Moment of Oneness, November 6, 2024 - Prepared by Sharon Beneteau, Suzanne De Froy, and Kathy Worotny

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656

Eternal Life Through the Spirit

https://www.graceboca.org/spiritualgifts

A reading adapted from the letter of Paul to the Romans 5:1-5; 8:5

 

Let us have peace through the Divine Creator and our brother Jesus Christ whom we have gained access to grace through faith.  We now stand in the hope of being a part of the spiritual glory of God. We know suffering can bring about growth, perseverance, character, and hope that does not put us to shame because the Creator’s love has been poured into our hearts creating a relationship with the Holy Spirit.  Those who live according to the flesh have set their minds on what the flesh desires; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on what the Spirit desires.

 

A reading adapted from the writings of John Witte: [Thriving through Suffering]

 

We remember the saints and martyrs whose eternal spirit lives on in Christian memory every year on November 1^st.   When Jesus first called his disciples, he warned them they would suffer with Him, wherever their path would take them.  His commandment “to love one another as I have loved you” became the key to making the most of their lives so that the kingdom of heaven could be manifested on earth (John 15).  We can only imagine the perseverance, character, and hope that an alternative existence was possible to rise above the trials and tribulations in the face of oppressive fear, hardship, and suffering of the times they lived in.

The same remains true for us.  It is a calling for deep reflection of what it means to make the most of one’s life.  Being in community with other believers, opportunities surface to talk about day-to-day life, to listen deeply, and ask for wisdom when making decisions so our actions reflect the love that is inscribed in the Living Word.  John Witte offers guidance to help us to live according to the Spirit and thrive in times of suffering:

·      focus beyond that which we can see with our eyes,

·      seize moments that will never come our way again,

·      walk with the Spirit so our material wants do not overwhelm us, and

·      pause to revisit our priorities as did the saints

Now immortal and resting in eternal life, the Legacy of Saints continues to be a guiding light for our community so we can make the most of our lives amidst the joys and suffering that will come our way.

 

A reading adapted from the writings of John Phillip Newell [The Great Search]

 

We follow All Saints Day with a celebration of All Souls Day on November 2^nd.  This is another celebration of the promise and mystery of eternal life for everyone.  It stirs a longing for an expanded vision of the Universe and a quest to have a deeper understanding of the cyclical seasons of life and Creation.  As believers we yearn to grow in awareness, to find wellness, and to delight in love over despair.  We long for the recovery of wisdom, to find meaning in the joy and pain of life, and for a reimagined faith in immortal light that shines in all things.  Celebrating liturgies and these feast days together helps to reawaken a deeper sense of spiritual presence in every moment we encounter.  

 

Intentions

 

If you wish to do so, please name a saint, or loved one and share a gift of wisdom they bestowed upon you so that we may all be grateful and blessed through your awareness.

 

Closing Prayer

May the souls of the departed, through the mercy of the Divine Creator, be granted eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them.  Amen.

 

Closing Song:  Dante’s Prayer – Loreena McKennitt

Featured with the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir led by Nikolai Korniev

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUHvj1cxOs0 

Lyrics

When the dark wood fell before me
And all the paths were overgrown
When the priests of pride say there is no other way
I tilled the sorrows of stone

I did not believe because I could not see
Though you came to me in the night
When the dawn seemed forever lost
You showed me your love in the light of the stars

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me

Then the mountain rose before me
By the deep well of desire
From the fountain of forgiveness
Beyond the ice and the fire

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me

Oh …

Though we share this humble path, alone
How fragile is the heart
Oh give these clay feet wings to fly
To touch the face of the stars

Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We'll rise above these earthly cares

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me

Please remember me. Please remember me. Please remember me.
Please remember me. Please remember me. Please remember me.
Please remember me

The Meaning Behind The Song: Dante’s Prayer by Loreena McKennitt

By Jennifer Bell, May 8, 2024

Loreena McKennitt’s hauntingly beautiful composition, “Dante’s Prayer,” is a profound musical journey that delves into the depths of human emotions and spirituality.  She drew inspiration from her deep fascination with Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, “The Divine Comedy.” The spiritual and philosophical themes explored in Dante’s work resonated deeply with McKennitt, and she sought to encapsulate its essence in her musical composition.

The song’s lyrical tapestry weaves together themes of faith, love, and the transcendent power of art. With its evocative imagery and soul-stirring melodies, “Dante’s Prayer” invites listeners to embark on a contemplative voyage through the complexities of the human experience.

In the opening verses, McKennitt masterfully paints a picture of a solitary traveler navigating through a dark and overgrown forest, a metaphor for life’s challenges and uncertainties. The priests of pride represent societal norms and conventions that often dictate there is only one path to follow. However, the protagonist chooses to till the “sorrows of stone,” a powerful metaphor for the resilience and determination needed to overcome obstacles. Through these vivid verses, McKennitt sets the stage for a profound exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to find light in the darkest of moments.

