Praying the Communion Antiphon series Saturday Second Week of Lent

 Praying the Communion Antiphon

Praying the Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart: Saturday Second Week of Lent

Lost and Found

Communion Antiphon (Luke 15:32)
You must rejoice, my son, for your brother was dead and has come to life;
he was lost and is found.

 

Thinking About the Words

“You must rejoice…”

The father speaks these words to the elder son.

Notice that joy is not optional. The father insists that rejoicing is the only fitting response when someone returns.

“Your brother was dead and has come to life.”

This is strong language. The younger son had not physically died, yet the father describes his return as coming back to life.

Sin and separation diminish life. Returning restores it. The Church provides the sacrament of Reconciliation as the means whereby our sin and separation is restored by being reconciled with God. The priest is God’s representative but Jesus is sitting there listening and wanting to give us His mercy.

“He was lost and is found.”

This echoes other parables in Luke’s Gospel — the lost sheep and the lost coin. Each time, the story ends not with judgment but with celebration.

God’s joy is at the centre.

And this is prayed at Communion.

The Eucharist is the table where the Father receives His children. Every return, every act of repentance, every step toward God becomes a cause for joy.

Lent is often thought of as a season of seriousness — and it is. But beneath that seriousness is something deeper:

The joy of being found.

 

Reflection

• Do I see repentance primarily as sorrow, or as a return to life?
• Where have I experienced the joy of being “found” by God?
• Do I rejoice when others receive mercy?
• Am I willing to believe that God welcomes my return with joy?

There is a beautiful thread here in the series.

Earlier this week we heard:

• God loved us first.
• His mercy endures forever.

Now we hear the result of that mercy:

The Father rejoices when His children return.

Lent is not simply about examining where we have wandered.
It is about discovering again the joy of being welcomed home.

 

When we sit with this antiphon, one question might be worth pondering quietly:

In this parable, which character do you recognise more easily —
the younger son who returns, or the elder son who struggles to rejoice?

 

Prayer

Father of mercy,
when I wander, call me back.
When I return, receive me with joy.
Let me live in the freedom of being found.

 

Praying the Communion Antiphon Series: Friday Second Week of Lent

 Praying the Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart: Friday Second Week of Lent

This Is Love

Communion Antiphon (1 John 4:10)
This is love: not that we loved God,
but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

 

Thinking About the Words

“This is love…”

John does something very striking here.
He defines love not as sentiment nor affection or admiration but that  Lov  begins with God. It puts love into perspective. God lovloved us first and then we respond to that love rather than we loved God…”

This removes any illusion that we initiated the relationship. The movement begins with God’s action.

“But that he loved us.”

God’s love is prior.
Before repentance.
Before understanding.
Before our efforts.

“And sent his Son…”

Love becomes visible. It takes form in a person. We are reminded in this phrase of the Incarnation-.God with us. All our Christmas memories  and remembering the baby in the crib-God with us was for a purpose.

“Expiation for our sins.”

This word can sound technical, but its meaning is simple: the removal of what separates us from God. Christ bridges the gap created by sin and restores the possibility of communion.

This is prayed at Communion.  The One we receive is the Son sent in love. The Eucharist makes present the gift through which God’s love reaches us again and again.

Lent is not about proving our love for God. It is about recognising the love that came first. It is essentially a season of Love.

 

Reflection

• Do I sometimes think of Lent as something I do for God rather than a response to His love?
• How does it change my prayer to remember that God loved me first?
• Where have I experienced this love in concrete ways?
• How might receiving this love shape the way I love others?

 

There is something very freeing about this antiphon. The foundation of Lent is not effort. It is love that began before we ever turned toward God.

 

Prayer

Lord,
You loved me first.
Open my heart to receive Your love
and to live in its light.

TAKING THIS FURTHER:

This antiphon reveals the mission of Jesus.

 

1. The Mission of Jesus

“God loved us and sent his Son…”

The word sent is very important.

Jesus is not simply a teacher who appeared in history.
He is the One sent by the Father.

His entire life has a direction and a purpose.

John’s Gospel repeatedly says:

• “The Father sent the Son.”
• “I have come from the Father.”

So this antiphon reminds us that the Cross was not an accident.

It was the mission of love.

 

2. Creator and Creature

“Not that we loved God…”

This places us clearly in the created position.

We are not the source of love.  We are the receivers of love.

This restores the right relationship:

God → initiates
We → respond

Without Him we cannot generate the life we seek.

This echoes what Jesus says elsewhere:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15)

So the antiphon gently reminds us how deeply we depend on Him.

 

3. Love Revealed

John does something beautiful here.

He does not tell us to love first.

He says:

“This is love.”

Love is revealed before it is commanded.

