“The whole nation may rejoice in the unity of spirit in our people by which they cheerfully share one another’s burdens. Now, therefore, I, Rutherford B. Hayes, President of the United States, do appoint Thursday, the 28th day of November next, as a day of national thanksgiving and prayer; and I earnestly recommend that, withdrawing themselves from secular cares and labors, the people of the United States do meet together on that day in their respective places of worship, there to give thanks and praise to Almighty God for his mercies and to devoutly beseech their continuance.” –Rutherford B. Hayes (+ 1893)
Intention: Lord, please preserve our rights to meaningful representation in government, the right for free speech, the right for freedom of religion, the right for freedom of assembly, the right to bear arms, and having a country with firm borders.
Tuesday: Accepting Suffering
1st Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture:
When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he
found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, “Why are you
sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.”
—Luke 22:45–46
Reflection:
Jesus is not like us; He takes His suffering head-on, accepting it
for the sake of our salvation, and for the sake of His Father’s will.
Prayer:
Jesus, You took on Your suffering willingly, accepting it for the
benefit of our purification, and in accord with Your Father’s
will. Comfort and encourage those who are suffering in any
way, by giving them tangible consolations. Amen.
Tuesday: The Right Thing
2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture:
When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot
was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands
in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s
blood. Look to it yourselves.”
—Matthew 27:24
Reflection:
Jesus’s Roman scourging was intended to be long and harsh,
so that the soldiers would be able to kill Him more quickly in
the crucifixion.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, we say in the Creed that You suffered under Pontius
Pilate, were crucified, and that You died and were buried, to
recall Pilate’s fear and inability to do the right thing. Please
enable me to do the right thing when I am confronted with
difficult situations. Amen.
Tuesday: Jesus’s Triumph
3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning With Thorns
Scripture:
Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and
a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked
him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
—Matthew 27:29
Reflection:
Even though the soldiers were mocking Jesus when they said,
“Hail, King of the Jews!” they were also unknowingly helping
to reveal that Jesus was indeed King and was performing a
Kingly action on the Cross.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, in Your suffering, death and resurrection, You
triumphed over evil for the salvation of us all. Guide me to
also conquer the temptations and evils that have been sent to
destroy me. Amen.
Tuesday: Following Jesus
4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture:
Happy are those who find refuge in you,/ whose hearts are set
on pilgrim roads./ As they pass through the Baca valley,/ they
find spring water to drink./ Also from pools the Lord provides
water/ for those who lose their way./ They pass through outer
and inner wall/ and see the God of gods on Zion.
—Psalm 84:6–8
Reflection:
Simon was forced by the Roman soldiers to support Jesus in
carrying His Cross. Just as Jesus had said that we must take up
our cross and follow Him, Simon helped to carry Jesus’s Cross
behind Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, My Teacher, instruct me to live Your teachings and
carry my cross daily, so that I may become a better follower of
You. Amen.
Tuesday: Praying for Enemies
5th Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture:
Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is
the law and the prophets.
—Matthew 7:12
Reflection:
Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”
(Luke 6:27–28). In forgiving His enemies while on the Cross,
He gave us a concrete example of how to treat our enemies.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, Spirit of Peace and Patience, by Your kindness I
can follow Jesus in praying for my enemies and doing altruistic
works for them. Please provide me the grace to be able to do
this, always. Amen.
