Circles of Hope
España, Marisol Chirosa rscj
Introduction:
We are aware of the ‘circles of death’ that produce so much suffering in our world, and in ourselves when we are not Gospel people. In the midst of this awareness, perhaps we might choose to create among ourselves ‘a circle of hope’.
An orientation to our mission gives hope to a world of darkness.
- that we create ‘safe environments’ where people can find themselves;
- that we become ‘encouragers of being’;
- that we participate in growth, healing and sustaining, as the Lord does
- the work.
May our life-giving presence create ripples that touch all those whom we encounter, so that some larger ‘circles of hope’ may be formed.
Music
Leader: (From: Circles of Hope: Breathing Life and Spirit into a Wounded World)
Bill Cane has written the above-mentioned book in which he quotes Joseph Campbell:
“Receiving a call and responding to it, is not a side issue in life,
but lies at the very heart of reality. Becoming sensitive to the vision and the call is the work of our lives, the source of our bliss, and the hope of the world.”
Let us listen to the Word of God as it describes this vision and call:
First Reading: 1 Cor. 3: 1-9
“We are simply God’s servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave (us) to do; I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work done. For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field.”
Pause
Second Reading: Mark 1: 16-20
“As (Jesus) was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake — for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men’. And at once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on a little further, he saw James, son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.”
Reflection: From the two readings, which word, phrase, or thought speaks to you at this moment?
Sharing
Ritual: Let us express a commitment to live in hope. Believing that small ripples are formed, creating larger circles of hope, when we engage in our ministry of growth, healing and sustaining others, let us place a pebble in the water, symbol of our loving care of others. As the ripples form, may they remind us of the outward movement of love, which, in turn, becomes hope for our world.
Prayers of Intercession:
Gracious God, Source of all growth, healing and sustaining, give to us, your people, the peace that surpasses all understanding, and the will to live your Gospel
Response: God of mercy, hold us in love.
1. In peace, in peace, we pray to you...Response
2. For peace and salvation, we pray to you...Response
3. For peace between nations, for peace between peoples...Response
4. For we who are gathered to worship and praise you...Response
5. For all of your servants who live out your gospel...Response
6. For all those who govern, that justice might guide them...Response
7. For all those who labor in service to others...Response
8. Grant weather that nourishes all of creation...Response
9. Keep watch on our loved ones and keep us from danger...Response
10. For all the beloved who rest in your mercy...Response
11. Help us, comfort us, all of our days...Response: Keep us, hold us, gracious God.
Let us bless our God: praise and thanks to you.
May God, Creator bless us and keep us,
May Christ be ever light for our lives,
May the Spirit of Love be our guide and path, for all of our days. Amen.
Music: Now the Feast and Celebration: Holden Evening Prayer, by Marty Haugen
Maureen Currie rscj + 2005
province of Canada