Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
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Discover Divine Presence
Opening Prayer: We recall the ministry of Jesus focused on bringing justice and equality to those who were oppressed and voiceless. As we join in prayer this evening may we commit to living a life that keeps justice and compassion uppermost in our mind. May we embrace the divine nature with which we are born, leading us to be voices for the voiceless, for the forgotten, for the oppressed in our society. May our efforts be blessed by the Spirit of Life and Love. Amen.
Reading: Richard Rohr
What we are all searching for is Someone to surrender to, something we can prefer to life itself. Well, here is the wonderful surprise: God is the only one we can surrender to without losing ourselves. The irony is that we find ourselves, and now in a whole new and much larger field of meaning. An eternal promise came into the world at Christmas, “full of grace and of truth” (John 1:14). Jesus is the gift totally given, free for the taking, once and for all, to everybody and all of creation. This Cosmic Risen Christ really is like free wireless, and all we need to do is connect.
Henceforth humanity has the right to know that it is good to be human, good to live on this earth, good to have a body, because God in Jesus chose and said “yes” to this planet and this humanity. As we Franciscans have said, “Incarnation is already Redemption.” The problem is solved. Now go and utterly enjoy all remaining days. Not only is it “always Advent,” but every day can now be Christmas because the one we thought we were just waiting for has come once and for all.
Silent Reflection
Affirmations and Intentions: By Joyce Rupp
May we look for your goodness in others when it hides beneath layers of coldness. May I be so.
May we behold your radiance in the ones we neglect or spurn at home or work. May it be so.
May we discover your love in our deepest self when we feel unloving and irritable. May it be so.
May we embrace you in the persons whose faithfulness we take for granted. May it be so.
May we see your empathy in those serving the wounded of the world. May it be so.
May we recognize your courage in the valiant people who speak out for justice. May it be so.
May we notice your non-judgmental acceptance in those who keep an open mind. May it be so.
May we search for your gentleness when the harshness of another hides it. May it be so.
May we observe your generosity in every gift we receive, no matter how small the gift. May it be so.
May we reveal your mercy when we pardon someone for having turned against us. May it be so.
May we welcome your joy in the delightful voices and the easy play of children. May it be so.
May we convey your compassion when we visit those with illness and poor health. May it be so.
May we detect your patience in those who put up with our impatience and hurry. May it be so.
May we unite with your peace hidden beneath the layers of humanity’s disharmony. May it be so.
Silence to add your own intentions.
Closing Prayer: Holy Presence, we thank you for your gift of life that you have given us, filled with love, grace, joy and suffering. May we always feel the presence of your love and support however it may manifest in our lives. Knowing you are never farther than our next breath, may we breathe in and out with each other expanding our capacity to love and care for our brothers and sisters without hesitation. Through all the angels and saints, and Mary, Joseph and Jesus may we come alive.
Song – From a Distance – Bette Midler
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