March 27th, 2006, Friday of the fifth week of Lent.

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah,

I hear the whisperings of many, terror on every side, denounce, let us denounce him.

All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.

Perhaps he will be trapped, then we can prevail and take our vengeance on him.

But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.

My persecutors will stumble.

They will not triumph.

In their failure, they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion.

O Lord of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, let me witness the

vengeance you take on them. For to you, I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the Lord,

praise the Lord, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked.

The word of the Lord.

The response is, in my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.

In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Praise be the Lord, I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies.

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

The breakers of death surged round about me. The destroying floods overwhelmed

me. The cords of the netherworld enmeshed me. The snares of death overtook me.

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