Moment of Oneness - December 15, 2021

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

Theme: Year of St. Joseph, Patron of Immigrants, etc.

Introduction: This year has been named the year of Joseph by Pope Francis ( actually the year ended on December 8^th) He is the patron saint of immigrants, travelers and working people as well as others. The Holy Family was a Middle Eastern immigrant family looking for a place to stay. They were told there was no room for them. Then, Matthew tells us that after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph fled with the newborn baby to Egypt, as refugees fleeing from violence.

Opening Song: A Safe Place to Land by Sara Bareilles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNdwco3yDHM

Opening Prayer: 

May no one experience that sense of abandonment that comes from loneliness. Let each of us be reconciled with our own history, with those who have gone before, and recognize even in the mistakes made a way through which Providence has paved its path, and that evil did not have the last word.  Show yourself to be a friend to those who struggle the most, and as you supported Mary and Jesus in difficult times, support us too on our journey. Amen. 

From prayer to St. Joseph by Pope Francis

Intentions:

Let us pray for those who are seeking a safe and enriching place to live and flourish.

May we love all our immigrant neighbors in our towns and across artificial barriers that nations have imposed.

May we perform acts of hope and assistance for the weakest and most vulnerable.

May we bear witness and celebrate the many gifts that immigrants bring.

May we have compassion for their plight and open our hearts to their situation.

May we seek justice and mercy on their behalf.

May we make immigration assistance an action resolution in the new year.

Closing Prayer:

Loving God, you fill all things with a fullness and hope that we can never comprehend. Thank you for leading us into a time where more of reality is being unveiled for us all to see. We pray that you will take away our natural temptation for cynicism, denial, fear and despair. Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility, and greater care for one another. May we place our hope in what matters and what lasts, trusting in your eternal presence and love. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our suffering world. Richard Rohr

Ending Prayer:

St. Joseph stands as an example of resolute trust and a great intercessor for immigrants. He conveys the same message carried to him by an angel: Do not be afraid (Matthew 1:20). Having made such a perilous journey himself, St. Joseph shows us that God will walk with each of us too, wherever our journey takes us. (or their journey takes them) 

From Unleash the Gospel.org

Maybe we can be the angels to care for others. 

Closing song:

 I’m Never Giving Up by Rachael Schroeder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmsp4OwL4M4