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Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Taking the Gospel to Prayer

Yes, you read that correctly Jesus got angry. The hardness of heart of the Pharisees was too much. They were looking for adherence to the letter of the law and no more. Jesus wanted them to show compassion. He wanted them to consciously choose to good. Instead, they took His good deed and used it in plotting with the Herodians to bring an end to Jesus.

I doubt, at least I hope, that none of us are actively engaged in intentionally breaking the law of God or man. But the hardness of our own hearts is real. How many people have abandoned the entirety of the Church because of the sin of part of it? How many types of compassion or charity do you now avoid because once someone took advantage of your kindness? No one should live in abuse or fear, but how many relationships are you barring from your life because forgiveness is missing?

Lord, take away my stoney heart and fill me with Your compassion. Amen.
Litany to Thomas More composed in 2004 by "Mickey" Saltarelli -- eighth bishop of Wilmington, beloved pastor, and "people's priest".

* * *
V. Lord, have mercy R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ, have mercy R. Christ have mercy
V. Lord, have mercy R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ hear us R. Christ, graciously hear us

V. St. Thomas More, Saint and Martyr,
R. Pray for us (Repeat after each invocation)
St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges and Magistrates
St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life
St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ
St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage
St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith
St. Thomas More, Defender of the Weak and the Poor
St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity

V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world R. Spare us O Lord
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R. Graciously hear us O Lord
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world R. Have mercy on us
Let us pray:
O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martyrdom and sainthood.
Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defense and promotion of the sanctity of human life - the foundation of all other human rights.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.