As the song progresses, the narrative shifts towards a revelation of love’s transformative power. The dawn, once seemingly lost, is rediscovered through the celestial illumination of stars. This metaphor of celestial light serves as a powerful symbol of hope and redemption. The ocean and the sea are invoked, suggesting the boundless nature of love and its ability to offer solace in times of darkness. The lyrics beautifully convey the idea that love, like the vast expanse of the ocean, has the capacity to heal and provide sanctuary for the weary soul.

Reflecting a fusion of cultural influences that encompasses elements of Celtic, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean musical traditions these diverse influences add depth and richness to the composition, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates with a global audience.

https://beatcrave.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-dantes-prayer-by-loreena-mckennitt/

The Companions' Rosary

THE COMPANIONS’ ROSARY

Praying the Holy Rosary

In Original Blessing Theology

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87530775820

Introduction to The Companions’ Rosary

Saying the Holy Rosary is a special focus of prayer and meditation that provides for each of us a state of contemplation and mystical connection. 

When aligning to the Grace of Mary, we can have a sense of purpose in praying for others and ourselves. It can be a singular and private prayer or a community endeavor. 

For those of us who are becoming steeped in Original Blessing Theology, the traditional prayers of the Holy Rosary can be daunting. When changing the wording to better reflect the concepts of Blessing Theology, it seems important to keep a sense of the timing and inflection of the prayers as we have learned them. 

The Companions' Rosary is an attempt to combine the prayers of the rosary within present-day theology of original blessing. 

To all whom feel called to pray in this way, prayers and blessings to you. May we all continue to connect, in whatever way we can, to the Holy One, to Mary and to each other.  

And so it is.

The Sign of the “Cross”.  A Shield of Protection and Love.

The sign of the cross can impress on us the concept of a theology of sacrifice and atonement.  The sign of the “cross”, here, building on the trinity and St. Paul's greetings, can also be a Shield of Protection and Love.

In the name of Peace (hand at the forehead)

And Love (hand at the heart)

And Grace (The Infinity sign across from one shoulder to the other, and back to the heart.) 

AMEN.

Rose Aglow,

DETrees, 2017

THE COMPANIONS’ ROSARY

Praying the Holy Rosary

In Original Blessing Theology

The Sign of Protection and Love

In the name of Peace and Love and Grace. Amen.

A Simple Companions’ Creed

I believe in the Holy One, Lover, Creator, Enhancer, WHO IS Infinite and Present all at the same time.

Our Field of PEACE in all things.

I believe in Jesus, Friend and Companion, who shows us the Face of God in our human form. 

Our Sign of LOVE in all things.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, Our Heart and Soul, moving within and among us. 

Our Show of GRACE in all things.

I believe in this, our creed, in our communion of angels and saints and in life everlasting.
Amen.

The Prayer of Jesus

(From Miriam Therese Winter)

O Holy One, who is within, around and among us.

We celebrate your many names.

Your Wisdom Come. Your will be done,

Unfolding from the depths within us.

Each day you give us all that we need.

You remind us of our limits, and we let go.

You support us in our power, and we act with courage.

For you are the dwelling place within us,

The empowerment around us,

And the celebration among us,

Now and forever. Amen.

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, Full of grace, Our God is with you.

Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother and Friend,

Be with us now, at our hour, and beyond.  Amen.

The Glory Be

Glory and Joy Be to Peace and Love and Grace.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

World without End. Amen.

Hail Holy Mary

Hail Holy Mary, Mother and Leader, Our Life, our Sweetness and our Hope. You show us how to live with Courage in our convictions. You teach us to stand by each other with unending support and love.

Thank you for being with us now.  Walk this path with us as you did with your son, Jesus. May we follow his example of inclusive love, as you taught him.

O Clement, O Loving, Sweet Mary of Nazareth. Be with us as we look to you.

Praying the Companions’ Rosary

1.   Make the Sign of the Protection and Love.

2.   Say the Simple Companions’ Creed.

3.   On the first bead, say The Prayer of Jesus.

4.   Say The Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.

5.   Say The Glory Be on the fifth bead.

6.   For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery or a special intention then say The Prayer of Jesus

7.   While fingering each of the ten beads of the decade, say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery or Intention. Then say a Glory Be.

8.   After saying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Mary.

Diagram from USCCB, Accessed 9-29-19

A PRAYER FOR YOU

For all who say the Companions’ Rosary, a special Blessing from our Lady and Above. The Angels watch over you in Peace, Grace and Love.

