FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT, APRIL 4, 2025

MASS READINGS:

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23

R. (19a)  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.

R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him.

R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

He watches over all his bones; not one of them shall be broken. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.

R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

REFLECTION:

Drenched, alone, afraid,

Only the wind heard my cry,

They took everything.

I have nothing left,

No warmth, no love, no more tears,

Then You held me close.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

 

I struggle to breathe,

Fire sears through my body,

My arms and legs caved.

My vision darkens,

My mind, a whirlwind of pain,

Then You embrace me.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

 

She held a knife tight,

A stone in her other hand,

Eyes flared with contempt.

She followed me here,

Everyone fled, except You,

Then You shielded me.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

by

Ann Tran