Sunflower by Rich Broderick
Please join us between 9:30 and 9:55 am via Zoom
Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155
phone-in for (audio only). Phone Number: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 825 1215 9155
Welcome and Theme: (Jim) Season of Creation 2022
Opening Prayer
MT: Holy One, for the sacred earth its scents and sounds and sights we give you thanks. For the holy heavens their heights and depths and breadth we give you thanks. May we love the earth and cherish her fecundity. May we love the rivers and obey their ancient purity. May we love the skies and honor their infinity, all for one another.
Opening Song: Of the Earth by the Many
Here we are
We are here
Living our lives on the earth
Here we are
We are here
Humans of earth, of the earth
Made of love, made to love.
Loving earth as we love ourselves
All of life, all creation
Loving earth as we love ourselves
All of life, all creation
From living soil
We were formed
You breathed into us living souls
From living soil
We were formed
You breathed into us living souls.
So here we are
Together here
People of earth, of the earth
Made of love, made to love
Loving earth as we love ourselves
All of life, all creation.
Loving earth as we love ourselves
All of life, all creation.
First Reading: A Message for the World on the Care of Creation
Reader 1: Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Listen to the voice of creation. If we learn how to listen, we can hear in the voice of creation a kind of dissonance. On the one hand, we can hear a sweet song in praise of our beloved Creator; on the other, an anguished plea lamenting our mistreatment of this our common home.
The sweet song of creation invites us to practice an “ecological spirituality” (Laudato Si, 216) attentive to God’s presence in the natural world. It is a summons to base our spirituality on the “loving awareness that we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion.” In this Season of Creation, we pray once more in the great cathedral of creation, and revel in the “grandiose cosmic choir” made up of countless creatures, all singing the praises of God. Let us join St. Francis of Assisi in singing” “Praise be to you, my Lord, for all your creatures.” (Canticle of Brother Sun). Let us join the psalmist in singing, “Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord! (Ps 150).
Reader 2: Tragically, that sweet song is accompanied by cries of anguish. In the first place, it is our sister, mother earth, who cries out. Prey to consumerist excesses, she weeps and implores us to put an end to our abuses and to her destruction.
Then too, there are all those different creatures who cry out. At the mercy of a “tyrannical anthropocentrism” (Laudato Si, 68) completely at odds with Christ’s centrality in the work of creation, countless species are dying out and their hymns of praise silenced.
There are also the poorest among us who are crying out. Exposed to the climate crisis, the poor feel even more gravely the impact of drought, flooding, hurricanes and heat waves that are becoming ever more intense and frequent. Likewise, our brothers and sisters of the native peoples are crying out. As a result of predatory economic interests, their ancestral lands are being invaded and devastated on all sides, “provoking a cry that rises up to heaven.” (Querida Amazonia, 9)
Reader 3: Finally, there is the plea of our children. Feeling menaced by shortsighted and selfish actions, today’s young people are crying out, anxiously asking us adults to do everything possible to prevent, or at least limit, the collapse of our planet’s ecosystems.
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or secondary aspect to our Christian experience.” (Laudato Si, 217)
These are the inspired words of our brother, Francis, the Bishop of Rome, and we affirm them by saying: AMEN!
Gospel Reading: A Reading from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 17:5-10)
Reader: The apostles said to Jesus: Increase our faith!
Jesus answered, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Uproot yourself and plant yourself in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
If one of you had hired help plowing a field or herding sheep, and they came in from the fields, would you say to them, ‘Come and sit at my table? Wouldn’t you say instead, ‘Prepare my supper. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink afterward’? Would you be grateful to the workers who were just doing their job?
It's the same with you who hear me. When you have done all you have been commanded to do, say ‘We are simple servants. We have done no more than our duty.’”
These are the inspired words from the gospel writer called Luke, and we affirm them by saying: Amen!
Homily Starter: Jim
We gather just days after hurricane Ian wreaked havoc, hitting this country twice, with devastating winds and rain, causing death and widespread destruction. Mary Theresa, Joan and I own second homes in Florida. I also have several friends and family who live in Florida. In the days leading up to Wednesday, I had several calls about the impending storm and my concerns since the location of my condo was forecasted to take a direct hit. Some said we need to pray, surely not a bad thing. But pray about what? A well intentioned relative truly believes that God spared her family by praying. I don’t believe that …. not for the folks in Ft Myers, Punta Gorda and so many other places that see only destruction. Didn’t their prayers count?
Science and environmentalists have been warning us for 50 years about the dangers of global warming and climate change. We have just experienced the worst hurricane in our history—certainly brought about by the irresponsible behavior of humans.
In our Gospel reading today, the disciples ask Jesus for more faith. This passage follows Jesus’ admonition about not causing someone to stumble, and if a sister or brother sins against you, to forgive seven times if need be. We know that forgiving can be hard; could this be why they asked for an increase in faith? And how does Jesus respond? He says if you have faith the size of a mustard seed (a very, very small seed indeed) that is enough and you can do the impossible, like uproot a mulberry tree that is large, sturdy tree which has an extensive root system.
What is faith and how does it relate to our first reading and the Season of Creation? St. Paul tells us that faith, hope and love are the virtues that last. They are intertwined and intimately connected. Life is good is a simple statement of faith. Faith is the lens through which we see the world and enables us to face all of life’s possibilities and challenges. It’s the way we live, move and relate to all that is around us, not an assent to doctrines or dogma.
In his book, Original Blessing, Matthew Fox reclaimed the essence of the Jewish creation myth recorded in Genesis. God loves all that God creates …. It is good, very good! Since that time, Matthew has said that we humans have lost a sense of the sacred. Our self-centeredness has alienated our connection to the earth, allowing us to rob, deplete and destroy creation with our consumerist, capitalist market mentality.
