Theme: The Gifts We Are Given, the Love We Share
Welcome and Gathering
Presider: Beth
Welcome, dear friends, to our celebration of Eucharist.
Today, Jesus tells a story about three people entrusted with gifts. Two put their gifts to work, while the third, afraid of losing what had been given, buries the gift in the ground.
This Gospel invites us to reflect on a question that touches every one of our lives: What do we do with the gifts we receive from God and from one another?
Some gifts are easy to recognize: the ability to teach, heal, lead, create, or encourage others. Other gifts may seem ordinary: a listening ear, a kind word, a welcoming smile, a meal shared with a neighbor, or the courage to speak up when someone is treated unjustly.
Every one of us has something precious to offer.
And here is the Good News: God does not measure our worth by how much we accomplish. We are already loved beyond measure. Our gifts are not given to make us better than anyone else. They are given so that love can grow through us.
Today, let us celebrate the gifts we have received, the people who have blessed our lives, and the surprising ways the Holy Spirit continues to work through us.
All: We are grateful for the gifts of Divine Love. May we share them generously!
Gathering Song: Be a Light – shortened Thomas Rhett (lyrics )ft. Keith Urban, Chris Tomlin, Hillary Scott & Reba McEntire
https://youtu.be/Oqiw54l_x-8
Transformation Rite
Presider: Bridget Mary
Loving God, sometimes we fail to recognize the gifts you have placed within us. We compare ourselves with others and forget that each of us reflects your love in a unique way.
All: Open our hearts to recognize our gifts.
Presider:
Jesus, our brother, sometimes fear, disappointment, or self-doubt keeps us from sharing what we have received.
All: Transform our fears into courage and trust.
Presider:
Holy Spirit, sometimes we overlook the gifts of others, especially those whose voices have been ignored or whose contributions have gone unrecognized.
All: Open our eyes to the gifts of every person.
Presider and All:
May we forgive ourselves and one another for the times we have buried our gifts, withheld our love, or failed to encourage someone else's dreams.
May we grow in wisdom, generosity, and courage as we share the gifts entrusted to us.
All: Amen.
Glory to God: Marty Haugen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udjH7EON5IY
Opening Prayer:
Presider 2: Beth
Holy One, Source of every good gift,
You have blessed each of us with gifts that are as unique as our fingerprints.
Some of us bring wisdom learned through years of experience. Others bring fresh ideas and new possibilities. Some offer the gift of healing, while others bring laughter when life becomes too serious.
Help us remember that no gift is too small when it is shared with love.
Free us from the fear that keeps us silent, the insecurity that makes us doubt ourselves, and the temptation to believe that our gifts belong to us alone.
Teach us to recognize your presence in the people who have encouraged us, challenged us, and loved us into becoming more fully ourselves.
May our community be a place where everyone's gifts are welcomed, where leadership is shared, and where no one is left standing outside the circle.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our brother and companion, who showed us that love grows when it is given away.
All: Amen.
Liturgy of the Word
Reader: Ann
First Reading — 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 27
There are many different gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.
There are different ways of serving, but the same Holy One is present in every act of loving service.
There are many ways of working for the good of others, but it is God who inspires them all.
To each person, the Spirit gives gifts for the good of the whole community.
To one person is given wisdom; to another, understanding.
To another, faith; to another, the gift of healing.
Some receive the courage to work wonders, others the ability to speak truth, and still others the wisdom to discern the movement of the Spirit.
All these gifts come from the one Spirit, who shares them freely among us.
Together, we are the Body of Christ, and each one of us is an essential part of that Body.
Reader: These are the inspired words attributed to Paul.
All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 139
Response: All: Wonderful are your works, O Holy One!
Reader: Joan P
You have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You understand my thoughts and accompany me on every journey.
All: Wonderful are your works, O Holy One!
Reader: You formed my innermost being and wove me together in my mother's womb. I give thanks because I am wonderfully made.
All: Wonderful are your works, O Holy One!
Reader:
Your Spirit is with me wherever I go. Even in darkness, your loving presence surrounds me.
All: Wonderful are your works, O Holy One!
Reader:
Guide me along the path of wisdom and help me use the gifts of my life to bring healing, justice, and peace.
All: Wonderful are your works, O Holy One!
