Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community Saturday July 18, 2026 Kathie Ryan Presider

 

Zoom:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155  phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-865

Welcome: Tonight let’s reflect on our greatest gift?  What are we to do with what we have?

 

This song  is our prayer.

Opening Song:  What Shall I Give by Sara Thomsen, video by Denise

https://youtu.be/t9rYcvSSRQQ

 

                                                LITURGY OF THE WORD

 

First Reading: A reading from Mariame Kaba

I take a long view, understanding full well that I’m just a tiny, little part of a story that already has a huge antecedent and has something that is going to come after that. I’m definitely not going to be even close to around for seeing the end of it. That also puts me in the right frame of mind: that … [what] I’m doing is actually pretty insignificant in world history, but if it’s significant to one or two people, I feel good about that.

Our community affirms these words with AMEN!

Reading 2: Excerpt from Psalm 139

You created my inmost being and stitched me together in my mother’s womb.  For all these mysteries I thank you—for the wonder of myself, for the wonder of your works my soul knows it well.   AMEN.

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia by Christopher Walker

https://youtu.be/o1rc7ojQtJU

Gospel: A reading from the Gospel of Mark

Jesus said to those gathered around him, “What comparison can we use for the reign of God?  What image will help to present it? It is like a mustard seed which people plant in the soil.  It is the smallest of the earth’s seeds, yet once it is sown, it springs up to become one of the largest of shrubs, with branches big enough for the birds of the sky to build nests in the shade.”

These are the inspired words of Mark, a disciple of Jesus.

 

Shared Homily

Tonight we hear the familiar gospel reading of the Mustard Seed.  The Mustard seed is very small so small that it is almost impossible for me to hold without dropping it and very hard to see especially if you are zoom.   There is nothing in this mustard seed that would tell you of its abundance-its great potential-its possibilities.  The mustard seed grows into a huge shrub, providing shelter and safety for birds. The mustard seed is also a weed that is not great for crops but is great for leaving nutrients in the soil for future crops.  Jesus compares this tiny seed to the kin-dom of God.   Each of us today is here because of a small seed planted within…a whisper-a gentle pull- a tug at the heart…a quiet but constant yearning.

When we were growing up, I remember hearing about the saints from the pulpit or in catechism class.  I read about how much they accomplished, or how much they suffered for the sake of their faith.  I knew then as I know now, I could never be that kind of saint.  What you and I do daily will most likely not make it into the Lives of the Saints anthologies.  No videos of our life story will be on YouTube.

We are, however, mustard seeds, we find safety and a home when someone offers the smallest of kindnesses, actions, and affirmations.  We also provide safety and a home when we offer the smallest kindnesses, actions and affirmations.

Think about who you encountered today, at the store, in your neighborhood or even a family member. Think about who you will encounter tomorrow.  What we do will be small and perhaps  perceived as insignificant but our lives in action are “significant to at least one or two people.”

 

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 compassion,
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

 

Prayers of the Community

 

As we prepare for this sacred meal, we are aware of our call to serve, and just as Jesus is anointed, so is each of us. We bring to this table our blessings, cares and concerns.

 

We pray for these and all the unspoken intentions that are in our hearts. Amen. 

 

Eucharistic Prayer

 

With open hearts and hands let us pray our Eucharistic prayer as one voice:

 (Portions from Diarmuid O’Murchu and from ARWCP worship resources)

 

All: Holy One, you are always with us. In the blessed abundance of creation, we gather to celebrate Your nourishing gift of life. May our hearts be open to You as You invite us to participate in the wise and wonderful work of co-creation.

 

May we be ever aware of Your Spirit within and among us as our world unfolds amid pain and beauty into the fullness of life. 

 

We are grateful for Your Spirit whose breath inspired the primal waters, calling into being the variety and abundance we see around us. Your Spirit sustains and animates our every endeavor, inviting us to act in wisdom and in truth.

 

In gratitude and joy we embrace our calling and we lift our voices to sign a song of praise:

 

Holy, Holy, Holy by Peter Mayer shortened

https://youtu.be/A4kiEGVb3E8

As a community, we gather in the power of your Spirit, refreshing wind, purifying fire and living breath, for the variety and diversity of life. We seek to live as Jesus taught us, wise and holy as Spirit-filled people, courageous and prophetic, ever obedient to your call.

 

Please extend your hands in blessing.

 

We are grateful for your Spirit at our Eucharistic Table and for this bread and wine which reminds us of our call to be the body of Christ in the world.

