Liturgy
The goal of our life is to live with God forever.
God who loves us, gave us life.
Our own response of love allows God’s life to flow into
us without limit.
All the things in this world are gifts of God,
presented to us so that we can know God more easily
and make a return of love more readily.
As a result, we appreciate and use all of these gifts of God
insofar as they help us develop as loving persons.
But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives,
they displace God
and so hinder our growth toward our goal.
In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balance
before all of these created gifts insofar as we have a choice
and are not bound by some obligation.
We should not fix our desires on health or sickness,
wealth or poverty, success or failure,
a long life or short one.
For everything has the potential of calling forth in us
a deeper response to our life in God.
Our only desire and our one choice should be this:
I want and I choose what better
leads to the deepening of God’s life in me.
— St. Ignatius
Congregational Prayer
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hid.
You send us the Spirit of courage,
but we have been afraid.
You send us the Spirit of truth,
but we cling to our illusions and lies.
You send us the Spirit of healing,
but we cannot let go of our hurts.
Holy Spirit, forgive and come to us again:
shake our hearts,
set our souls on fire with your love:
Help us to rejoice in your power
and live in the love of Christ Jesus, The Son.
We ask in the name of the Father,
the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflection
Prayer of Examen
Recall that you are in the presence of God. Spend a moment looking over your day with gratitude for this day’s gifts.
Ask God to send you His Holy Spirit to help you look at your actions and attitudes and motives with honesty and patience.
Now review your day and speak with Jesus about your day.
Finish with the Lord’s Prayer.
Benediction
Go now, and live by faith in the Son of God.
Pray for God’s justice,
Never welcome evil,
pour out your love freely.
And may God hear your cries for help;
May Christ Jesus stand with you in the face of hostility;
And may the Holy Spirit fill you with faith and life
that you may go forth to proclaim the love of our Father
through your words and deeds.
We go in peace to live the church
in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.
[Photo by ewned @ Flickr]