Second Reading — 1 Peter 4:8–11
Prayer Leader: Ann
Above all, love one another deeply, because love makes room for forgiveness and healing.
Welcome one another without complaining.
Each of you has received a gift. Use it to serve one another as faithful stewards of God's abundant grace.
If you speak, let your words communicate wisdom and truth.
If you serve, do so with the strength that God provides.
In everything, let Divine Love shine through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and praise forever.
Reader: These are the inspired words from the First Letter of Peter.
All: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia (Eightfold) — Jan Phillips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC4nbwmQDVw
Gospel — Matthew 25:14–30
Presider 2: Beth
Jesus told this parable:
"The kin-dom of heaven may be compared to a wealthy landowner preparing to leave on a long journey.
Before departing, the landowner called three servants and entrusted them with responsibility for the household's wealth.
To the first servant, the landowner gave five talents of silver; to the second, two talents; and to the third, one talent. Each received an amount according to their ability.
Then the landowner went away.
The servant who received five talents went out and put the money to work, gaining five more.
The servant who received two talents did the same and gained two more.
But the servant who received one talent dug a hole in the ground and hid the money.
After a long time, the landowner returned and called the servants together to give an account of what they had done.
The first servant came forward with ten talents and said, 'You entrusted me with five talents. Look, I have gained five more.'
The landowner replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things. I will entrust you with greater responsibilities. Come and share in my joy!'
The second servant came forward and said, 'You entrusted me with two talents. Look, I have gained two more.'
The landowner replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things. I will entrust you with greater responsibilities. Come and share in my joy!'
Then the third servant came forward.
'I knew you were a demanding person,' the servant said, 'harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter seed. I was afraid, so I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here is what belongs to you.'
The landowner answered angrily, 'You knew that I harvest where I have not planted and gather where I have not scattered seed? Then you should at least have placed my money with the bankers so that I could receive it back with interest.'
The landowner ordered the talent taken from the third servant and given to the one who had ten.
Then the landowner declared that those who have will receive more, while those who have little will lose even what they have.
Finally, the landowner ordered the third servant thrown into the outer darkness, where there would be weeping and grinding of teeth."
Presider: This is the Gospel story handed down to us in Matthew.
All: May the Spirit open our hearts to its wisdom and challenge.
Homily — Bridget Mary
What Are We Doing with the Gifts We Have Received?
Shared Homily — Dialogue Questions
What is one precious gift you have received from God or another person that has made a difference in your life?
Have you ever hesitated to share a gift because of fear, self-doubt, or a feeling that you were not good enough? What helped you move forward?
How can we, as an inclusive Catholic community, encourage and celebrate the gifts of others, especially people whose gifts have been overlooked or excluded?
Community Statement of Faith
Prayer Leader: Joan: Let us proclaim our faith together.
All:
We believe in the Holy One, Source of every gift, the Divine Presence in whom we live and move and have our being.
We believe in Jesus, our brother, teacher, prophet and Christ, who revealed God's gifts of healing, compassion, justice and unconditional love.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, Sophia Wisdom, who inspires creativity, awakens courage, and calls forth the gifts within every person.
We believe that each of us is created in the image of Divine Love, and that our differences enrich the whole Body of Christ.
We believe in the baptismal equality of all God's people, in the sacredness of Earth, and in our responsibility to share our gifts for the common good.
We believe in forgiveness, healing, transformation, and life that death cannot destroy.
We believe that God's table has room for everyone, and that the gifts of every person are precious and needed.
Amen.
Prayers of the Community
Prayer Leader: Ann
Loving God, you have entrusted us with gifts of wisdom, compassion, courage, and love. We bring our prayers for our world and one another, trusting that your Spirit continues to work through ordinary people doing extraordinary things with love.
Response: All: Holy Spirit, help us share our gifts in love.
Prayer Leader:
For those who feel their gifts are unimportant or unrecognized, especially women and marginalized people whose voices have been silenced: may they discover their dignity, their strength, and the courage to share their gifts.
All: Holy Spirit, help us share our gifts in love.
For all who work for peace and justice in places wounded by war, poverty, oppression, and violence: may their courage inspire us to become instruments of healing.
All: Holy Spirit, help us share our gifts in love.
For teachers, caregivers, healthcare workers, parents, grandparents, and all who nurture the gifts of others: may they know that their loving service makes a lasting difference.
