Holy Innocents’ Day

Every day I face challenging decisions of all sizes -- questions that make me wonder if I'm making good choices. How often I wonder what I should do next, Lord. If I look to the world for answers, I feel confused. Everyone offers a different response, and after awhile I'm not sure who's right.
But when I turn to Your Word, I never need to worry about that. You always give me good advice, guidance I can count on. Keep me daily in Your Word, Lord, and once I know the right way, help me to walk in it. I want to follow Your light, Jesus, every day of my life. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.
3 "Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 "I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
Psalm 2 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 49:13-23 – Isaiah 54:1-13 – Matthew 18:1-14

Blessed Jesus, you who loved those outside the law, who sat down to eat with tax collectors, who kept company with sinners, who cured the alien Samaritan, help us go beyond the law into an intimate relationship with you. Transform us from literal-minded legalists into your grace-filled children. Take us by the hand and guide us home. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Proverbs 8:22-30 – 1 John 5:1-12 – John 13:20-35

God of surprises, let us be your Christ-bearer, your servant, your deacon in this world grown too distracting and complicated. Make us ready for the gifts you give, the grace you impart, the opportunities you make available to help us grow in holiness. Grant that our eyes might be open to see, our ears to listen, our hearts to love, and our mouths to laugh with delight and joy when our awareness of your presence informs any moment of the day. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Psalm 130 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 59:15b-21 – Revelation 22:12-17, 21 - Matthew 1:1-17

Good Shepherd of Souls, keep us in the safe company of your guardianship. Sweetly oversee the flock and keep us from the orphanage of sin. Speed our steps on our pilgrimage with you to the cross and, from there, to our hoped-for home in heaven. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
Psalm 130 New Revised Standard Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 7:8-8:8 – Revelation 5:6-14 - Matthew 25:14-30

Christ, Our Redeemer, help us stand firm in the safety of your everlasting light and sustain us in the glorification of your works. Wash us clean with your grace, so that we may be released from our obsession with our own egos and our "own story." Fill our hearts with courage and faith so that we may seriously follow the path to holiness and saintliness. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to [a] Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 4:1-14 – Revelation 4:9-5:5 - Matthew 25:1-13

Artist-King, you who created us from impure clay and whose skill is manifest in the things of the world, let us ever acknowledge the wonder of your work. Bring us the keystone, the tent peg, the center of the circle who will repair our lowly house and heart with a firm hand. We wait in weariness for the arrival of one who will leave only the chosen standing. Draw us together as daughters and sons of God. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!
2 God looks down from heaven on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt.
No one does good, not a single one!
4 Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to God.
6 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
When God restores his people,
Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.
Psalm 53 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading): Zechariah 3:1-10 – Revelation 4:1-8 - Matthew 24:45-51

Light of the world, shine forth on us and banish our fears and fickleness. As you are a gift freely given, remind us that as your children, our generosity should be untarnished by the expectations of rewards. Let each gift given this season be unadulterated by the need for reciprocity. Keep us from counting -- our loses, our gains, our goods, our bads, our costs, our profits. Instead we give you the record book so that you may judge us according to your standards, not our own. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
3 You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
4 Restore us again, O God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
Psalm 85 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 2:1-13 – Revelation 3:14-22 - Matthew 24:32-44

Shoot of Jesse, our roots go back to that garden in Eden, to the paradise sold for an apple. The birth of your Son has reopened the gates of heaven and rained down blessings on our parched souls. As we relish the new light of the sun which nurtures our own "gardens" on earth, let us develop into real people who talk not about love but who actually practice the love of God (and through Him, love for their neighbors) with a radiant peace. Let us flower in the place you have given us. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Zechariah 1:7-17 – Revelation 3:7-13 - Matthew 24:15-31

O Love of God, descend into my heart;
Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling,
And scatter there Your cheerful beams.
Dwell in the soul that longs to be Your temple;
Water that barren soil overrun with weeds and briars
And lost for lack of cultivating.
Make it fruitful with Your dew.
Morning Prayer — St. Augustine

15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion
and appear in his glory.
17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the LORD :
19 "The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high,
from heaven he viewed the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners
and release those condemned to death."
Psalm 102 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Haggai 1:1-15 – Revelation 2:18-29 - Matthew 23:27-39

