February 28, 2004, Wednesday of the second week of Lent.

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said,

Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah.

It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests, nor of the counsel from the

wise, nor of messages from the prophets.

And so let us destroy him by his own tongue.

Let us carefully note his every word.

Heed me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say, must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit

to take my life. Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath

from them. The word of the Lord. The response is, save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

You will free me from the snare they set for me, for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commend my spirit.

You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

Save me, O Lord, O faithful God. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

I hear the whispers of the crowd that frighten me from every side, as they consult together against

me, plotting to take my life.

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

But my trust is in you, O Lord.

I say, you are my God.

In your hands is my destiny.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.

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