Liturgy

As we gather from our week,
we hold true to your promise that
when two or three – or two hundred –
of us gather, you are there.
Be among us and within us.

Yet we admit that we do not always act
as one body, and we let interpretations
come before community.

Show us another way to live as the church.
Teach us how to work through our differences
and, together, discover your truth.

We created insular, homogenous groups
that hold up corrupt, earthly power structures.
We have kicked some people out,
while never letting others in.

Forgive us for marginalizing
those who are not like us.
Teach us how to welcome
back those we have outcasted.

Show us the ways of your divine kingdom,
where power is turned on its head, and the
least of these become the most cherished.

We pray in the name of
God, the Creator,
Christ, the Risen One,
and the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.
(Gina Bastone-Trevino)

Scripture

We invite you to hear from the letter to the Romans 12:1-2.

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast – Mercy to Our Bodies 8.27.2023

Where is God inviting me to try softer this week?
What prevents me from resting when I need to?
Whose help could I ask for in my healing process?

Benediction

The body of Christ is made of many members.
We each come with our own living offerings.
We bring our stories, our talents, our resources,
and all that makes us who we are to God.

Faithful ones, the aches of the world,
the struggle of our neighbors,
the grief that fills our hearts,
they call us to listen
for God’s guiding wisdom.

We listen that we might be transformed,
and bring about transformation.
For the sake of the flourishing of collective life,
the Spirit sends us to learn from one another,
to grow in the ways of liberation,
and to love as the body of Christ.

Go forward, more fully alive,
in the name of
The One who Desires Mercy
The One who is Nonviolent Love
and the One who is Breath of Life.
Amen.

(adapted from Enfleshed Liturgy)

[Photo by Frank Flores ]