Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/93473708926?pwd=VHFKZGJ5N3ljbzZtVU1qQVRZY1lodz09
Meeting ID: 934 7370 8926
Passcode: 552967
Theme: Response-Ability
(Cathy ) Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community where all are welcome.
We invite you to pray the liturgy and respond where it says “All.”
-All participants will be muted during the liturgy except for the presiders and readers.
-Please have bread and wine/juice nearby as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.
Whoever you are,
Wherever you are,
Just as you are,
You are welcome at this table. (Integral Christianity by Paul Smith)
(Elena) Today’s readings might be summarized in one word: RESPONSIBILITY. Each of us might use this time of worship to reflect on the things for which we have been responsible in the past. Now as we find ourselves in a different season of life, we are conscious that our responsibilities are different. What remains constant however is the expectation that we will use our time wisely, put our talents to good use and serve the needs of our sisters and brothers everywhere. Let us now take a few minutes to collect ourselves as we prepare to focus our minds and our hearts on this theme and our knowledge that we, as one, have been calledtogether at this moment in time to transform ourselves and our world through love: love for our Holy One: love for our neighbors, love for ourselves, and love for our planet. Let us begin our liturgy by expressing this love through song.
Gathering Song: “At This Table” by Idina Menzel video by Denise
https://youtu.be/n9Xf4cHOcwQ
OPENING PRAYER
(Bob ) In the name of our Creator, Jesus our brother, and Holy Spirit Wisdom, we gather to celebrate our oneness with and in you and in all things. This Great Mystery is the foundation and template for the entire universe, and when fully experienced, has the capacity to change everything. We seek to fully understand this Great Mystery, but more importantly to understand how we live it in our lives. Let our ears hear, our eyes see, and our hearts receive as we remember and expand the power of love on Earth. During these dark days,Infinite One, we live with the certainty that you walk with us. As we continue to awaken to the fullness of grace consciousness, and an awareness,that, as Your children, we are all blessed with theability to respond as one people, one planet, one universe with unconditional love toward all living things.
RITE OF TRANSFORMATION
(Cathy) We pause now to remember the times we have not born fruit in caring for self and others. Take a moment to recall one missed opportunity, one broken or damaged relationship. (Pause briefly and extend your hand over your heart)
(Cathy and All) As we ask for and receive forgiveness, we open our hearts to Infinite Love embracing and healing us. Let it be so, Yes, Alleluia
Glory to God - Marty Haugen
(video by Bridget Mary Meehan and Mary T Streck)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udjH7EON5IY
LITURGY OF THE WORD
(Andrea ) First Reading: An Introduction to The Book of Proverbs
Many people think that what’s written in the Bible has mostly to do with getting people into heaven-----getting right with God, saving their eternal souls. It does have to do with that, of course, but not mostly. It is equally concerned with living on this earth---living well, living in robust sanity. In our Scriptures, heaven is not the primary concern, to which earth is a tagalong afterthought. “On earth as it is in heaven” is Jesus’ prayer.
“Wisdom” is the biblical term for this on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven everyday living. Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves. It has virtually nothing to do with information as such, with knowledge as such. A college degree is no certification of wisdom---nor is it primarily concerned with keeping us out of moral mud puddles, although it does have a profound moral effect on us.
Wisdom has to do with becoming skillful in honoring our parents and raising our children, handling our money and conducting our sexual lives, going to work and exercising leadership, using words well and treating friends kindly, eating and drinking healthily, cultivating emotions within ourselves and attitudes toward others that make for peace. Threaded through all these items is the insistence that the way we think of and respond to God is the most practical thing we do. In matters of everyday practicality, nothing, absolutely nothing, takes precedence over God.
Proverbs concentrates on these concerns more than any other book in the Bible. Attention to the here and now is everywhere present in the stories and legislation, the prayers and the sermons, that are spread over the thousands of pages of the Bible. Proverbs distills it all into riveting images and aphorisms that keep us connected in holy obedience to the ordinary.
These are the inspired words of Eugene H. Peterson as written for the Book of Proverbs in “THE MESSAGE”
Sung Response:More Light - Christopher Grundy
https://youtu.be/a8XaUlqb8t0
(Bob ) Second Reading: “Consider Jesus” by Elizabeth Johnson, page 126,(2) We are united with God in Jesus by being in compassionate solidarity with those who suffer. If God is there, resisting evil and willing life wherever people are being damaged, then the followers of Jesus must enter into the same solidarity. There is a traditional axiom which claimsthat to live a good ethical life one must “do good and avoid evil.” The emphasis shifts today, slightly but very dramatically, to make us realize that this is not enough…..For in the light of the compassion of God revealed in Jesus, we must “do good and resistevil.” There is a call to the Christian conscience here not to hide our face from evil, not to walk around it, or pretend it is not there; but to face its massiveness in spite of our feelings of powerlessness or insignificance and to become involved in transforming it. Suffering people are the privileged place where the God of compassion is to be found. These are the inspired word of Elizabeth Johnson, and we respond by saying, All: AMEN
Alleluia (Eightfold) – Jan Phillips
https://youtu.be/IC4nbwmQDVw
(Elena) Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 14-18
Jesus told his disciples this parable: A man going on an extended trip, called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand , to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a whole and carefully buried his master’s money.
“After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’ The servant given one thousand said: ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you , so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done was to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.’ ‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out in utter darkness.’
These are the inspired words of the Gospel writer,Matthew and we affirm them by saying, All: AMEN
Alleluia (Eightfold) – Jan Phillips
https://youtu.be/IC4nbwmQDVw
COMMUNAL STATEMENT OF FAITH
(Bob and All) We believe in one God, a divine mystery beyond all definition and rational understanding, the heart of all that has ever existed, that exists now, or that ever will exist.
