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Meeting ID: 934 7370 8926
Theme: Wisdom Dwells Among Us
Welcome and Gathering
Jane S: Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an Inclusive Catholic Community where all are welcome. As we gather this afternoon, let us rejoice in the wisdom of the voters in our beautiful country.
This is an especially sacred time in our country, and our time together is sacred time, where we bring our collective loving wisdom, energy and prayers to help heal ourselves, one another, and our beautiful planet, Earth.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Seth:
Wherever you are,
Whoever you are,
Just as you are,
You are welcome at this table. (Integral Christianity by Paul Smith)
Jane S: Let us begin our liturgy by expressing love through song.
Opening Song: Gather Us In by Marty Haugen
https://youtu.be/j3qkB7gucDk?si=h_dgBfaIxEz0ck3N
Opening Prayer:
Kathryn:
Gracious and loving God,
Source of all life,
we gather today with grateful hearts.
You have given us the gift of wisdom, not just as knowledge, but as the ability to live with compassion, discernment, courage, humility, and love. Lady Wisdom raises her voice in the streets and calls everyone to listen. She was present at creation and is here with us today and always. Wisdom includes listening, reflecting, and allowing understanding to grow. We pray that we all grow in wisdom to help reform and evolve our church, our country, and our world.
ALL: Amen.
Rite of Transformation
Seth and ALL: We are sorry. Forgive us. We love you. Thank you.
Liturgy of the Word
Suzanne: First Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16
Resplendent and unfading is wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.
She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire;
Whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed,
for they shall find her sitting by her gate.
For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence,
and whoever for her sake keeps vigil
shall quickly be free from care;
because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her,
and graciously appears to them in the ways,
and meets them with all solicitude.
ALL: And we respond by saying, AMEN.
Jerry: Second Reading: The Summer Day-Mary Oliver
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean—
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
“The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver reprinted by the permission of The Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency as agent for the author. Copyright © 1990, 2006, 2008, 2017 by Mary Oliver with permission of Bill Reichblum
Gospel Acclamation: Spirit of the Living God by Michael Crawford-video by MTStreck
https://youtu.be/xoJN0owUoWA
Kathryn: The Gospel of Mary and the Feminine Christ
The Forgotten Gospel of Mary Magdalene: Unveiling the Hidden Wisdom
When it comes to sacred texts, the Bible often takes center stage. Its stories and teachings have shaped the beliefs and practices of billions of people around the world. Yet, beyond the well-known scriptures, there are lesser-known texts that offer unique perspectives and insights. One of these intriguing texts is the Gospel of Mary Magdalene.
Who was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament, best known for her encounters with Jesus and her role in his crucifixion and resurrection. However, outside of the canonical Bible, she has been the subject of various legends, myths, and misconceptions. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene sheds light on her role as a disciple and leader in the early Christian movement.
Unveiling the Gospel of Mary Magdalene
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene is an early Christian text discovered in the late 19th century near the Egyptian town of Akhmim. The surviving manuscript, written in Coptic, dates back to the 3rd century CE but is believed to be a translation of a much older Greek text. The gospel is attributed to Mary Magdalene, but its authorship remains a subject of debate among scholars.
In its current fragmented state, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene consists of several sections, including a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples, Mary’s visionary experiences, and her discourses to the other disciples. Despite the missing parts, the surviving text offers a glimpse into the early Christian community’s beliefs and practices.
The Hidden Wisdom within the Gospel
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene challenges traditional interpretations of Christianity and offers an alternative understanding of Jesus’ teachings. It presents Mary Magdalene as a spiritual leader and equal to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of inner spiritual experience and knowledge.
1. The Authority of Inner Revelation
2. The Nature of Matter and the Soul
3. The Power of Love and Forgiveness
Although the Gospel of Mary Magdalene did not become part of the official biblical canon, its influence can be seen in various early Christian movements. The insights it offers into Mary Magdalene’s role and teachings have sparked ongoing discussions about women’s leadership in Christianity and the relevance of alternative perspectives.
In recent years, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene has gained renewed interest, fueling debates about its historical accuracy and theological significance. Some scholars argue that it provides valuable insights into the early formation of Christianity and the diversity of beliefs within the early Christian community.
