Memorial of Nicodemus

Seeker of Truth and Benefactor of the Lord
Memorial observed on Thursday of the Fourth Week of Gracetide

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and, like Joseph, an important first-century Jew. We know from John's Gospel that Nicodemus went to Jesus at night—secretly—to better understand his teachings about the kingdom. Later, Nicodemus spoke up for Jesus at the time of his arrest and assisted in Jesus' burial. We know little else about Nicodemus.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, in your great mercy you revealed the mystery of regeneration to Nicodemus your servant, and you filled him with grace to confess your Son openly in the Sanhedrin and at the holy Sepulchre. Give us such an increase of faith and grace that we may not fear to bear the reproach of Christ; but rather that we may serve him in boldness with fervent zeal. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 36: 5-10
New Testament Reading: Romans 12: 9-13
Gospel Reading: John 19: 38-42

Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer
It is indeed right and salutary
that we should at all times and in all places
offer thanks and praise to you,
O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God.

On this day we celebrate the memory of Saint Nicodemus,
who earnestly sought the truth,
and who, having met the way, the truth, and the life,
loved him to the end, ministering to Christ even after the scandal of the cross.

Thus, in union with Nicodemus,
and all the angels and saints,
we raise our voice,
and join in their unending hymn.