God of light, be the hope of our suffering. Keep us from the darkness of sin and greed; keep us from the mindless quest for superiority and success, from the depravity of hatred and anger. Astonish us with your mercy and love so that we may never forget your faithful compassion. Let us use this time of waiting to recover our bearings and refrain from afflicting anyone with our own sins, no matter how insignificant they may seem to be. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.
20 The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
Psalm 18 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 9:1-10 – Revelation 2:8-17 - Matthew 23:13-26

Father,
I seek Your wisdom.
The world shouts at me, demanding that I buy into its agendas. Noisy advertisements distract me and try to manipulate me with fear. It seems that everyone has something to sell. Now I am waiting in this quiet place, where You can help me to regain perspective - a place where Your wisdom and truth can reign and rule. Thank You for wisdom from above. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.”
22 Repent, all of you who forget me,
or I will tear you apart,
and no one will help you.
23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 8:1-14 – Revelation 1:17-2:7 - Matthew 23:1-12

God of love, help us to hear your knock on the door to our hearts so that we may not fail to be invited to your eternal banquet. Amplify in us the spirit of courage and love so that we may surrender our tendencies toward moral dysfunction and prideful self-indulgence. Give us the wisdom we need to face the problems of our world, our families, ourselves with radical honesty and appropriate sensitivity. Keep our heads from the sands so we may address the real improprieties we find around us. Let us work to heal at least one wound this Advent. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
Psalm 33 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 7:10-17 – Revelation 1:9-16 - Matthew 22:34-46

Come, dear Refreshment of those who languish; Come, Star and Guide of those who sail amidst tempests. You are the Haven of the tossed and shipwrecked. Come now, Glory and Crown of the living, as well as the Safeguard of the dying.
Come, Sacred Spirit; Come, and make me fit to receive You.
St. Augustine

1 Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
all have become corrupt.
No one does good, not a single one!
4 Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
5 Terror will grip them,
for God is with those who obey him.
6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
but the Lord will protect his people.
Psalm 14 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 7:1-9 – Revelation 1:1-8 - Matthew 22:23-33

O Lord, awake us from the comfortable existence in which we too often may be safely cocooned, and challenge us to accept the call of our baptism. Afflict us with your grace so that we take seriously our efforts to aid the poor, to comfort the sad and lonely, to let our light shine as a beacon to all who may need our help. Allow us to serve also as a wake-up call to our brothers and sisters whose companionship in Christ we share. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
let my cry for help come to you.
2 Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
3 For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.
11 My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.
12 But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to show favor to her;
the appointed time has come.
Psalm 18 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 5:1-17 – Jude 1-16 - Matthew 22:1-14

Teach me to feel another's woe,
To hide the fault I see;
That mercy I to others show,
That mercy show to me.
-- Alexander Pope

1 I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
4 The ropes of death entangled me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry to him reached his ears.
Psalm 18 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 4:6-13 – 2 Peter 3:11-18 - Matthew 21:33-46

Lord Jesus, assuage our blindness and activate our hearts during this Advent, so that we may find your presence hidden in ourselves. May we unveil the mystery of Christ-with-us and work toward the true restoration of the whole world in your image. Let your light shine in our hearts so that we may always know the truth of your love. Amen.
(Thomas Merton)

1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
3 Our God comes and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.
4 He summons the heavens above,
and the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 "Gather to me my consecrated ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for God himself is judge.
Psalm 50 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 3:12-4:5 – 2 Peter 3:1-10 - Matthew 21:23-32

I entreat you, O Lord, holy Father, everlasting God, command the way of your truth and the knowledge of you to be shown to your servants who wander in doubt and uncertainty amid the darkness of this world; that the eyes of their souls may be opened, and they may acknowledge you, the One God, the Father in the Son, and the Son in the Father, with the Holy Spirit, and enjoy the fruit of this confession, both here and in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gregorian according to Pamelius

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Psalm 90 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 3:1-11 – 2 Peter 1:12-21 - Matthew 21:12-22

May God the Father, and the eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, build us up in faith and truth and love, and grant to us our portion among the saints with all those who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all saints, for kings and rulers, for the enemies of the Cross of Christ; and for ourselves, we pray that our fruit may abound and we be made perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Bishop Polycarp, 69-155 AD

1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
4 Will evildoers never learn—
those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on the LORD ?
5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
Psalm 90 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Amos 2:6-16 – 1 Peter 1:1-11 - Matthew 21:1-11