Liturgy
We are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ,
a sign in the world today of what God intends for all time.
To bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and to comfort all who mourn;
to give a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
that now is the acceptable time,
now is the day of salvation.
Reflection
Reflecting on this past week, if we could have given ‘our’ control to God, how would our attitudes have changed? How would our actions be any different?
What place (work, school, home) in particular can you work this upcoming week on some of these changes in attitudes or actions?
What has Christ brought together in your life that you could help mend and help put back into the right condition?
How can we at Vox help each other with our “freedom” and with our desire to “control”?
Benediction
As we go from this place, may we take with us
your word and your Spirit that our faith offers us.
Here, we learn of and sing praises for your gift of life.
We declare that we will live as vessels
receiving God’s radiant light.
From our eyes, may your light shine brightly
so that in the darkness we may see the needs of others.
Through our ears, may we hear
beyond the noise of self-interest
to the calls for help from those in need.
May our hearts beat with compassion,
our arms be strong in reaching out
to lift up those who stumble.
We are sent in faith,
knowing you are peace,
you are justice,
you are grace.
Go in the name of the Father, the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by the bbp @ Flickr]