August 18, Day Two, Our Lady of Knock

Today, let us meditate on what Father Gibbons, Rector of the Knock Shrine has spoken about on hope: 

“Our Lady appeared with St Joseph, St John the Evangelist and the Lamb of God to give hope to a people living in desperate times. To tell them that no matter the struggles of life, God never forgets us.”

“Mary’s importance as a result is not limited to giving us hope about the afterlife but she also gives us hope in the face of everyday struggles and as we pass through these pandemic times. Rhyming with the Magnificat in the Gospel, she is the woman who exemplifies the Lord doing great things for us, she delights in the Lord’s choice of her to be mother of his Son and her spirit soars because God has not overlooked her. Therefore, God does not overlook us.”

“Hope then is not the turning of a blind eye to the strains, difficulties and failures of life, it is, like Mary, trusting in God so much that if I do fail now, I will not fail forever. If I am hurting now, I will be healed. If I am finding life very difficult now, I will always be accepted by God.”

Now let us seek Our Lady’s intercession, for our own needs and for the needs of our beloved Cardinal Burke.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Give praise to the Father Almighty, To His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, To the Spirit who lives in our hearts, Both now and forever Amen.

Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress, and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find."

Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Grant us peace.

St. Joseph, chosen by God to be the Husband of Mary, the Protector of the Holy Family, the Guardian of the Church, protect all families in their work and recreation and guard us on our journey through life.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Grant us peace.

St John, beloved disciple of the Lord, faithful priest, teacher of the Word of God. Help us to hunger for the Word, be loyal to the Mass and to love one another.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Grant us peace.

(Now mention your own special intentions and pray especially for the needs of Cardinal Burke, as well as his continuous good health.)

With the Angels and Saints let us pray: Give praise to the Father Almighty, to His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, to the Spirit who lives in our hearts, both now and forever. Amen.