When Jorge Bergoglio was elected Bishop of Rome, he chose the name Francis. He was certainly expected to reform the church curia. Did he hear the same voice as his sainted mentor, “Rebuild my church.” Early on in his papacy, there was rumor that he intended to address the environmental issues plaguing our world. He did this precisely in his encyclical, Laudato Si, in 2015 (using the very words of St Francis’ canticle). Did he also hear a voice saying ‘restore my creation?’ In our first reading today, Pope Francis is urging us to listen to the cries of creation, to practice an ecological spirituality, and to take decisive action in restoring creation as good stewards. He raises this to the level of vocation, in other words, it’s more than just a job.
Shortly we will consecrate—make sacred together—bread and wine. In these sacramental signs, do we see the sun, the rain, the seed, the rich soil, the agrarians and migrants, the poor, children and elders who may worry about their next meal. Jesus knew the connections, hence he could say, “This is my body, my blood.”
As sister death was approaching, St Francis called his brothers together so he could impart his blessing to each one. He expressed his gratitude that God, the Holy One, had shown him what was his to do; and he prayed that God would show each of them what they were to do in living the Gospel.
Our faith informs us and prayer changes us. My friends, while there is still time, let us do good. May each of us then be able to say “we have done no more than our duty” as faith-filled servants!
So, what did you hear in these readings today?
Response to Word: Celtic Alleluia Dennis McD - cantor
Now with the strength of your Word, send us forth as your servants, to care for each other and all of creation.
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.
Prayers for the Community
Jim: As we prepare for our sacred meal, let us give voice to our blessings, cares and concerns and those of our world, beginning with the words, “I bring to the table…..”
[for those on ZOOM, remember to unmute and then mute again]
We pray for the cares and concerns written in our Community Book of Intentions, (pause) and all the unspoken intentions in our hearts. Amen.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
MT: With open hearts and hands, we pray our Eucharistic prayer (please pray silently)
Holy One,
The ageless mountains are full of your glory, the vast seas swell with your might, the shining skies expand beyond our imagining.
So we pause to praise. We wait in wonder. We listen to learn of the mountain glory within us, of the sea force in our veins, of love’s shining infinity.
And with grateful hearts, we sing:
Holy, Holy, Holy: Here in This Place by Christopher Grundy
Jim: Holy One, we praise you for the variety and diversity of Creation: for the fruitful earth, refreshing wind, purifying fire and flowing water. We seek to live as Jesus taught us, wise and holy stewards of your creation.
[extend hands in blessing]
We are ever aware of your Spirit in us and among us at this Eucharistic table and we are grateful for this bread and wine which reminds us of our call to be the body of Christ in the world.
We join the lineage of Your prophets of justice and peace and as Your daughters and sons, we continue to work with Your grace as we walk forward in the footsteps of our compassionate brother, Jesus.
On the night before he died, Jesus did more than ask us to remember him. He showed us how to live in humility and generosity when he washed the feet of his friends.
[lifting bread]
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, this is my very self.
[lifting cup]
MT: Jesus then raised a cup of blessing, spoke the grace and offered the wine 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.
This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing, simple gifts from the earth. As we savor God’s goodness, may we be nourished to live as responsible stewards of creation.
All: What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives. As we share communion, we become communion both love's nourishment and love's challenge.
Please receive Communion with the words: You are a steward of Creation.
Communion Meditation: Brother Sun (Giving Glory) -Liz Vice from The Porter’s Gate, Climate Vigil Songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbLI_8kTyPY
Brother sun, sister moon
Your light shines from the heavens
Giving glory, all the glory
To the Maker
Gentle wind, welcome home
You've been traveling with your song
Singing glory, all the glory
To the Maker
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Singing glory
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Singing glory to the Maker
Hallelujah!
Sweetest rain, serenade
Pouring down from the heavens
Bring all your blessings, every blessing
From the Maker
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Singing glory
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Singing glory to the Maker
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Singing glory
All you people, join in the song
There is work to be done
For the glory, all the glory
Of the Maker
Prayer after communion
Jim: Holy One, we are aware of your Spirit within us and our community, the same Spirit that filled Jesus. And is through following his life and teaching, his loving and healing that we honor You and each other and all creation. Amen.
Let us pray as Jesus taught us:
O Birther! Father- Mother of the Cosmos
Focus your light within us - make it useful.
Create your reign of unity now-through our fiery hearts and willing hands.
Help us love beyond our ideals and sprout acts of compassion for all creatures.
Animate the earth within us: we then feel the Wisdom underneath supporting all.
Untangle the knots within, so that we can mend our hearts' simple ties to each other.
Don't let surface things delude us, but free us from what holds us back from our true purpose.
Out of you, the astonishing fire, returning light and sound to the cosmos. May it be so. -Translation by Neil Douglas-Klotz
Blessing [extend & raise hands and pray together]
MT: May the blessings of sun and moon enlighten our eyes,
the blessings of east and west guide us on our way, and strengthen our will and our loving. May the blessings of earth, air, fire and water fills us with heaven, stir us with flames of compassion and mercy for each other and all creation. Amen.
Closing Song: All Things Bright and Beautiful by John Rutter and sung by the Tabernacle Choir
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all
Each little flower that opens
Each little bird that sings
God made their glowing colors
And made their tiny wings
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all
The purple headed mountains
The rivers running by
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky
The cold wind in the winter
The pleasant summer sun
The ripe fruits in the garden
God made them every one
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all
God gave us eyes to see them
And lips that we might tell
How great is the Almighty
Who has made all things well
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all
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