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/Theme (Ginny) Welcome to the Upper Room Community, those in this room and our zoom friends who are sharing this same liturgy. We are joined together by our love and commitment to one another and to the world.
Today we gather to celebrate and reflect on the life of St. Francis, a much beloved man in the Christian tradition and beyond.
Opening Song: Morning Has Broken ~ Cat Stevens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rifby1tVE8&list=RD3Rifby1tVE8&index=1
Opening Prayer: (Suzanne)
We have come to renew our covenant with God and with one another in Jesus, Our Lord
We have come to help protect God’s creation.
We have come as followers of Jesus to commit ourselves anew to one another and to heal injustice and poverty.
We have come to stand together against all threats to life.
We have come to discover new beauty each day in God’s creation: sunrise and sunset, birds, flowers, trees, rainbows, stars, the many forms of life in the woods.
We have come to listen to the “music of the universe “, water flowing over rocks the wind, raindrops pattering on the roof.
We remember that God speaks to us through the beauty of creation, we will try to answer God’s call to reverence all that has been created.
(USCCB)
LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: A reading from words of St. Francis (circa 1224)
Canticle of Creation
All praise be to You, O Lord,
through Brother Sun who gives us light,
through Sister Moon and Stars who shine at night,
through Brother Wind and Air,
and Sister Water, humble and pure.
Praise to You through Brother Fire, bright and strong,
and through Sister Earth, who feeds and sustains us.
Blessed are those who forgive and live in peace.
Blessed are those who welcome Sister Death in Your love.
All creation blesses You, O Lord.
We give You thanks with joy and humility.
These are the inspired words of St. Francis and the community affirms them by saying “Amen”
Second Reading: A reading from the writing of Albert Schweitzer, from the book: “Blessing the Animals”
All Spiritual life meets us within natural life. Reverence for life, therefore, is applied to natural life and spiritual life alike. In the parable of Jesus, the shepherd saves not merely the soul of the lost sheep but the whole animal. The stronger the reverence for natural life, the stronger grows also that for spiritual life.
These are the inspired words of Albert Schweitzer and the community affirms them by saying, “Amen”
Acclamation: Alleluia by Jan Phillips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC4nbwmQDVw
Scripture Reading: This is a reading from Psalm 78
We won’t hide them from our children;
we will tell the next generation.
We’ll tell them of
your praiseworthy deeds, YHWH,
your power, and the wonders you have performed.
so the next generation would know them—
children yet to be born—
and as they come up, they would tell their own children.
Then they would put their trust in you
and not forget your deeds,
but keep your commandments.
Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation
These are the inspired words of Psalm 78 and the community affirms them by saying “Amen”
Shared Homily: Suzanne
Fr. Kevin Mullen, a much beloved Friar at Siena, offered a unique reflection this week on our first reading, the Canticle of Creation. At first glance, it appears that St. Francis only saw the beauty in creation celebrating Brother Sun, Sister Moon and Stars, Brother Wind, Fire, Water and Sister Death. Fr. Kevin suggests that maybe this prayer is ‘naively optimistic’ because the darker sides of these elements are not included. Yet, St. Francis was not naive. “Rather, he was realistic — he saw both the beauty and the brokenness of the world. Surely the harshness of nature (walking roads, caves, huts, snow, ice, heat) in the 13th century exposed him to human suffering, violence, and death.”
St. Francis chose to highlight the goodness of creation, because all comes from a Loving Source. Thus, the Canticle is not an escape from reality, rather it is a trust in the inherent goodness, despite the darker side of creation and destruction caused by the power of nature and the heavy hand of humanity. St. Francis teaches that reconciliation, harmony, and hope are the Creator’s intention.1
Years ago, I read a book published in 2004, “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” by John Perkins. He worked as an economic forecaster for the consulting company Main International - until he didn’t. He became increasingly disturbed by the human and environmental costs of his work. “One vivid example is Ecuador during the Oil Boom. Perkins writes how projects built under the loans pushed by EHMs (economic hit men) — dams, oil extraction, hydroelectric plants — caused environmental devastation, social dislocation, and severe inequality. The indigenous populations, farmers, and poorer people bore the cost.” 2 Eventually, Perkins walked away under extreme duress and fear of retribution.
Environmental destruction is but one horrific truth. In our second reading Albert Schweitzer speaks of the connection between spirituality and nature. His stunning reference to the souls of animals moved me deeply. As a dog lover (or dog nut) I see the numinous in the eyes of dogs. Each of you can surely relate to the divine presence in any animal you encounter. We must maintain that reverence for natural life, in order to strengthen our spiritual life.