Unveiling Hidden Wisdom
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene offers a fresh perspective on Mary’s role in the life and teachings of Jesus, challenging traditional narratives. It emphasizes the authority of inner revelation, the interconnectedness of all things, and the transformative power of love and compassion.
Despite its fragmented state, this lesser-known sacred text continues to captivate scholars and seekers alike. It serves as a reminder that there are always hidden wisdom and untold stories waiting to be discovered within the diverse tapestry of sacred texts.
We affirm these words by saying: ALL: Amen
Homily Starter and Community Sharing
Communal Statement of Faith
Suzanne and ALL: Together let us profess our Faith.
We believe in our Creator who has not forgotten us, rather is ever and always present with us.
We believe in Jesus, the Word incarnate, who journeyed on the earth, blessing the sick, making whole the broken, healing many, instilling faith in his followers so that they may continue the work He began.
We believe in Christ, the everlasting Presence in our world in our universe.
We believe in the Spirit of Life, the breath of wisdom Sophia, who stays present and real to us during this great human struggle we face today and in the days ahead.
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 one another and our individual and collective response to being diligent in following the directives given by medical professionals at this time.
We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our Church and our world. Here we live our prophetic call of Gospel equality.
We believe that 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.
We pray that the Holy One renew in our hearts our commitment to journey always in faith and hope as we reach out and support, comfort and love those closest to us, those who live in our country and all the people of the earth.
Prayers of and for the Community
Jerry: We now bring our prayer intentions to the Table, saying, “I bring to the Table…”
Our response is: We know that God’s wisdom will lead us.
We pray for all who are suffering, lonely, and without faith or hope.
Our response is: We know that God’s wisdom will lead us.
We pray for all those living in the conditions of war and fear
Our response is: We know that God’s wisdom will lead us.
We pray for all those suffering from natural disasters throughout our world.
Our response is: We know that God’s wisdom will lead us.
We pray for the intentions in our MMOJ community prayer list. (Joan shares)
Our response is: We know that God’s wisdom will lead us.
And, for what else should we pray?
Our response is: We know that God’s wisdom will lead us.
Jerry: Holy Mystery may we respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in loving prayer and solidarity. Amen
Eucharistic Prayer
Suzanne: 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 as we sing,
Holy, Holy, Holy: Here In This Place by Christopher Grundy
Jane: 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.
Jerry: 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.
Kathryn: 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]
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.
Kathryn: 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.
Kathryn and All: Jesus has died. Christ is risen. The Divine Presence lives in us and through us in the world today.
Suzanne and All:
Holy One, 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 Leo, 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..)
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.
COMMUNION RITE
The Prayer of Jesus
Suzanne: Let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Suzanne and All:
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
-John Philip Newell
Sign of Peace:
Kathryn: 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,
Seth: “Namaste, Namaste, Namaste.”
Jerry: Please join in praying the Litany for the Breaking of the Bread:
Jerry 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.
Kathryn: This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Blessed are we who are called to Christ’s table.
Kathryn: Please receive/share Eucharist now, saying: “You are the wisdom that flows through all creation.”
Communion Song: You Make Things Beautiful in Your Time – Official Lyric Video | Scripture-Based Worship Song
https://youtu.be/ZEAtX4UA-Mc?si=wzOmZa12hS4Yk8pH
Introductions/Thanksgiving/Announcements
Prayer After Communion
Suzanne:
May we become people who bring refreshment
where there is thirst,
hope where there is despair,
justice where there is exploitation,
and healing where Creation has been wounded.
Holy Spirit, fill every cell in our body with Holy Wisdom.
Kathryn: Closing Community Blessing: (Please raise your hand as we bless one another)
May the wisdom of Sophia go before us, her light illuminate the paths we choose, and her love awaken the sacred wisdom within each of us.
May we have the courage to seek truth, the compassion to listen deeply, and the grace to recognize the Divine in every person and all creation.
May Sophia remind us that wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the courage to live with an open heart, to speak when justice calls, to stand with those who are forgotten, and to love with all our heart.
May we carry the femine face of Divine Wisdom into our homes, our communities, and our world.
All: Amen.
May your name be a blessing in our time. Amen.
All: Go in peace. Go in wisdom. Go in love. Thanks be to God. Amen and Alleluia!
Closing Song: Wisdom From Above (Hekima)
https://youtu.be/g7Q8TBjSn9g?si=d55t8gB0YxDz0jue
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.