We believe in Jesus, messenger of God's Word, bringer of God's healing, heart of God's compassion, bright star in the firmament of God's prophets, mystics, and saints.
We believe that we are called to follow Jesus as a vehicle of God's love, a source of God's wisdom and truth, and an instrument of God's peace in the world.
We believe that God's kin-dom is here and now, stretched out all around us for those with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, and hands to make it happen.
PRAYERS OF AND FOR THE COMMUNITY
(Andrea) We now bring our prayer intentions to the Table.
Our response is: “Holy One, walk with us as we grow in response-ability.”
~We pray for all those who have died as a result of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. We pray for those who are suffering and still missing. R
~We pray for all who are suffering, lonely, and without faith or hope. R
~We pray for all those suffering as a result of the natural disasters taking place on our planet. R
~We Pray for all the intentions in the silence of our hearts. R
We pray for all the intentions in our MMOJ community prayer list. (Joan shares)
Response: Holy One, walk with us as we grow in response-ability.
And, for what else should we pray? Response: Holy One, walk with us as we grow in response-ability.
(Andrea) Holy Mystery may we respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in loving prayer and solidarity. Amen
Here is My Life by Joe Wise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsHM7_XZT5A
PRESENTATION OF THE BREAD AND WINE
(Cathy) Gracious God, you have set the banquet table and have invited all of us to a feast of unending delight. Blessed are You, Holy One, through Your divine providence we have this bread, to share, the Bread of Life.
(Cathy and All) Blessed are You, Holy One, forever.
Andrea) Blessed are You, O Loving One through Your divine providence we have this wine to share, our spiritual drink.
(Andrea and All) Blessed are, You, Holy One, forever.
(Bob) Let us lift up our hearts.
(Bob and All) We lift them up to the Holy One, living in us and loving through us.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
(Elena) Gracious Wisdom, you embrace us with your extravagant affection in our times of both blessedness and weakness. Even though we have times of doubt, we know You are always with us…you living in us and we living in you. In this festive meal, your Spirit is poured out on each of us gathered in the circle of your friends and disciples, we also ask that your Spirit be spread to those of our community who are not with us today.
Let us rejoice as we sing: All: Holy, Holy, Holy Linda Lee Miller
(adapted from Holy, Holy, Holy by Karen Drucker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orKBBIj5LZA
(Cathy) 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.
(Elena) 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.
We remember the gift that Jesus gave us on the night before he died. He gathered with his friends to share a final Passover meal. And it was at that supper that Jesus took bread, said the blessing and shared it with them saying: take this, all of you, and eat it. This bread is you; this bread is me. We are one body, the presence of God in the world. When you do this, remember me and all that I have taught you. This is the new and everlasting covenant.
[short pause]
(Bob) In the same way, Jesus took a cup of wine, said the blessing and gave it to his friends saying: take this, all of you, and drink it. This wine is you; this wine is me. We are one blood, the presence of God in the world. When you do this, remember me and all that I have taught you. This is the new and everlasting covenant.
(Cathy) Jesus, who was with God “in the beginning of the creation of the heavens and the earth,” is with us now in this bread. The Spirit, of whom the prophets spoke in history, is with us now in this cup. Let us proclaim this mystery of faith.
(Cathy and All) Jesus has died. Christ is risen. The Divine Presence lives in us and through us in the world today.
(Elena) 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..)
(Elena and All) 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, that all glory and honor is yours, Creator God, forever and ever.
Great Amen: Linda Lee Miller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy76fpfkNsg
COMMUNION RITE
THE PRAYER OF JESUS
(Andrea) Let us pray as Jesus taught us.
(Andrea and All) O Holy One, you are 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 your 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
Adapted, Miriam Therese Winter, MMS
SIGN OF PEACE:
(Bob) Eternal wellspring of peace-
May we be drenched with the longing for peace
That we may give ourselves over
As the earth to the rain, to the dew,
Until peace overflows our lives
As living waters overflow the seas. (Marcia Falk)
Jesus said to his disciples, “My peace I leave you. My peace I give you.” Let us now extend a sign of peace to one another as we say, “Namaste, Namaste, Namaste.”
(Cathy) Please join in praying the Litany for the Breaking of the Bread:
(Cathy 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.
(Andrea) This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Blessed are we who are called to Christ’s table.
(Andrea and All) May we live as the Body of Christ in the world, serving all in need, especially those living on the margin.
(Andrea) Please receive/share Eucharist now, saying: “You are the bread of life.” And “You are the cup of compassion.”
Communion Song: There is only Love by Karen Drucker
tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdDhH8hoQ5c
Introductions/Thanksgiving/Announcements
CLOSING COMMUNITY PRAYER
(Cathy) A Prayer for Peace
For those who are fleeing: sanctuary
For those who are staying: safety
For those who are fighting: peace
For those whose hearts
are breaking: comfort
For those who see no future: hope
(Cathy and All) Amen
CLOSING COMMUNITY BLESSING
(Elena) And together with our arms extended to one another as together we say this Native American Blessing:
May the sun
Bring new energy by day.
May the moon
Softly restore you by night.
May the rain
Wash sway your worries.
May the breeze
Blow new strength into your being
May you walk
Gently through the world and know
Its beauty all the days of your life. – Apache Prayer
All: Thanks be to God. Let it be so!
Alleluia!
CLOSING SONG: We Shall Be Known-
created by Michelle Sherliza
https://youtu.be/Vt_VQs8LP6k
____________________________________________________________________________________________________-
If you would like to add your intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayers book,
Please send an email to jmeehan515@aol.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.
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Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
5342 Clark Road #3079
Sarasota, FL 34233