 

On the night before he faced his own death, Jesus sat at supper with his companions and friends.  He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly with them, he bent down and washed their feet. 

 

Lift the plate

 

When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying: 

Take and eat, share and  love one another.

 

 (pause) 

 

lift the cup

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

Take and drink.

Whenever you remember me like this,

I am among you.

 

(pause) 

 

What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives; as we share communion, we will become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge.

 

Let us share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace. 

 

Please receive the bread and wine with the words: I am tiny and significant.

 

Communion Song: How Could Anyone Ever Tell You by Shaina Knoll  video by Denise Hackert-Stoner

https://youtu.be/Cr66u-fTxik

Post Communion Prayer

 

In union with all peoples living and dead, we unite our thoughts and prayers, asking wisdom and courage to discern more wisely your call to us in the circumstances of our daily lives: to act justly and courageously in confronting the pain and suffering that desecrates the Earth and its peoples; to take risks in being creative and proactive on behalf of the poor and marginalized; and to love all people with generosity of heart, beyond the labels of race, creed and color.

Holy One, your transforming energy is always moving within us and working through us. Like Jesus, we open wide all that has been closed about us, and we live compassionate lives, for it is through living as Jesus lived, that we awaken to your Spirit within,

Moving us to glorify you,

At this time and all ways.

Amen.

 

 Let us pray as Jesus taught us: 

 

Holy One, you are 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.  

Adapted by Miriam Therese Winter 

 

 

Holy One, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice.  We will live justly. You call us to be Your presence in the world.  We will love tenderly
You call us to speak truth to power.  We will walk with integrity in your presence.

 

BLESSING

 

Presider 1: Please extend your hands and pray our blessing together.

May we be guided and inspired by the many gifts you have given to each of us. Your love and grace   will  create new paths to justice and peace  for all people. May we continue to be the face of God for each other. May our light shine for all to see. 

All: AMEN 

 

Closing Song I Will Sing of Your Love, Love, Love by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/AUyjdGNIYH4

Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Debra Trees and Jean Talbot July 19, 2026

 

Zoom:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155  phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-865

Welcome and Opening Prayer:

 

Hello to all here in the Upper Room, In Zoom, or viewing this liturgy at another time. Welcome to this sacred space.

We are always creating even though we may not realize it. Our power is infinite. Our reach is beyond our imagination. We are here by the grace of the Holy One, and we are grateful. May each of you experience the presence of our Upper Room Community today, in Love and Awareness of your gifts. May each of you know that you are loved.

 

Peace to you.

 

Opening Song: The Deer’s Cry - Lee Harris & Davor Bozic

https://youtu.be/hoXUdur_-PI?si=uh1nztM0zfi_iTpn

 

LITURGY OF THE WORD

  

First Reading: A reading from Anam Cara by John O’Donohue

 

It is strange to be here. The mystery never leaves you alone. Behind your image, below your words, above your thoughts, the silence of another world waits. A world lives within you. No one else can bring you news of this inner world. Through the opening of the mouth, we bring out sounds from the mountain beneath the soul. The sounds are words. The world is full of words. There are so many talking all the time, loudly, quietly, in rooms, on streets, on television, on radio, in the paper, in books. The noise of words keeps what we call the world there for us. We take each other's sounds and make patterns, predictions, benedictions, and blasphemies. Each day, our tribe of language holds what we call the world together. Yet the uttering of the word reveals how each of us relentlessly creates. Everyone is an artist. Each person brings sound out of silence and coaxes the invisible to become visible.

Humans are new here. Above us, the galaxies dance out toward infinity. Under our feet is ancient earth. We are beautifully molded from this clay. Yet the smallest stone is millions of years older than us. In your thoughts, the silent universe seeks echo.

An unknown world aspires toward reflection.

These are words from the Prologue to Anam Cara by John O'Donohue and we affirm them by saying Amen.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia Misa Delgado Book1 video by MTStreck

https://youtu.be/uilfwfd-U_g

 

Gospel: A reading from the gospel of Matthew.  (13:31-35) (From the New, New Testament, Hal Tausig et.al.)

Another parable which he told them was this: “The realm of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a person took and sowed in his field. This seed is smaller than all other seeds, but when it has grown up, it is larger than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the wild birds come and roost in its branches.”

This was another parable which he related: “The realm of heaven is like some yeast which a woman took and covered up in three measures of flour, until the whole had risen.” 

Of all this Jesus spoke to the crowd in parables; indeed to them he used never to speak at all except in parables, in fulfillment of these words in the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables; I will utter things kept secret since the foundation of the world.”