All: Holy Spirit, help us share our gifts in love.
For those who are sick, grieving, lonely, or discouraged: may they experience your presence through the kindness and care of others.
All: Holy Spirit, help us share our gifts in love.
For our Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community: may we continue to recognize the gifts of every member, share leadership generously, and welcome everyone to Christ's table.
All: Holy Spirit, help us share our gifts in love.
Prayer Leader: And for what else shall we pray?
[Community members share their prayers. MMOJ intention book is remembered.]
All: Loving God, may we become answers to one another's prayers.
Prayer Leader:
Holy One, receive these prayers and inspire us to use the gifts you have given us to create a world of compassion, equality, justice, and peace.
All: Amen.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts
Presider: Bridget Mary
Blessed are you, Holy One of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread, fruit of Earth and work of human hands. Like the gifts of our lives, it becomes a blessing when it is shared.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Co-Presider: Beth
Blessed are you, Holy One of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. May this cup remind us that your love is poured out generously for everyone.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Preface:
Presider: Ann
Let us gather around this table of abundant gifts.
All: We come with grateful hearts.
Presider: Let us open our hearts to the Holy One.
All: We open them to Divine Love.
Presider: Let us give thanks for the gifts of creation and community.
All: It is right to give thanks and praise.
Prayer Leader :Joan
Holy One, Source of Life and Love, we give you thanks for the countless gifts you have entrusted to us.
We praise you for the beauty of Earth, the wonder of creation, and the diversity of life.
We thank you for the people who have shaped our lives through their kindness, wisdom, courage, and generosity.
Prayer Leader: Ann
We remember the prophets, mystics, saints, and justice seekers who shared their gifts, often at great personal cost.
We remember Miriam, who led her people in song; Deborah, who offered wise leadership; Mary of Nazareth, who said yes to an unexpected calling; Mary Magdalene, who proclaimed the Good News of resurrection; and Phoebe, who served the early Christian communities.
With them and with all who have shared their gifts in love, we sing:
Holy, Holy, Holy: Karen Drucker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orKBBIj5LZA
Eucharistic Prayer
Presider: Beth
Holy Mystery, Source of every good gift, you have blessed creation with abundance and entrusted us with the responsibility to care for one another and for our beautiful Earth.
You have given us imagination to create, wisdom to discern, courage to act, and love to bring healing to our world.
Prayer Leader : Ann
Throughout history, your Spirit has inspired people to share their gifts in service to others.
Some have brought healing to the sick, comfort to those who grieve, food to the hungry, and hope to those who have lost their way.
Others have challenged unjust systems, opened doors to those excluded, and reminded us that every person is precious in your sight.
Prayer Leader: Joan
In Jesus, you showed us what a life of generous love looks like.
Jesus shared the gifts of healing, teaching, friendship, and compassion.
He welcomed children, touched those considered untouchable, and invited women and men to become his disciples.
He did not bury his gifts in fear. He poured out his life in love.
Epiclesis — Invocation of the Holy Spirit
(All extend hands over the bread and wine.)
Presider: Bridget Mary and All:
Loving God, send your Spirit upon us and upon this bread and wine.
May we recognize the living presence of Christ here among us and within us.
Transform these gifts and transform our hearts, so that we may become the Body of Christ, sharing our gifts for the healing of our world.
Consecration Prayer
Presider: Bridget Mary and All:
On the night before he died, Jesus gathered his friends around a table.
He took bread into his hands, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, and shared it with them, saying:
Take and eat of this, all of you.
This is my body, given for you.
Whenever you do this, remember me.
Co-Presider and All: Beth
Then Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and shared it with everyone, saying:
Take and drink from this, all of you.
This is the cup of my life poured out in love for you.
Whenever you share this cup, remember me.
Memorial Acclamation
Presider :Beth and All:
Christ has died in all who have suffered.
Christ is risen in all who share their gifts in love.
Christ will come again whenever compassion heals wounds, justice restores dignity, and love transforms our world.
Continuation of Eucharistic Prayer
Prayer Leader 1: Ann
Loving God, may this Eucharist awaken us to the gifts we have received and the gifts we are called to share.
When fear keeps us silent, give us courage.
When we doubt our abilities, remind us that your Spirit works through our weakness as well as our strength.
