Betty Shearman rscj  | Opening Hymn Choose an appropriate hymn Opening Prayer Risen Lord, You are a presence of inner light, a fire which in our darkness never goes out. So often we have difficulty in understanding that you rose from the dead, that you are still alive, and that our resurrection with you has already begun on earth in a life that will not end......... We would like so much to welcome you into an act of faith, with a trust in our hearts that we draw from you, to the extent that day by day your word and your presence be the one thing that is essential to us. We would like so much to glimpse something of the Kingdom of God which you offer to each person and for which there is no substitute, humble signs of holiness, like a white stone on which is carved a new name, a new identity. Spirit of the Risen Lord. Spirit of holiness, you place faith with each person, faith which cannot give anything other than a quiet simple trust, so simple that all can receive it. (Br. Roger of Taize) Reading: Rom 8, 18-30 or 1 Pet, 3-9. Words of Hope "As an apostolic institute, the Society of the Sacred Heart commits itself to be in the world in a new way, that is: to discover at the heart of the sufferings and hopes of humanity, the transpierced Heart of Christ." (Introduction, Constitutions of 1982.) "…..The world needs an act of hope:
hope which is a motivating force;
hope which is unifying
hope which is liberating." (Conference given by Sister Concha Camacho rscj to the Assembly of the USG 1975) "Our communities must experience the need for a new life open to others", to find Jesus walking with us, giving hope to many, so that we may bring every one up to his/her full maturity in Christ. (Co!. 1.28) Be a rock of refuge for me,
a mighty stronghold to save me,
for you are my rock, my stronghold
for your name's sake, lead me and guide me. (Ps. 31) Silent or shared reflection: Are we bearers of hope and joy for our people?
What signs of hope do we notice today?
Do our lives convey meaning and hope for the lives of those we encounter? Petitions: Response: Stay with us Lord When we lose sight of the power you hold as Lord and master of history. Response When we find it hard to believe that it is necessary for us to suffer and die with you so as to share your glory. Response When we do not open ourselves to the Spirit in order to respond to the challenges of today. Response When we fail to understand the importance given to discernment for finding signs of hope in a world of constant change. Response When we are inclined to face the real situations that arise in our lives but prefer to turn away from them and from seeking your will in them. Response When we are confused by the various calls and the attraction of different ideologies. Response When we are unwilling to recognize the truth in those who have opinions, beliefs and convictions different from ours Response Concluding Prayer: (Taken from Isa Upanishad) "The face of truth remains hidden behind a circle of gold. Unveil it, O god of light, that I who love the true may see!
O life giving sun, offspring of the Lord of creation, solitary seer of heaven! Spread the light and withdraw thy blinding splendour that I may behold thy radiant form: that Spirit far away with thee is my own inmost Spirit.........
By the path of good lead us to final bliss, O fire divine Thou God who knows all ways. Deliver us from wandering evil. Prayers and adoration we offer unto thee.". Let us pray that the joy of Easter be a real experience for each one of us. Adapted from “Prayer Themes based on the Constitutions
of the Society of the Sacred Heart “ Compiled by Mary Varghese rscj and Millicent Francis rscj
Province of India
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