Theme: “Know You Are Beloved — and So Is Everyone Else”
Welcome:
Presider: Bridget Mary Welcome, beloved community. Today we gather to remember and to reclaim a truth at the heart of the Gospel: we are beloved of God, and so is everyone else. In a world that often measures worth by achievement, status, or conformity, Jesus calls us back to love — the love that fulfills the law and heals relationships.
Let us take a moment to breathe, to arrive fully, and to remember that we stand on holy ground, surrounded by love.
All-loving God, You call us your beloved before we do anything to deserve it. Root us in your love so deeply that our words bring healing, our actions create peace, and our lives reflect your compassion. Teach us to see one another with new eyes, so that your love may rise among us and through us. Amen.
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading:1 Corinthians 2:9-10
But as it is written: “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what the Holy One has prepared for those who love God, “this God has revealed to us through the Spirit.
For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.
These are the inspired words of Paul to the Corinthians and we respond to them saying Amen.
Responsorial Psalm:Ubi Caritas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9e_QO1ATho&t=15s
Second Reading: A Mystical Experience by Thomas Merton
In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. It was like waking from a dream of separateness, of spurious self-isolation in a special world, the world of renunciation and supposed holiness. The whole illusion of a separate holy existence is a dream. . . . This sense of liberation from an illusory difference was such a relief and such a joy to me that I almost laughed out loud. . . . I have the immense joy of being human, a member of a race in which God . . . became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now that I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun. . . . Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God’s eyes. If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all the time. There would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed.
These are the inspired words of the mystic, Thomas Merton and the community affirms them by saying: Amen
21“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.These are the inspired words of the Gospel of Matthew and we respond to them by saying Amen.
Homily: Bridget Mary
Many years ago, during a time of war and deep division, a group of Buddhist monks began walking silently through villages and cities. They walked slowly, mindfully, step by step, carrying no signs, shouting no slogans. Their purpose was simple: to walk for peace.
People who first encountered them often did not understand. Some expected speeches or arguments. Instead, the monks walked in silence, breathing together, attentive to each step. When asked why they walked this way, one monk replied, “Because peace must be lived before it can be spoken.”
As the monks passed through communities filled with fear and anger, something began to shift. People grew quiet. Some joined the walk. Others simply stood and watched. The monks were not trying to convince anyone. They were embodying another way of being — a way rooted in compassion rather than hostility, presence rather than reaction.
Their walking itself became a teaching. Peace was not an idea; it was a practice. Love was not sentimental; it was disciplined attention to how one moved in relationship with others.
This story helps us hear Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel differently. Jesus is not asking for perfection. He is inviting us into a way of living where love shapes our actions from the inside out. Where reconciliation matters more than being right. Where our “yes” and our “no” arise from integrity and compassion.
In many ways, Jesus is teaching us to walk for peace — to move through our relationships aware that every word, every choice, either deepens love or diminishes it.
And this is where Valentine’s Day meets the Gospel. Love is not only something we feel; it is something we practice. It is how we walk with one another. It is how we choose kindness when anger would be easier. It is how we remember, even in conflict, that the person before us is beloved of God.
When we know ourselves as beloved, we begin to walk differently. And sometimes, without even realizing it, our way of walking becomes a quiet invitation for others to do the same.
That is how the law is fulfilled. That is how peace begins.
Communal Statement of Faith
All: We believe in God, the Source of Life and Love, who creates all people in dignity and beauty.
We believe in Jesus, who revealed God’s love through compassion, justice, and inclusion, and who calls us friends and beloved companions.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, alive in every culture and every heart, guiding us toward healing and unity.
We believe we are called to be a community of equals, living love in action, and building a world where all belong. Amen.
General Intercessions
Response: Loving God, hear our prayer.
• For the Church, that it may reflect God’s inclusive love and welcome all people as beloved…
• For communities divided by fear or anger, that reconciliation and understanding may grow…
• For those who feel unworthy or unseen, that they may know their belovedness…
• For couples, families, and friendships, that love may deepen in patience and kindness…
• For our own community, that our words and actions may bring healing…
Preparation of the Table
Presider: As we bring bread and wine, we also bring our longing for reconciliation, our desire to live truthfully, and our hope to love more deeply.
Eucharistic Prayer
Presider: Holy and loving God, you are always with us, calling us beloved. Through prophets, teachers, and companions of wisdom, you have shown us that love is the fulfillment of every law.
Epiclesis: Bless these gifts of bread and wine and bless us also, that your Spirit may awaken love within us. Make us a living body of compassion in the world.
Consecration: (Presider and All)
On the night before he died, Jesus gathered with friends, took bread, blessed it, broke it, and shared it, saying:
Take and eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in memory of me.