We see it in Christ:

• sent by the Father
• given for the world
• restoring what sin had broken

Only after seeing this love can we begin to live it.

 

4. The Lenten Invitation

So the antiphon invites us to consider that love.

Not just understand it intellectually.

But contemplate it.

To pause and ask:

• What does it mean that God loved me first?
• What does it mean that Christ was sent for this purpose?
• How does that love change the way I live?

Lent is often associated with effort and discipline. These are necessary of course but this antiphon quietly reminds us:

The foundation of Lent is God’s initiative.

Everything else flows from that.

 

This antiphon reveals the mission of Jesus. The Father sent the Son because love moved Him to restore the relationship between Creator and creature. Before we ever turned toward God, His love was already reaching toward us.

 

By now, you may have realised that the Communion Antiphons are not simply pious sentences. They are small windows into the mystery of Christ and the more you sit with them, the more they open.

 

T

Praying the Communion Antiphon series Thursday Second week Lent

 Praying the Communion Antiphon Series

Praying the Communion Antiphon series

A Time Set Apart: Thursday Second Week of Lent

Walking the Way

Communion Antiphon (Psalm 118(119:1)
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord.

 

Thinking About the Words

“Blessed…”

This word echoes the Beatitudes. It does not simply mean happiness. It speaks of a life that is aligned with God — a life that rests within His favour.

“Whose way is blameless.”

The word “way” suggests a path or manner of living. Scripture often describes life as a journey: there are paths that lead toward life and paths that lead away from it.

Blameless does not mean sinless perfection. It points to integrity — a heart that sincerely desires to walk with God.

“Who walk in the law of the Lord.”

The law here is not a burden. In the Psalms it is a guide, a light for the path. It reveals the shape of a life lived in covenant with God.

To walk in the law is to allow God’s wisdom to shape daily choices.

And this is prayed at Communion.

The One we receive is the Word made flesh — the perfect fulfilment of God’s law. As we receive Christ, we are strengthened to walk the path that leads toward life.

Lent is not about achieving flawlessness.

It is about learning to walk more steadily in God’s ways.

 

Reflection

• What “path” am I currently walking in my daily life?
• Where do I experience tension between my own preferences and God’s wisdom?
• Do I see God’s law as restriction — or as guidance toward life?
• What one step today would help me walk more faithfully with the Lord?

 

Here in week 2 the theme of paths and direction is quietly returning here again.

Psalm 1 spoke about e person who meditates on God’s Law Day and night.
Now Psalm 118(119) speaks about walking in that law.

It is both a reminder to keep meditating on God’s l.aw but during Lent to walk in that law. This then invites us to ask where we need to take this walk deeper.

 

Prayer

Lord,
guide my steps in Your ways.
Let my heart walk in Your wisdom
and grow in integrity before You.

 

TAKING THE COMMUNION ANTIPHON FURTHER

 

1. Life as a “Way”

In Hebrew Scripture, life is often described as a path or way (derek). It’s not just a metaphor for travel—it means the pattern of one’s life, the direction of one’s choices.

Psalm 118(119) opens with:

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.

The psalmist is saying:

Blessed are those whose whole manner of life follows God’s guidance.

Notice that it’s not about a single moment of obedience. It’s about a direction.

That fits beautifully with Lent, which is about reorienting the path.

 

2. Walking vs Standing vs Sitting

You might remember Psalm 1, which you began your series with:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stand in the way of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers.

There is a movement there:

• walk → stand → sit

In Psalm 119 the movement is reversed. The psalmist wants to walk in God’s law, meaning to move forward under God’s guidance.

So walking suggests:

• progress
• ongoing choice
• daily faithfulness

 

3. The Law as a Path

Psalm 118(119) is the longest psalm and every section celebrates God’s law. But the psalmist doesn’t treat the law as rules to memorise.

Instead, it is described as:

• a lamp for my feet (v.105)
• a light for my path
• something that directs steps

In other words, the law guides the journey.

It helps someone walk without losing direction.

 

4. The New Testament Echo

When Jesus later says:

“I am the way…” (John 14:6)

He is stepping directly into this tradition.

For Israel, the way of the Lord was the path revealed in the law.
For Christians, the way becomes a person.

The early Christians were even called “people of the Way” (Acts 9:2).

So the psalmist’s desire to walk in God’s law becomes, for us, walking with Christ.

 

5. Why This Matters at Communion

The Communion antiphon places this verse right at the moment when we receive Christ.

It’s as though the Church is saying:

You are about to receive the One who is the Way.

This food strengthens you for the journey.

Lent, then, is not just self-examination—it is learning to walk more steadily in the right direction. Scripture often speaks of life as a “way.” Psalm 119 reminds us that faith is not a single decision but a path walked day by day. At Communion we receive Christ, the One who strengthens us to keep walking that path.