The Psalmist in our Gospel reminds us to teach our children - and their children of continuing the legacy of respect and love for creation. All of creation comes from a Divine Source. Our earth and all its inhabitants is not stagnant but rather changing. May we stand in awe of the work of the Holy One.
As we close our Season of Creation with our celebration of the Feast of St. Francis, let’s heed the words of Jane Goodall: “We must not let this ecosystem collapse. We have this window of time. We have the tools. We know how we can do things. But will we?”3
Sources
- 1. Mondays with Creation, reflection written by Fr. Kevin Mullen, OFM and adapted by Suzanne O’Connor. Published in the Faculty, Staff and Administrator Digest, September 22, 2025
- 2. Confessions of an Economic Hitman, by John Perkins. Published 2004. Excerpts provided by ChatGPT and adapted by Suzanne O’Connor 10/3/25.
- 3. Interview with Jane Goodall New York City, recorded on 10/25/24 for the Jane Goodall Institute. Provided by the New York Times, October 1, 2025.
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 of the Community
As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to this table our blessings, cares and concerns. Please feel free to voice your concerns beginning with the words “I bring to the table….”
(Ginny): We pray for these, and all the unspoken blessings, cares, and concerns held in the silence of our hearts. AMEN
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
(Eucharistic Prayer by Diarmuid O’Murchu, modified by Kathie & Dennis)
(Suzanne) Please join in praying the Eucharistic Prayer
(All) God of life, you nurture and sustain your people.
You bless us with abundance; you gift us with your graciousness;
you know our every need.
In the birthing forth of creation you call us into being.
You gift us with health and wholeness; you sustain our every endeavor.
You feed your hungering people.
You call us to work for justice, to share our table with all creation,
to feed the needy at our door, to see nobody left in need.
For the blessing of your gifts, and the challenge of your call to us,
we lift our voices as we acclaim in song your gracious love:
Holy, Holy, Holy: Holy As the Day is Spent ~ by Carrie Newcomer (2:45)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxzO8DyY9e8&list=RDpxzO8DyY9e8&start_radio=1
(All) The table we share is adorned with the gifts of creation,
gifts given for all to share in equality and justice, a table where all are welcome, and from which nobody is to be excluded, from the greatest even to the least.
We celebrate the open table, proclaimed by Jesus, our brother,
a table of abundant life, inclusive love, and redemptive liberation.
Awaken anew in our hearts the empowering grace of your abundant Spirit, who infuses these gifts of bread and wine with the transforming energy of life, to nourish and sustain us in our time of need.
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.
In the power of the creative Spirit, Jesus lived life to the full.
We, too, are blessed in the power of that same Spirit, which we now invoke upon all gathered here, to celebrate the transformative energy symbolized in our gifts of bread and wine, given to nourish and sustain us into the fullness of life.
That same bread, Jesus took and broke, to restore the unity of our broken world. Jesus blessed you, then he shared the bread with those at table saying:
Take and eat the Bread of Life for all who hunger for peace and justice.
pause
After the meal, he then raised the cup of blessing poured in a spirit of solidarity and empowerment, spoke the grace, and offered them the wine saying:
Take and drink the Cup of Compassion for a broken world.
pause
We share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace. We choose to live justly, love tenderly, and walk with integrity.
Receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Compassion with the words: “We are one with all of creation”
Communion Meditation Song:
Creation Calls are you Listening? ~ by Brian Doerksen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0
Post-Communion Prayer
(All) In celebrating this Eucharistic feast, we call to mind that we are nourished throughout the ages; and we look forward in hope to that day when justice will guarantee food for all who hunger for the fullness of life.
With grateful hearts we received the gifts of this table.
May the creative Spirit who energizes these gifts,
activate in our hearts, too, a hunger for that justice
that will guarantee sustenance for every human being.
In the spirit of this celebration, we rejoice and are thankful for all we have received; but we do so in the painful awareness of all who are excluded from the table of God’s abundant life.
Awaken in us a passion for equality and generosity of spirit, that all may be welcomed to the table of abundance.
Prayer of Jesus
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For the reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen
~ New Zealand Prayer Book
BLESSING
(Ginny) Please extend your hands and pray our blessing:
Creator God,
You called Francis of Assisi
To walk in simplicity, humility and joy.
Open our hearts to your presence in all creation.
Make us instruments of your peace,
That the world may reflect your goodness and love.
Closing Song: Waiting on the World to Change ~ Playing for Change Around the World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTU2J2xnkbg&list=RDyTU2J2xnkbg&index=1
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