After supper, he took the cup and said:
Take and drink. This is the cup of the new covenant, poured out in love for all. Do this in memory of me.
Memorial Acclamation:
Together we proclaim:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ lives among us now.
Presider: Loving God, make us one in love. May this meal strengthen us to live as people who know they are beloved and who help others know it too.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, all glory and honor are yours forever.
Loving God, in this shared meal you remind us that we belong to one another. Send us forth renewed in love, ready to heal what is broken, to speak truth with compassion, and to live as your beloved people. Amen.
Gratitude, Introductions, Announcements
Closing Blessing
May the God who calls you beloved bless your heart with peace. May Christ walk beside you in compassion. May the Spirit guide your words and actions in love.
And may you go forth to remind the world that love is stronger than fear.
(Elena) We are delighted to welcome you into the MMOJ family. Your presence among us is a gift, and today we celebrate the light you bring with you. All are welcome here. We invite you to pray the liturgy where it says “All.” And please sing your heart out! Everyone will be muted during the service. During the shared homily and prayers of the community, we invite you to unmute yourself to contribute, and then re-mute yourself again. Please have bread and wine or juice with you as we pray the Eucharistic Prayer.
As we reflect on the liturgy of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, we are reminded of Jesus’ call: “Let your light shine before others.” This is the heart of our shared journey—to let it shine, let it shine—not for our own glory, but so that God’s love, mercy, and justice may be made visible through us. Here at MMOJ, we are a community called to be light in the everyday moments: in service, in compassion, in prayer, and in walking together through life’s joys and challenges. Each person’s light is unique, and together, those lights shine brighter—illuminating paths of hope for one another and for the world we serve. May you feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to let your gifts shine freely. We are excited to grow, serve, and journey in faith with you. Welcome home—and let it shine!✨
GATHERING SONG “Christ Be Our Light” by Bernadette Farrell (STOP at 2:24)
OPENING PRAYER (Jeanne S) Loving and gracious God, we gather before You as Your people, grateful for the gift of this day and for the light of Your presence among us. You call us out of darkness and invite us to walk as children of the light. As we celebrate this liturgy, kindle within our hearts the flame of faith You have placed in us. May Your Word be a lamp for our steps and Your love a light that shines through all we say and do. Teach us not to hide the gifts You have entrusted to us, but to let them shine—boldly, joyfully, and faithfully—for the good of others and the glory of Your name. Send Your Spirit upon us now. Open our minds, soften our hearts, and strengthen our resolve to be light in our families, our communities, and our world.
All: Amen
TRANSFORMATION RITE
(Cathy) We pause now to remember the times we have not born fruit in caring for self and others. A time perhaps when we have failed to respond to your command to love each other as you have loved us. Take a moment to recall one missed opportunity to let our light shine, one broken or damaged relationship. (Pause briefly and extend your hand over your heart)
All: As we ask for and receive forgiveness, we open our hearts to Infinite Love embracing and healing us. Let it be.
THE SIGN OF PEACE
(Elena) It is fitting that, having asked for Divine and mutual forgiveness, we now extend an expression of Peace to each other.
(Elena): Grant us Your peace, O Loving God, that following the example of Jesus and with the strength of the Spirit, we may be eager to spread your light and peace to everyone, everywhere, with no exceptions.
All: Amen. May the peace of our gracious and loving God be always with us.
(Elena) Let us turn to each other and with praying hands offer one another a sign of peace. NAMASTE 3x
JOYFUL GLORIA:
(Cathy) Let us All lift our voices in praise.
Glory to the Holy One who surrounds us, who lives within us, whose sacred Word is shared by us in our world and beyond.
Glory to the Spirit of Life, who offers us peace, peace in our hearts and peace with one another as we reach out and ask for blessing.
Glory to the Spirit of Life who invites us to learn the lessons of our mistakes.
Glory to Jesus who teaches us how to live the Gospels, and invites us to be healers of heart, body and soul.
You, O Holy One, are one with us. You give us the strength to live your gospel message in our world and beyond.
You are the Light of the world, shining in the darkness, calling us to follow. May Your light shine through us, O HOLY ONE—in our words, in our works, and in our love. Send us forth as bearers of hope and joy, that all may see Your goodness and give You praise We depend upon your ever-present Spirit to expand our consciousness to include your ever expanding universe as we journey in the present and rejoice in your call to courageously strive for justice and equality for all.
Glory to the Spirit of Life. Amen!