These are the words attributed to the community of Matthew, and we affirm them with Amen.

 

Shared Homily: Debra Trees

 

In today’s readings, we are looking at two very different visions in time and space. During Jesus’s time, many forces were in play to keep people in their respective place, and to hold people in power to enforce that. Jesus knew himself to be caught in that but also had a vision of what is beyond. Many peoples close to the earth and nature see beyond that human myopic vision, hence the expansiveness of Celtic influence.

I am a follower of Jesus, and I want to know what he was doing. The parables that he shared with his followers have been interpreted down through the past 2000 years in many ways. And today, we have continued scholarly work to understand things more in the context of Jesus’ time. The Jesus Seminar has concluded that the parable of the leaven is most likely from Jesus. It is in several gospels and other writings from that time. It is short and easily repeated in an oral tradition. We are listening to Jesus as he says these words. The parable of the mustard seed is also considered one of the “red” parables; a likely verse directly attributed to Jesus.

In looking at both of these short phrases passed on to us, Jesus may have been using contrasts that the people of his time would begin to understand and see the light of Truth. Contrasting leavened bread with holy unleavened bread. Contrasting a small mustard seed growing to a huge plant, compared to the mighty cedar, a symbol of Isreal’s greatness. How could heaven be like these things? Jesus was using his Creator awareness to open the minds of his contemporaries.

Jesus now cracks open our views and our perceived realities. In many ways we continue to deal with the same scenarios that existed 2000 years ago, don’t we? But we are a part of a long line of succession; a much richer and bigger picture than we can even imagine. And yet here we are. We are creators in everything we do and say. Your lens and creativity are a culmination of the Creator’s efforts to look upon itself, and Love.

We are the Sower and the seed. We are the leaven. Today, and each day, in quiet contemplation, what will you bring to the kingdom of heaven?

We invite you to share your thoughts.

References:

The Parables of Jesus, Red Letter Edition, The Jesus Seminar, 1988

Anam Cara, A book of Celtic Wisdom. John O’Donohue, 1997

Short Stories by Jesus, The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi. Amy-Jill Levine. 2014

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 compassion, 
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

 

Prayers of the Community

Presider:  As we prepare for the sacred meal, we voice our intentions beginning with the words, “We bring to the table…..”  

Presider: We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen. 

 

Eucharistic Prayer

 

Presider: Please join in praying the Eucharistic prayer together:  

 

All: O Holy One, you have birthed us in goodness, gifted us with life and cherished us in love. In the heart of our being, your Spirit dwells; a Spirit of courage and vision, a Spirit of wisdom and truth. 
 

In the power of that same Spirit, we lift our hearts in prayer, invoking anew the gift of wisdom and enlightenment, that we may continue to praise and thank you, in union with all who sing the ancient hymn of praise: 

 

Holy, Holy, Holy:  Music - John Bacchus Dykes, words by Peter Mayer, video by Denise Hackert-Stoner

https://youtu.be/A4kiEGVb3E8

 

Holy One, we see around us the work of your hands, the fruit of your wisdom and love. The unfolding story of creation witnesses unceasingly to your creative power.  We, your creatures, often deviate from that wisdom, thus hindering your creative presence in our midst. 
 
Sending among us Jesus, our brother, you birth afresh in our world the power of Sophia-Wisdom, and in the gift of Your Spirit, your creative goodness blooms anew, amid the variety and wonder of life. 
 

Presider: Please extend your hands in blessing.  

 
We invoke Your Spirit upon the gifts of this Eucharistic table, bread of the grain and wine of the grape, that they may become gifts of wisdom, light and truth which remind us of our call to be the body of Christ to the world. 

 

On the night before he faced his own death and for the sake of living fully, Jesus sat at the Seder supper with his companions and friends.  He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly within them, he bent down and washed their feet.

All lift their plate and pray the following:

When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the Passover bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying:

Take and eat; this is my very self.

All lift their cup and pray the following:

He then raised high the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:

Take and drink.

Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you.

What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives,

As we share communion, we will become communion

Both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge.

 

Please share the bread and cup with the words, “Your light shines for all.”

Communion Song: Deep Peace, Sara Thompson, Video, Denise Hackert Stoner

https://youtu.be/5dIAcqaUUz4?si=bEip21w3sxxrLUEU

Post Communion Prayer:

 

In faith and hope we are sustained; in grace and dignity reclaimed. In praise, we thank you. 
 
