Sunday 11 October 2009

Novena in honour of the Blessed Gerard - Day 7

Day Seven
Lord

In Blessed Gerard’s time, the title ‘Lord’ (Dominus) was used only for popes, bishops, emperors, kings and other distinguished persons; and yet Gerard was also called Dominus (in a document of 1112 regarding a foundation established for the honour of God by several bishops, which was dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre and the Hospital). The title ‘Lord’, as a term of honour, can only be justified if we recognize that all power and glory and honour belong to God alone, as we sing in the Gloria of the Mass: ‘You alone are the holy one, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the most high, Jesus Christ’. (Tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus altissimus, Iesu Christe). Perhaps it is time to reflect upon these words and our own relationship with the one Lord, Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Jesus Christ, holy one, Lord most high, may we recognize you in our lords the sick.
Lord hear our prayer.
Grant that we may see our responsibility as you would see it.
Lord hear our prayer.
Grant that all who hold office and authority in politics and business may contribute to
the good of all.
Lord hear our prayer.
Send your Holy Spirit that we may rightly judge our strengths and our weaknesses.
Lord hear our prayer.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father…

Pray for us, Blessed Gerard
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us Pray.
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who have received the grace to know the Lord is risen, may, through your Spirit’s love, rise to newness of life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Friday in the Octave of Easter)