April 2025: Prayers and Reflections
Prayers and Reflections for April 2025
The Pope’s Monthly Intention
For the use of the new technologies: Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
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A Short Reflection for Holy Week
Holy Week is a sacred journey that invites us to walk with Jesus through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is a time to pause, reflect, and enter deeply into the mystery of God’s love for us.
As we recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, His Last Supper with His disciples, His agony in the garden, and His suffering on the Cross, we are reminded of the depth of His sacrifice. He endured all of this out of love for us, to redeem us and bring us back to the Father.
This week calls us to examine our own lives: Where do we need to surrender to God’s will? How can we love others more selflessly? What burdens do we need to lay at the foot of the Cross?
But Holy Week does not end at the Cross. It culminates in the joy of Easter, the triumph of life over death, and the hope of resurrection. Let us walk this journey with faith, knowing that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are offered the gift of new life.
May this Holy Week deepen your relationship with Jesus and prepare your heart to celebrate the joy of His Resurrection.
Amen.
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A prayer before meals for Easter Sunday
Heavenly Father,
On this glorious day of resurrection, we gather with grateful hearts to celebrate the victory of Your Son, Jesus Christ, over sin and death.
We thank You for this food before us, a reminder of Your abundant blessings and provision. As we share this meal together, may we be reminded of the love and sacrifice of Christ, who gave Himself for us.
Bless this food to nourish our bodies, and bless our time together as we rejoice in the hope and joy of Easter. May our lives reflect the light of Your resurrection every day. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.
Amen.
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St Catherine of Siena
Feast 29 April
St Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century mystic, theologian, and Doctor of the Church, left behind many profound and inspiring words. Here are three of her most famous quotes:
- ‘Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.’
This quote emphasises the importance of embracing one’s unique purpose and calling, trusting that God’s plan for each person is transformative and powerful. - ‘Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.’
St Catherine reminds us that perseverance and sacrifice are often necessary to accomplish meaningful and lasting good in the world. - ‘If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze.’
Similar to the first quote, this one encourages living authentically in accordance with God’s will, highlighting the impact one person can have when fully aligned with divine purpose.
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An Easter Poem
‘At the Tomb’
The dawn broke soft, the world still gray,
She came with spices, knelt to pray.
The stone was rolled, the tomb lay bare,
Her heart cried out in deep despair.
‘Why seek the living among the dead?’
The angels spoke, her spirit fled.
Then turned she, heard her name, so clear,
A voice she loved, a voice so near.
‘Rabboni!’ cried her heart, her soul,
The One she sought had made her whole.
The tomb was empty, death undone,
For Christ had risen, the Morning Sun
Anon
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ is a powerful reminder that God meets us in our sorrow and calls us by name, inviting us to share in the joy of His Resurrection.
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