When we are tempted to hold tightly to what we possess, teach us the joy of generosity.
Presider : Bridget Mary
May our community be a place where gifts are discovered, encouraged, and celebrated.
May we never confuse leadership with power over others, butrecognize it as a gift of service.
May our shared priesthood, rooted in baptism, empower us to become living signs of your inclusive love.
We remember our beloved ones who have gone before us into the fullness of Divine Love.
We give thanks for the gifts they shared, the wisdom they passed on, and the love that continues to live within us.
We remember Mary of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, Junia, and all the courageous women and men whose lives continue to inspire us.
Presider and All : Beth
In communion with them and with all creation, we proclaim:
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, Loving God, forever and ever.
Great Amen: Linda Lee Miller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy76fpfkNsg
Communion Rite
Prayer of Jesus
Prayer Leader Joan and All:
Let us pray together in the words Jesus taught us.
O Holy One, who is within, around and among us, We celebrate your many names. Your Wisdom come, Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us. Each day you give us all we need. You remind us of our limits, and we let go. You support us in our power, and we act with courage, For you are the dwelling place within us, the empowerment around us, and the celebration among us, now and forever. Amen.
(Miriam Therese Winter)
Sign of Peace
Prayer Leader: Ann
Jesus shared the gift of peace with his friends and invites us to become peacemakers in our world.
Let us share with one another the peace of Christ.
All: Peace be with you.
Breaking of the Bread Litany
Presider : Beth and All
Loving God, you have blessed us with gifts to share.
All: May we become gifts of love for one another.
Jesus, Bread of Life, you nourish us for loving service.
All: May we share your compassion and healing.
Holy Spirit, you awaken gifts within every person.
All: May we use our gifts to create justice, peace, and joy.
Invitation to Communion
Presider: Bridget Mary
(Presider holds up the bread and cup.)
This is Jesus' table.
Here, every person is a beloved gift of God.
Here, no gift is too small, no life is without value, and no one is excluded.
We come not because we have accomplished great things, but because we are loved beyond measure.
Everyone is invited.
Everyone is welcome.
Everyone is beloved.
All: We are the Body of Christ.
Communion is shared.
Communion Song: Compassion (Change the World) by Andrew Witt
https://youtu.be/Tw_pUMqEZ_E
Prayer After Communion
Presider: Beth
Holy One,
You have nourished us with the Bread of Life and the Cup of Love.
May the gifts we have received at this table become blessings in the world.
May our hands bring healing, our words offer encouragement, our hearts welcome the stranger, and our lives proclaim the dignity of every person.
Help us recognize that the greatest gift we can offer is love.
May we never bury that gift in fear.
May we share it freely, joyfully, and generously, trusting that your Spirit will continue to multiply its blessings.
All: Amen.
Prayers of Gratitude, Introductions and Announcements
Presider: Bridget Mary
Before we conclude our celebration, let us take a moment to give thanks for someone whose gifts have blessed our lives.
Community members are invited to name a person or share a brief expression of gratitude.
Final Blessing
(Presiders and community extend hands in blessing.)
Presider: Beth
May the Holy One, Source of every good gift, bless us with gratitude for all we have received.
All: Amen.
May Jesus, who shared his life in generous love, inspire us to use our gifts for the healing of our world.
All: Amen.
May Sophia, Holy Wisdom, awaken the gifts still waiting to be discovered within us and give us courage to share them.
All: Amen.
Presider: Bridget Mary
May we bless one another as we go forth.
May our gifts become blessings, our words become encouragement, our actions become compassion, and our communities become places where every person is valued and every gift is welcomed.
May we live as the Body of Christ, sharing God's abundance of love wherever we go.
Amen.
Sending Forth
Presider : Beth
Our Eucharist is ended. Our service begins.
Let us go forth with grateful hearts, sharing the gifts we have received and celebrating the gifts of others!
All: Thanks be to God! We will live the Good News!
Closing Song: Being Kind – Empty Hands Music (Nimo) (stop at 3 minutes)
https://youtu.be/mJhZ64BvvFU
If you would like to add your intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayers book,
Please send an email to jerrybires@gmail.com
If you would like to invite another person to attend our liturgy please refer them to
www.marymotherofJesus.net where the day’s liturgy is found. Zoom instructions are also included there.