 

We began Lent with Psalm 1—meditating on the law day and night.

Now Psalm 118(119) appears and speaks of walking in that law.

Meditation → Walking.

The Word pondered becomes the path lived.

Praying the Communion Antiphon Series: Wednesday Second Week Mt 20: 28

 Praying the Communion Antiphon

Praying the Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart – Wednesday, Second Week of Lent

Not to Be Served

Communion Antiphon (Matthew 20:28)
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

Thinking About the Words

“The Son of Man…”

A title rich with dignity and mission. It carries both humility and authority.

“Did not come to be served but to serve.”

This overturns expectation.

Power usually seeks recognition.
Status expects deference.
Authority demands.

But Christ reverses the pattern.

He does not abolish greatness.
He redefines it.

To serve in the Gospel is not mere task-doing. It is self-giving. It is placing oneself at the disposal of another.

“And to give his life…”

The service culminates in total gift.

“Ransom” does not mean payment to an angry God. It suggests liberation — release from bondage.

He gives Himself so that others may live freely.

And this is prayed at Communion.

We receive the One who serves us.
The One who gives Himself.

Lent is not about performing service to earn God’s approval.

It is about learning to imitate the self-giving we receive.

 

Reflection

• In what subtle ways do I seek to be served rather than to serve?
• Do I see service as burden — or participation in Christ’s love?
• Where am I being invited to give rather than to control?
• What would quiet, hidden service look like today?

 

There is something very steady about this Communion Antiphon in Lent.

After mercy. After praise. Now — self-gift. The arc continues.

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You came to serve and to give Your life.
Teach me to serve without seeking recognition.
Free my heart to love as You love.

 

 

 

Praying the Communion Antiphon Series: Tuesday Second Week of Lent Ps 9:2-3

 Praying the Communion Antiphon

Praying the Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart – Tuesday Second Week of Lent

Recounting His Wonders

Communion Antiphon (Psalm 9:2–3)
I will recount all your wonders,
I will rejoice in you and be glad,
and sing psalms to your name, O Most High.

 

Thinking About the Words

“I will recount…”

This is deliberate remembrance.

Lent is often associated with penitence, but here the Church places praise on our lips. Recounting means telling again — naming the ways God has acted.

Memory strengthens faith.

“All your wonders.”

Wonders are not only miracles. They are moments of unexpected grace, quiet providence, subtle protection.

Do I notice them?  Do I remember them?

“I will rejoice… and sing.”

Praise is not denial of struggle. It is confidence in God within it. When we pray this line I will rejoice in you and be glad- Jesus is rejoicing in me and is glad. Do I believe that really at the core of my being- Jesus rejoices in me.

And notice: this is prayed at Communion.

As we receive Christ, we are invited not only to repent — but to rejoice. The One who has acted in history acts again in the Eucharist.

Lent is not joyless.
It is grounded joy.

 

Reflection

• What “wonders” in my life have I forgotten?
• Do I recount God’s faithfulness — or only my struggles?
• How might gratitude shape my Lenten journey?
• Is there one specific grace I can name and thank God for today?

 

Notice the rhythm this week:

Saturday — perfection as love.
Monday — mercy in action.
Today — remembrance and praise.

Lent is not narrowing. It is widening.

 

Prayer

O Most High,
I remember Your wonders.
Teach me to rejoice in You,
even in the discipline of Lent.

 

OTHER ASPECTS TO CONSIDER

The Hebrew verb behind Psalm 9:2 is “saphar” — to tell, to declare, to narrate.

It does not imply a specific time span like “recently” or “long ago.”

It carries the sense of:

• Counting carefully
• Telling in detail
• Making something known by speaking it aloud

There is something deliberate about it. It is not vague gratitude. It is instead specific remembrance. Why?  The Psalm says, “all your wonders,” the time span becomes expansive.

It includes:

• Salvation history
• Personal history
• Yesterday
• Childhood
• Moments of rescue
• Quiet providence

Recounting therefore stretches across time and place both personally and as a community.

Recounting in Scripture often means anchoring the present in remembered faithfulness.

Israel constantly did this:

• “He brought us out of Egypt…”
• “He fed us in the desert…”

Recounting stabilises the heart.

 

Does Jesus show us how to recount?

At the Last Supper

“This is my body… Do this in memory of me.”  The entire Eucharist is structured around sacred recounting. The Mass is living remembrance- not just remembering the past but Jesus is made present in the Eucharist for us today-everyday. The scripture is alive and active every day.  Have you had the experience of reading scripture and a word/phase attracts your attention.  You have a number of thoughts about it and when you read the same scripture another day, you have different thoughts or that phrase no longer jumps off the page.  This is scripture being alive and present.

