Easter Card Form – Our Lady of Angels Association

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

I Thessalonians 4:13-14

At dawn may the Lord bestow faithful love that I may sing praise through the night, praise to the God of my life. I say to God, “My rock, why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning with the enemy oppressing me?” It shatters my bones, when my adversaries reproach me. They say to me daily: “Where is your God?” Why are you downcast, my soul, why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.

Psalm 42 continued – verses 9-12

Lord, I call to you; come quickly to help me; listen to my pleas when I call. Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening sacrifice. Set a guard, Lord, before my mouth, a gatekeeper at my lips. Do not let my heart incline to evil or yield to any sin. I will never feast upon the fine food of evildoers. Let the just strike me; this is kindness; let them rebuke me; that is oil for my head. All this I shall not refuse, but will pray despite these trials. When their leaders are cast over the cliff, all will learn that my prayers were heard. As when a farmer plows a field into broken clods, so their bones will be strewn at the mouth of Sheol. My eyes are upon you, O God, my Lord; in you I take refuge; do not strip me of life. Guard me from the trap they have set for me, from the snares of evildoers. Into their own nets let all the wicked fall, while I make good my own escape.

Psalm 141

All who serve idols are put to shame, who glory in worthless things; all gods bow down before you. Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O Lord. You, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods. The Lord loves those who hate evil, protects the lives of the faithful, rescues them from the hand of the wicked. Light dawns for the just; gladness for the honest of heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you just, and praise his holy name.

Psalm 97 continued – verses 7-12

Praise the Lord, who is so good; God’s love endures forever; Praise the God of gods; God’s love endures forever; Praise the Lord of lords; God’s love endures forever. Who alone has done great wonders, God’s love endures forever; Who skillfully mad the heavens, God’s love endures forever; Who spread the earth upon the waters, God’s love endures forever; Who made the great lights, God’s love endures forever; The sun to rule the day, God’s love endures forever; The moon and stars to rule the night, God’s love endures forever.

Psalm 136: 1-9

Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew to win over Jews; to those under the law I became like one under the law – though I myself am not under the law – to win over those under the law. To those outside the law I became like one outside the law – though I am not outside God’s law but within the law of Christ – to win over those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.

I Corinthians 9:19-23

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

James 3:13-18

Glorify the Lord, Jerusalem; Zion, offer praise to your God, who has strengthened the bars of your gates, blessed your children within you, brought peace to your borders, and filled you with finest wheat. The Lord sends a command to earth; his word runs swiftly! Thus snow is spread like wool, frost is scattered like ash, hail is dispersed like crumbs; before such colds the waters freeze. Again he sends his word and they melt; the wind is unleashed and the waters flow. The Lord also proclaims his word to Jacob, decrees and laws to Israel. God has not done this for other nations; of such laws they know nothing.

Psalm 147: 12-20

Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and oppressed. Preserve my life, for I am loyal; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; pity me, Lord; to you I call all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul. Lord, you are kind and forgiving, most loving to all who call on you. Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help. In the time of trouble I call, for you will answer me.

Psalm 86: 1-7

How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them! Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity. If only you would destroy the wicked, O God, and the bloodthirsty would depart from me! Deceitfully they invoke your name; your foes swear faithless oaths. Do I not hate, Lord, those who hate you? Those who rise against you, do I not loathe? With fierce hatred I hate them, enemies I count as my own. Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my concern. See if my way is crooked, then lead me in the ancient paths.

Psalm 139: 17-24