LITURGY OF THE WORD
(Jim B) First Reading: A reading drawn from Scripture and contemporary theological reflection:When God spoke in the beginning, “Let there be light,” the very first word of creation was a beckoning—an invitation for truth and life to break forth from the deep places of darkness. In that light, all creation was woven together, and every living being was given a flame to carry forward. We, too, have been called to this light. As Paul reminds us, “God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts”—not as a private treasure, but as an outward gift, so that others might see and know the glory of God through us (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:6). Let it shine, let it shine.From the beginning of faith, women have stood at the edge of dawn—prophets, disciples, and witnesses to the light that will not be overcome. They have seen the angel at the empty tomb and carried the message of resurrection into the world. They have tended the fragile lights of community and nurtured hope where despair threatened to swallow all. In their courage we hear the echo of a feminine voice affirming: the light given to you is not small. It is a call to presence and compassion. We arereminded that God’s light is not confined within walls or bound by human definitions of power or worth. We are invited to reflect and see God’s active presence in every corner of life—especially where voices have been silenced, bodies have been marginalized, and spirits have been stretched thin. In the light of Christ, the least are lifted; in the grace of the Spirit, the young and old alike are emboldened to reflect that same brightness. Let it shine, let it shine.May we receive this light with the fullness of our beings. May we not hide it under a bushel or bury it in fear. May we, like women at Easter dawn, run toward joy, proclaiming light over darkness, justice over oppression, and love that cannot be extinguished. Let it shine, let it shine. These words were drawn from scripture and contemporary theological reflection. We respond: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm 112
(Jeanne) Response: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
~Blessed are those who reverence The Holy One, who delight in Love Consciousness! For they dwell with the Beloved and their children will learn of peace and justice. Abundance and wholeness will be their heritage, and truth will be their banner. Light penetrates the darkness for those who face their fears; Love stands by them with Mercy and forgiveness.
Res: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
~ It goes well for those who are loving and kind, who live their days with justice and integrity.
They become co-creators with the Divine One; they bless the world with their presence.
In times of trouble they know not fear; their hearts are firm, trusting in your Loving Companion Presence. Yea, their hearts are ready, they are not afraid, even their enemies are blessed by their love.
Res: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
~They are generous and give freely; the needy are offered shelter and food; justice and mercy make their home there; and their righteousness endures forever.
The unloving are witness to this; who knows when the seed will find a fertile heart?
The fruits of those who know Love are blessing to all! Praises to you O Gracious One! Res: The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
(Jim B) Jesus said to his disciples: “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God- flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand -SHINE! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous God in heaven.
These are the inspired words of the evangelist called Matthew as found in a contemporary translation by Eugene Peterson in THE MESSAGE and our response is: So Be It!
(Jim B and All) Let us together affirm our faith. We believe in our Creator who nurtures the earth and who resides in our expanding universe.
We believe in Jesus, the Word incarnate, who journeyed on the earth, instilling faith in his followers so that they may continue the work He began.
We believe in the Spirit of Life, the breath of wisdom Sophia, who fills us with the breath of Life,
We believe God, through us, supports our friends and families and all with whom we journey in this life.
We believe in the communion of saints, our heavenly friends who walk with us in love as we continue our life journey.
We believe in our prophetic call to speak truth to power and live Gospel teachings. Amen.
PRAYERS OF AND FOR THE PEOPLE
(Jeanne) Response: All: Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~ As we prepare for the sacred meal, we pray for the needs of the people of God in our community and around the world and for the earth and all universal life sustained by God.
R: Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~ We pray for all suffering from natural disasters all over the world, that they not lose hope and that they feel the light of your love.
R: Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, give wisdom to those who negotiate to bring about justice, peace and a better quality of life to all people, that all may live in a fully human way.
R: Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~We pray for the people who live in war-torn countries that they may live in peace without fear, and that goodness and sanity will fill the hearts and minds of those that would cause them harm. R: Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~ We bring to the table all those who are in need of healing of body and soul from cancer and all other chronic illnesses. Grant them, O Holy One, an increase of faith and the strength of hope to endure.
R: Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~You are the Way, The Truth and the Life, awaken in us the courage to set aside all pettiness and all half-truths that keep us divided from one another.
R: Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~We bring to the table our MMOJ intentions found in our community prayer book. (Joan Meehan)
R:Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. ~And for what else do we pray? Begin with, “I bring to the table.” And we all respond:
Grant us, Holy One, hearts open to see, hear and share Your Love. Holy One, may we respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in loving prayer and solidarity.
And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Holy One. Let us give thanks to our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, HOLY ONE, source of light and life.
(Extend hands in blessing over bread and wine for the Invocation of the Holy Spirit
(Elena and All)Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his light. By your Spirit, kindle in us the flame of faith. Where there is fear, let it shine. Where there is sorrow, let it shine. Where there is injustice, hatred, or despair, let it shine, let it shine. We give thanks and praise this day. Amen.