 When He heals

He often tells people: “Go and tell what God has done for you.” He encourages testimony such as on the Road to Emmaus.  He recounts the Scriptures.
He retells Israel’s story in light of Himself. He shows how to interpret events through God’s action.

 His own prayer

When Jesus prays (John 17), He recounts:
“I have glorified you… I have completed the work…”

There is reflection.
There is awareness of what the Father has done.

 

 Why this matters for Lent

Recounting is not just remembering sins.

It is remembering grace.

Without recounting, Lent can become:

• Self-focused
• Heavy
• Narrow

With recounting, Lent becomes:

• Grateful
• Anchored
• Hopeful

Perhaps the quiet invitation today is:

Not only, “Where must I turn?”
But also, “Where has He already acted?”

 

Sometimes we can be good at theological recounting. However, we can also under-recount your own story of grace. Maybe that is part of today’s invitation.

Today’s invitation in this antiphon may be not to analyse sin but rather to name the wonder. From that wonder, the naming of sin may become easier.

Recounting is not dramatic. It is steady. It is grounding.

During Lent  we have been very focused on:

• Turning
• Mercy
• Perfection
• Sinfulness
• Core

Today the Church gently says:

“Now remember the wonders.”  This is because the Church wants us to balance everything. When we recount grace, we are less afraid of naming sin.

Because we are no longer standing in condemnation. We are standing in relationship. Recounting builds trust. Trust makes turning possible. This then is very Lenten and of course very eucharistic. .

Action: .

Write down three wonders or as many wonders you wish to recount across your life or perhaps since Lent has begun.

Praying the Communion Antiphon Series: Second Monday of Lent

 Praying the Communion Antiphon

Praying the Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart: Monday Second Week of Lent

Perfect Love Is Mercy

Communion Antiphon (Luke 6:36)

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

 

Thinking About the Words

Last Saturday we heard:

“Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

It is as though the Church lets the command settle for a day…
and then clarifies what “perfection” actually looks like.  It is not flawlessness bur rather Mercy.

Today, the Church gives us the interpretation.

What is that perfection?

 

“Be merciful.”

The Greek word carries the sense of compassion that moves toward another’s weakness. It is not sentiment. It is action shaped by tenderness.

“Just as your Father is merciful.”

The measure again is not comparison with others. It is resemblance to God.

And today’s Gospel provides the method:

Do not judge.
Do not condemn.
Forgive.
Give.

Mercy is not vague kindness. It is disciplined generosity of heart.

Perfection is not unreachable idealism. It is merciful love made practical.

At Communion, we receive the mercy of the Father in the Person of the Son.

Then we are asked to mirror it.

 

Reflection

• Where am I quick to judge rather than understand?
• Is there someone I need to forgive in order to resemble the Father more closely?
• What would mercy look like in one concrete action today?
• Do I measure myself by standards of performance — or by resemblance to God’s compassion?

 

Prayer

Merciful Father,
shape my heart after Yours.
Teach me to forgive,
to give generously,
and to love without calculation.

 

Praying the Communion Antiphon series: Saturday First Week of Lent

 Praying the Communion Antiphon Series

Praying the  Communion Antiphon

A Time Set Apart – Saturday, First Week of Lent

As the Father Is

Communion Antiphon (Matthew 5:48)

Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

Thinking About the Words

“Be perfect.”

This word can unsettle us.

In English, perfect suggests flawlessness — no mistakes, no weakness. The Greek word teleios carries a fuller meaning: complete, mature, brought to fulfilment. It is about wholeness rather than faultlessness.

Jesus speaks these words at the end of the teaching on love of enemies. The “perfection” He describes is not moral performance. It is love that reflects the Father.

“As your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The measure is not comparison with others.  It is resemblance to God.

We may ask ourselves: what is the Father’s perfection in this passage?

He gives sun and rain to both the just and the unjust. He loves without calculation.

At Communion, we receive the Son who perfectly reveals the Father. The call to perfection is not an impossible command — it is an invitation to participate in divine love.

Lent is not about polishing ourselves into spiritual trophies.  It is about allowing our love to grow wider, steadier, less selective.

 

Reflection

• When I hear “be perfect,” do I feel pressure — or invitation?
• Where is my love still conditional?
• Do I measure myself against others rather than against the generosity of the Father?
• What would “maturity in love” look like in one concrete situation this week?

We began the week with mercy.
We end it with perfection — defined as love.

That arc is deeply Lenten.

 

Prayer

Father,
shape my heart in Your likeness.
Teach me to love without measure
as You love me.

 

 

Ps Sorry for the lateness of this post.