With Joy and Appreciation for All,

Deb Trees, 2019

Debra Trees, FCM, ARCWP

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

Liturgy, Sunday, November 2, 2024 - Presider, Donna Panaro

 

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155

Welcome to the Upper Room two days after All Saints Day. Today we will celebrate All Saints Day with our opening song and connect that to a theme of the “Kindom of God.” As we think about our connection to those who have died along with how we are connected to each other in the Source of All Being, may we be filled with reverence and awe. May this be a celebration of Eternal Oneness.

 

Opening Prayer:

Gracious and Loving God,

As we join together today, we seek to remain open to how we can bring love, healing and unity to whomever is in need. We ask for the grace to see with the eyes of Jesus, touch with the hands of Jesus and heal with the heart of Jesus. We pray that we will awaken to the Kindom of God within and around each of us.

 

Opening Song: All Saints Day by Carrie Newcomer

 

https://youtu.be/8BNa6C775bM?si=TvHKTqq_WLUajpAQ

 

 LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Excerpts from Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault.

 

Jesus uses one particular phrase repeatedly: “the Kingdom of Heaven.” You can easily confirm this yourself by a quick browse through the gospels; the words jump out at you from everywhere. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like this,” “The Kingdom of Heaven is like that,” “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you,” “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Whatever this Kingdom of Heaven is, it’s of foundational importance to what Jesus is trying to teach.

 

So, what do we take it to be? Biblical scholars have debated this question for almost as long as there have been biblical scholars. A lot of Christians, particularly of a more evangelical persuasion, assume that the Kingdom of Heaven means the place where you go when you die—if you’ve been good.

 

 

Jesus himself specifically contradicts it when he says, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you” (that is, here) and “at hand” (that is, now). It’s not later, but lighter—some more subtle quality or dimension of experience accessible to you right in the moment. You don’t die into it; you awaken into it.

 

Jim Marion’s wonderfully insightful and contemporary suggestion is that the Kingdom of Heaven is really a metaphor for a state of consciousness; it is not a place you go to, but a place you come from. It is a whole new way of looking at the world, a transformed awareness that literally turns this world into a different place. Marion suggests specifically that the Kingdom of Heaven is Jesus’s own favorite way of describing a state we would nowadays call a “nondual consciousness” or “unitive consciousness.”

 

The hallmark of this awareness is that it sees no separation—not between God and humans, not between humans and other humans. And these are indeed Jesus’s two core teachings, underlying everything he says and does.

 

These are the inspired words from Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault and the community affirms them by saying: Amen.

 

Gospel Acclamation

https://youtu.be/IC4nbwmQDVw?si=fHu4W4F7Em69XSrM

 

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

One of the religious scholars who had listened to them debating and had observed how well Jesus had answered them, now came up and put a question to him: “Which is the foremost of all the commandments?”

Jesus replied, “This is the foremost: ‘Hear, O Israel, God, our God is one. You must love the Most High God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

The scholar said to Jesus, “Well spoken, Teacher! What you have said is true: the Most High is one and there is no other. To love God with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbor as your self-this is far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.”

Jesus, seeing how wisely this scholar had spoken, said, “You are not far from the kindom of God.” And after that no one dared to question Jesus anymore.

 

These are the inspired words from the gospel writer known as Mark and the community affirms them by saying: Amen.

 

Shared Homily

 

Throughout the gospel of Mark Jesus’s disciples are pictured as not understanding what he is teaching. In the reading, we hear today, we meet a scribe who does understand and is seen by Jesus as one who is not far from the Kingdom of God due to what he understands. To appreciate this passage, we must hear this story in context.  Just before the scribe speaks about his insights, he witnesses several people questioning Jesus. The questions are intended to trick Jesus into saying something that is blasphemous or against the religious laws of the time. The scribe is quite impressed with the way Jesus handles these questions. In fact, I would say the scribe experiences profound admiration and inspiration from Jesus’s answers and message.  When Jesus acknowledges the scribe’s deep understanding he points out how close the scribe is to the Kingdom of God.

 

So that brings us to our theme. In my reflection today I would like to propose the idea that loving God, loving others, and loving ourselves are not separate actions. When we let go of the allusions of separation from one another and an “out there” separate God we experience the Kindom of God. Instead of saying Kingdom of God we drop the g in Kingdom to change it to Kindom. This is a way of expanding what we believe Jesus is teaching. Jesus continually turns ideas of his time upside down. With many years of theological study thousands of years after Jesus was living on the earth, we drop the g in Kingdom to make a point that is congruent with the two greatest commandments. Loving God and and loving your neighbor as yourself means there are no Kings of Israel who defeat the enemies of the chosen people. Kindom means we all are connected to each other in the Source of all Being. We experience kinship because we are all brothers and sisters. The way we connect with God and each other is when we open fearlessly to love, awe and reverence. It is when we see all people as our equals. We are a discipleship of equals not a select group of people ruled by a protector King.

