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Friday, March 3, 2000

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Bl. Katharine Drexel


1 Peter 4:7-13
Psalm 96
Mark 11:11-26

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the year of prayer

"Put your trust in God. I solemnly assure you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and has no inner doubts but believes that what he says will happen, shall have it done for him." —Mark 11:22-23

Do you believe the prophecy of Pope John Paul II that this year is the Great Jubilee, in which millions throughout the world will receive unprecedented justice and freedom? Jesus promises: "I give you My word, if you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you" (Mk 11:24).

As the Israelites prayed before the Exodus, let us pray for the full realization of Pope John Paul II's prophecy of the Great Jubilee. As Mary and the early Church prayed in the upper room before the first Christian Pentecost (Acts 1:8), let us pray for the coming of the Great Jubilee as soon as possible to as many people and nations as possible. It is becoming increasingly obvious that there is "the necessity of praying always and not losing heart" (Lk 18:1). Pray as if you were going to die today. Pray as if Jesus were coming back today. Pray for the grace to pray. Pray for the grace to keep praying. Pray with your spouse and family. Pray early in the morning and into the night. Pray at work and on the street. Pray where you've never prayed before. "The consummation of all is close at hand. Therefore do not be perturbed; remain calm so that you will be able to pray" (1 Pt 4:7). Pray for the full coming of the Great Jubilee.

Prayer:  Lord, in this Lent of the year of the Great Jubilee, teach me to pray always (see Lk 11:1).

Promise:  "When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your faults." —Mk 11:25

Praise:  Blessed Katharine was born into an extremely wealthy family in Philadelphia. She gave millions of dollars to establish and sustain missions to American minority groups. In addition, she gave her life to this same work, serving Jesus as a religious sister.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, July 28, 1999


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 3, 1999