(Cathy) You spoke light into the darkness, and the world began to shine. You set the sun in the heavens, kindled stars in the night, and breathed your light into every living soul. When we turned from your brightness, you did not abandon us to the shadows, but sent prophets, poets, and pilgrims to remind us to: let it shine, let it shine. And in the fullness of time, you sent Jesus The Christ, the Light of the world—light no darkness could overcome, light born among the poor, light that healed, forgave, and welcomed, light that shone even from the cross. Therefore, with angels and archangels, with saints and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
(Jim B) We thank you for the gift of Jesus of Nazareth in history -- and the gift of Jesus in faith. On earth, his life burned with the vision of his mission on earth. Through the example of his life – his teachings and actions - he showed us not only how we should live, but also what was worth even dying for.
(Jim and All) When his time on earth had come to an end, Jesus – aware of and accepting his destiny – gave us his life for the values that he deeply believed, lived and taught…his conviction that love is stronger than death. And then, in providing an example of this wisdom for all people in ages to come, he opened wide his arms…and died. And the spirit that lived in Jesus resurrected him to a new life, a promise made to all of us too who live the new story. Jesus is with us today and he will be through the end of time.
With an outstretched arm, we pray the consecration together.
(Elena and ALL) Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. On the night before he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Take, eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Pause)
When the supper was over, he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
(Jeanne) And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith: (Jeanne and All) Jesus has died. Christ is risen. The Divine Presence lives in us and through us in the world today.
(Cathy) God, we know that you bless your church throughout the world. We, your people, ask for your grace that we may continually grow in our love and caring for Francis, our Pope, Bridget Mary, our Bishop and for everyone with whom we come in contact, especially those who live on the margins of church and society. They are all our brothers and sisters, members of your Blessed Family. We remember also all those, living and dead, who touched our lives and left their footprints on our hearts. We remember especially….(mention names here, if you would like to..) Pause for silent remembrance.
We believe that the Spirit of God is at work in and among us and will do more than we could ever ask or imagine. We believe that it is through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, Creator God, forever and ever.
(Celtic Version of Prayer of Jesus by John Philip Newell)
(Cheryl and All)
Holy One, You call us to speak truth to power; we will do so.
Holy One, You call us to live the Gospel of healing and justice; we will do so.
Holy One, You call us to be Your presence in the world; we will do so.
COMMUNION
(Jim B and All) This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Blessed are we who are called to Christ’s table. May we live as the Body of Christ in the world, serving all in need, especially those living on the margin.
What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives. As we share communion we will become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge to grow in consciousness and obedience to the call of the Holy One in Jesus the Christ.
(Elena)
Take and share communion with the words “(I am) or (You are) love for the world.”
Take and share the cup with the words “(I am) or (You are) hope for the world.
Let us take a Moment of Silence to focus on Divine LOVE Present within us.
Communion Meditation “Sentinel Meadow”, Mars Lasar
(Elena and All) Loving God, may this Eucharist in which we shared Christ’s healing love, deepen our oneness with you and with one another. May wonder and thanksgiving fill us with knowledge, understanding and experience of your love and compassion for us, your sacred people. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Christ.
PRAYERS OF GRATITUDE, INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLOSING COMMUNITY PRAYER OF REFLECTION
(Jeanne)
Loving God, You are the light that meets us on our own roads—
the roads where we are tired, confused, or certain we already know the way.
In these dark and uncertain times, when fear feels louder than hope
and division feels stronger than love, turn us again toward Your light.
Open our eyes where we have grown blind—
blind to the pain of others, blind to our own complicity,
blind to the ways You are calling us to change.
Give us the courage of Paul, not to defend ourselves, but to be transformed.
Not to cling to certainty, but to surrender to truth.
Make us bearers of Your light in a wounded world: light that listens before it speaks,
light that heals rather than harms, light that refuses despair and chooses love again and again. Send us from this place as quiet flames—steady, faithful, and brave—trusting that even small lights can break through great darkness.
We ask this in hope, and in love, and in the name of Jesus, the Light of the World. Amen. 💛
COMMUNITY BLESSING AND COMMISSIONING
(Cathy and All) And together with our arms extended we say:
Spirit, be with us each and every moment of every day as we navigate these difficult times. Let our hearts be open to hear your message and give us the courage to act as your disciples, apostles, to act upon your messages, even when we are afraid. Keep us ever mindful of the powerful possibilities of love as we walk through all the seasons of our lives, and may our light always shine unto the world.
ALL: Thanks be to God. Let it be so! And so it is! Alleluia!
(Elena) LET US END THIS LITURGY AND BEGIN OUR WEEK WITH A JOYFUL NOISE AS WE LET OUR INNER CHILD “LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE”!