 

We like the scribe in the story can be “not far from the Kindom” and I would say we can even experience the Kindom. Cynthia Bourgeault in our first reading points to Jim Marion’s description of the Kindom of God being a metaphor for a state of consciousness. She says this state is not something we die to achieve; it is something we awaken to. I believe we each have experienced this awakening from time to time. The awakening is what mystics describe using the word “oneness.” I think when we experience moments of deep joy, deep connection, deep reverence or awe, we are experiencing this awakening. We are glimpsing the Kindom of God. To me our purpose is to awaken and live more and more in this state of consciousness. I believe that is what we are designed to do and what it means to be enlightened. We have the capacity to experience and bring the Kindom of God into being. I think this is where we came from when we were born, and it is how we fully live as our highest selves. As followers of Jesus, we have the capacity to awaken to the reality that there is no separateness. There is only One.

 

Statement of Faith

 

We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery
beyond all definition and rational understanding,
the heart of all that has ever existed,
that exists now, or that ever will exist.

We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word,
bringer of healing, heart of Divine compa+ssion,
bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's
prophets, mystics, and saints.

 We believe that We are called to follow Jesus
as a vehicle of divine love,
a source of wisdom and truth,
and an instrument of peace in the world.

We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One,
the life that is our innermost life,
the breath moving in our being,
the depth living in each of us.

We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now,
stretched out all around us for those
with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,
and hands to make it happen.

  

 

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

 

Presider:  We now invite you to share your intentions beginning them with the words: I bring to the table…

 

Presider: We pray for these and all unspoken concerns of our hearts. Amen.

 

Presider:  Let us join with open hands to pray our Eucharistic prayer together:

 

All: Source of Love and Light, we join in unity of Spirit, love and purpose with Your people everywhere, living and crossed over. With all of creation across billions of galaxies, we open our hearts and souls to become One.

In your loving embrace we are liberated from division, fear, conflict, pride and injustice. We are transformed into wholeness which we resolve to bring to all whose lives we touch. With gratitude, we meld ourselves Your Divine Presence which knows all, shelters all and transforms all into love, abundant and eternal.

 

In one voice, we praise Your loving, healing ways and the glory of all You have created:

Here in This Place by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ?si=6btL1YI3xAoYmVIi

 

 

All: We thank you, Holy One, for Jesus, a man of courage whose exquisite balance of human and Divine points our way and who strives with us in our time of need. We yearn with passion to live as Jesus, one with you and your Spirit, in peace and justice.

 

May our desire to be one with You join us to all living things. We seek to heal the differences that isolate us so that we may live in healthful unity with all people, of every ethnicity, skin color, gender orientation or class. May we have the imaginative sympathy and love of Your Spirit to move with courage beyond the confines of bias, miscommunication, ignorance and hurt and into the healing place where Divine light and love abide.

 

Presider:  Please extend your hands in blessing of bread and wine.

All:  Together, we call on Your Spirit, present in these gifts - bread that satisfies our hunger and wine that quenches our thirst – to make us more deeply One, living in the fullness of holy compassion and Sophia wisdom.

 

Anticipating the likelihood of betrayal, arrest and pain, Jesus wanted more than anything to be with his friends, to share a meal, exchange stories and create fond memories. To strengthen the bonds of friendship that evening, Jesus washed the feet of his friends in an act of love and humility.

 

                         Lift the bread.

 

All: Back at the table, he took the bread, spoke the grace, broke the bread and offered it to them saying, Take and eat, this is my very self.

 

              Lift their cups.

 

Then he took the cup of blessing, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:

Take and drink of the covenant

Made new again through my life in you.

Whenever you remember me like this,

I am among you. (pause)

 

Please receive communion with the words: We are One

Communion Song: It’s not Far to Another Heart

https://youtu.be/qQ8kXEtlKhQ?si=z5kz5Jo5A7DGIyr2

 

Presider: Let us join with disciples of all ages to pray together:

 

O Holy One, who is within, around and among us,

We celebrate your many names.

Your Wisdom come.

Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us,

Each day you give us all we need;

You remind us of our limits, and we let go.

You support us in our power, and we act with courage.

 For you are the dwelling place within us,

the empowerment around us,

and the celebration among us, now and forever. Amen (Miriam Therese Winter)

 

Closing Blessing: Presider:  Please raise your hands in blessing and join together in our closing prayer:

Through Sophia Wisdom make us instruments of peace. Where there is hate let us bring love. Where there is injury let us bring pardon. Where there is discord let us bring union. Where there is error let us bring truth. Where there is doubt let us bring faith. And where there is despair let us bring hope. Amen.

 

Closing Song: We Shall Overcome: Love Will Rise Again

https://youtu.be/S6FN0EmK87c?si=j8Yq4_0xDs6memg3