Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93473708926?pwd=VHFKZGJ5N3ljbzZtVU1qQVRZY1lodz09
Meeting ID: 934 7370 8926
Theme: Let it Shine!, Let it Shine!
WELCOME
(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)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=7eeBHrn2Dt0&si=BMtfxAAU1Ket23VH
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 are reminded 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.
Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill
Alleluia:
https://youtu.be/o1rc7ojQtJU
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16
(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!
Alleluia:
https://youtu.be/o1rc7ojQtJU
Shared Homily
STATEMENT OF FAITH
(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.
All: Amen
Offertory: Preparation of the Gifts
Offertory Song: “Here is My Life” by Joe Wise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsHM7_XZT5A
Eucharistic Prayer (Cathy) The Lord be with you.
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:
“Holy, Holy, Holy” by Karen Drucker
https://youtu.be/nTewBnxBy30
(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.
“Great Amen” by Linda Lee Miller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy76fpfkNsg
THE PRAYER OF JESUS
(Jeanne and ALL) Let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Holy One beyond all names
Eternal Wellspring
May love rise again in us today
With food for every table
Shelter for every family
And reverence for every life.
Forgive us our failings in love
And free us from all falseness
That the light of our souls may shine
And the strength of our spirits endure
For Earth and all its people
This day, tonight and forever. Amen.
(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
https://youtu.be/B9JFOEcq1GA?si=4_jCQk37Lin9HPfB
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
(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”!
This Little Light of Mine by Minno
https://youtu.be/MJdz5fJtVOA?si=fWgJeyJ8FMrlNdkB
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If you would like to add your intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayers book,
Please send an email to jmeehan515@aol.com