In union with all peoples living and dead, we unite our thoughts and prayers, asking wisdom and courage: 
- to discern more wisely your call to us in the circumstances of our daily lives; 
- to act justly and courageously in confronting the pain and suffering that desecrates the Earth and its peoples; 
- to take risks in being creative and proactive on behalf of the poor and marginalized; 
- and to love all people with generosity of heart, beyond the labels of race, creed and color. 
 
And may we ever be aware and alert to the new things Your Spirit makes possible in us, as our world unfolds amid pain and beauty, into the fullness of life to which all are called, participating in the wise and wonderful work of co-creation. 
 

Like Jesus, we will open up wide all that has been closed about us, and we will live compassionate lives, for it is through living as Jesus lived, that we awaken to your Spirit within, moving us to glorify you, O Holy One, at this time and all ways. 

Amen.  

 

Presider 1: Let us pray the prayer Jesus: 

 

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 

(Adapted by Miriam Therese Winter)  

 

 

BLESSING

Presider: Let us pray together our blessing:

In Faith and Love, may we go into our space with Hope and Joy. May we bring Peace in our every action. May we be Grateful at all times for the gifts we have been given. May we Share and Bless each other in all ways. Amen.

Closing Song: What the World Needs Now is Love

https://youtu.be/DZ1BFxEaWAY?list=RDDZ1BFxEaWAY

Moment of Oneness, July 15, 2026 Prepared by Kathie Ryan

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
To connect by phone dial: 1-301-715-8592

Let us put aside any anxiety or worry and think about the miracle of being alive in this body in this moment on this planet!

First Reading:  What if…..?      by Kai Siedenburg

What if the leaves,

stirred to singing

by the breeze,

sing with even more joy 

when they notice

you are listening?

What if the small white flower

quivers with delight

when you notice

her tiny

yet honorable

contribution

to the beauty

of this world?

And what if that brief moment 

is all she needs

to know that her life

is worth living,

all her efforts

not in vain?

What if the trees

feel the depth

of your pain,

and are quietly

reaching toward you,

offering solace

with everything

they have to give?

what if the whales

diving into the deep blue

can feel your love

for them, 

even across all that 

open ocean?

What if the water,

weary from

her endless journey,

is replenished by

your gratitude,

which gives her

the strength 

to keep going?

What if the Earth

herself

longs to feel

the caress

of your naked feet

on her warm, brown skin?

And what if the granite mountain,

no matter how remote

feels a quiet shiver of joy

when you are touched

by his majestic beauty?

What if……?

Published in Poems of Earth and Spirit: 70 Poems and 40 Practices to Deepen Your Connection with Nature

Silent reflection  (long enough to re-read the poem)

Second Reading:  Famous by Naomi Shihab Nye

The river is famous to the fish.

The loud voice is famous to silence,   

which knew it would inherit the earth   

before anybody said so.   

The cat sleeping on the fence is famous to the birds   

watching him from the birdhouse.   

The tear is famous, briefly, to the cheek.   

The idea you carry close to your bosom   

is famous to your bosom.   

The boot is famous to the earth,   

more famous than the dress shoe,   

which is famous only to floors.

The bent photograph is famous to the one who carries it   

and not at all famous to the one who is pictured.   

I want to be famous to shuffling men   

who smile while crossing streets,   

sticky children in grocery lines,   

famous as the one who smiled back.

I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous,   

or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular,   

but because it never forgot what it could do.

From Words Under the Words: Selected Poems by Naomi Shihab Nye. Copyright © 1995. Reprinted with permission of Far Corner Books, Portland, OR.

Silent reflection  (long enough to re-read the poem.)

Intentions:   We bring to prayer tonight:

All those gathered here, for our Community, and for all of us on earth.  

All our families- for those struggling with careers,  or with health issues. 

All those suffering from mental or physical illness, those who are grieving, and those who await surgery.

All those suffering from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

All those who are in-need of fairness-those mistreated because of the color of their skin, sexual orientation, disability, size, gender or age.

All those who live in abject poverty and for those suffering the devastation of war. 

All those suffering from earthquakes, famine, fires, floods and all environmental disasters.

All those who are suffering from cancer especially those we have on our prayer list.

All the medical staff and caregivers who are doing their best to provide healing and love. 

All our politicians who are at war with each other for the sake of power. May they lay their gauntlets down and do their best for our nation and our world.

All of creation. May we take care of all that you have given us and may we take care of each other with loving kindness.  

Please voice any other intentions……

We pray for these and all unspoken intentions.  Amen 

Closing Song: Dance Then Wherever You May Be

https://youtu.be/L6R6_Qz6_dU