostles, was an overwhelming act of love for them! This task in 1st century Jerusalem was given to the very lowest caste of slaves. Jesus, when I meditate on these happenings, I am so ashamed of my own sinfulness and I want to beg your healing Love and your graces to live more faithfully in your service.

Today, what was promised in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the institution of the Holy  Eucharist; the Passion and Death of Christ, and the Resurrection. This Pascal meal celebrates the beginning of Christ’s redemptive actions.  Jesus gives himself to the most tortuous and painful actions of deceitful and jealous men, in order to convert and save all humanity.

Beginning this celebration, I ask you Father to help me walk in the shoes of his disciples and open my heart to know the Love of your Son.  Jesus, in his Divinity, knew the horrors that awaited him and said yes to the torture and degradation he must endure.  Father, grant me the grace of wisdom, to say No to sinfulness, and courage to stand up for honesty,  life-giving words and actions. Help me to value and grow in purity and love.

Thursday of the Lord’s Supper – March 28, 2024
6:20 am, Lauds
9:00 am, Terce
12:00 pm, Middle Hour of Sext
5:00 pm, Mass of the Lord’s Supper
(no washing of the feet)
One hour of Adoration after Mass

Friday of the Passion of the Lord – March 29, 2024
4:30 am, Vigils
6:20 am, Lauds followed by Confessions
2:00 pm, STATIONS OF THE CROSS
3:00 pm, GOOD FRIDAY LITURGY
In keeping with the Liturgy, we end in silence; quiet prayer in Chapel is welcomed

Holy Saturday – March 30, 2024
4:30 am Vigils
6:20 am Lauds
5:30 pm Vespers
7:30 pm Easter Vigils/Mass

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord – March 31, 2024
7 am, Lauds
8:40 am. Terce
9:00 am, Mass
12:00 pm, Middle Hour of Sext
5:30 pm, Vespers

Online Retreats – The Benedictine Nuns of Jamberoo offering online retreats.

Sister Atonia Curtis osb will be your guide in this retreat. For more information, please click “Borrowing Tomorrow” on the link entitled “Retreats,” at Jamberoo Abbey.

FINAL PROFESSION:  We are delighted that Sister Stephen made final vows on December 21, 2023, in the presence of our Bishop from Gallup, Bishop James E. Wall. During the Consecration, Bishop James asked Sister Stephen: “Sister Stephen, do you desire to be consecrated to God before all here present and to be recognized in the Church as a sign of Her union with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God? Sister Stephen responded, “Yes, with all my heart I do desire this, in your presence, Bishop James, and before the holy people of God, relying on the mercy of God…”

Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for March 2024:  For the new martyrs – We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

  

Sacra Mysteria Venerari (Click for more information)

An apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup Diocese.

MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition.  We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude.  Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality.