[w-rcl] 56B. Pent 15 / Trinity 14 / Proper 19 / Ord 24B (13-Sep-2009)


56B. SUNDAY BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 11 AND 17 INCLUSIVE
Pentecost 15 / Trinity 14 / Proper 19 / Ordinary 24B.
September 13, 2009  (Colour: Green)

PLEASE NOTE: There are six RCL readings for each Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The worship leader has the opportunity to:

(i.) Preach a series of OT lessons and its related Psalm;
(ii.) Preach a series based on the Epistle;
(iii.) Or preach the Gospel, with its associated OT Reading and Psalm.

RCL READINGS:

Proverbs 1:20-33         Wisdom Calls
/or/ Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 to 8:1
Psalm 19                  God's Glory in Creation & The Law of the Lord

Isaiah 50:4-9a         The Obedience of the Lord's Servant
Psalm 116:1-9         A Man Saved From Death Praises God

James 3:1-12         The Tongue
Mark 8:27-38             Peter's Declaration About Jesus & Jesus' Response

CATHOLIC READINGS:    Psalm 115:1-6,8-9
                James 2:14-26

ANGLICAN/EPISCOPAL:    James 2:18-26 (James 2:1-5,8-10,14-18)
                Mark 9:14-29

______________________

POSSIBLE THEMES:   

Draw near to God and God will draw near to you
May our lives be open to the voice of Jesus
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
The teachings of the Lord give wisdom to ordinary people
       
______________________

SENTENCES:

“Lord, you are just, and the judgments you make are right. Show mercy when you judge me, your servant.” (Psalm 119:137,124)

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but stands fast forever.  The hills stand about Jerusalem; so does the Lord stand round about His people, from this time forth forevermore."  (Ps. 125:1-2)

"The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge." (Psalms 19:1-2)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (
Psalms 19:14)       

"We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection; through him we are saved and made free." (Galatians 6:14)

______________________

SELECTIONS:

(Mark 8:27-31, 34-36)
   Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."  He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah."  And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.  Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
   He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?

(James 3:4–9)
    Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.  So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!  And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.  For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species,  but no one can tame the tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.

 (Psalm 19: 1-4, 7-9, 14)
   The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.  Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;  yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world ...
   The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;  the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;  the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
   Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

(Proverbs 1:20-23)
   Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice.  At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you.

______________________

PRAYERS & COLLECTS:

O God, you declare Your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Grant the fullness of Your grace, that, pursuing what you have promised, we may share your heavenly glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

 [Let us pray for the peace which is born of faith and hope:] Father in heaven, Creator of all, look down upon Your people in their moments of need, for You alone are the source of our peace.  Bring us to the dignity which distinguishes the poor in spirit. Show us how great is the call to serve, that we may share in the peace of Christ, who offered His life in the service of all.  We ask this in the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.  AMEN.
    (from "Uniting in Worship", Leader's Book, p. 275.)

God our Father you redeem us and make us your children in Christ. Look upon us, give us true freedom and bring us to the inheritance you promised. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
     (from ‘CanticaNova’, http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/pln23b_l.htm)

______________________

WCC Prayers:

(Week 37: 6-12 September)
   Let us pray with the people of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, and Yugoslavia: "Creator God, stop us wandering in alienation from one another. Satisfy the longing of our hearts and grant our rightful requests through you Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. AMEN."
    (from "With All God's People", WCC Geneva.)

SEE ALSO: 'In God's Hand's, WCC Geneva -
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle/week-37-albania-bosnia-and-herzegovina-croatia-former-yugoslav-republic-of-macedonia-montenegro-serbia-slovenia.html

______________________

(Week 38: 13-19 September)
   Let us pray for the people of Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania: "O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, present in all places and filling all things; Treasury of blessings and giver of life: Come and dwell in us, cleanse us from every impurity, and of Your goodness save our souls; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
     (from "With All God's People", WCC Geneva.)

SEE ALSO: 'In God's Hand's, WCC Geneva -
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle/week-38-bulgaria-hungary-romania.html

______________________

(Week 39: 20-26 September)
   Let us pray with the people of Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine: "Lord, You alone know my true needs. Teach me to pray. Pray Yourself in me; through Christ our Lord. AMEN"
     (from "With All God's People", WCC Geneva.)

SEE ALSO: 'In God's Hand's, WCC Geneva -
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle/


====[ A SUNDAY REFLECTION ]====

"WHO IS THE GREATEST?"

"Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also the one who sent me."  - Mark 9:37

How do you feel about Jesus' announcement about His coming death in v. 31?  Would you too feel afraid about your friend's announcement?

Interestingly, from v. 33, Jesus now speaks of a child and a child's place.  Jesus, like others, seeks to bring forth the child that lies deep within each of us.  In Mark 9: 33-37 Jesus welcomes the child.  The child welcomes Him.  No one is threatened or defensive in this relationship.

How happy and peace-filled our lives would be if we would allow God to put His arms around us as a father does his child!  But it is hard for us to be dependent upon someone, to give up self-reliance and to cast all our cares upon God.

There are many subtle forms of ambition.  Sometimes we want to be first, even at the expense of others.  In these moments we seek glory or fame for ourselves.

It was only human for the disciples to be ambitious and ask:  "Who is the most important among us?"

The answer can only be:

We are all important.  We are all children of God.

-------

LET US PRAY:  Lord Jesus, it is so hard to welcome You as a servant.  But we know that in welcoming You, we meet God.  We are only important because You have made us Your children.  Help us then, never to seek glory for ourselves but amply to reflect Your wonder and beauty in what we do.  Help the child in us all to shine.  AMEN.


=====[ WORSHIP IDEAS ]=====

Bibliographical references (and further resources) may found at:

   STEPPING STONES: A Guide to Lectionary-Based Resources for Worship
   and Preaching (http://www.digtree.org.au/steppingstones)


    ===/ WE GATHER IN GOD'S NAME /===

(* PRELUDE) and/or (* PRE-SERVICE SINGING)

* INTROIT:   AHB # 162 – “Come, Children, Join to Sing” (vs. 1)

     Come, children, join to sing hallelujah, amen,
     loud praise to Christ our king, hallelujah, amen;
     let all, with heart and voice, before his throne rejoice;
     praise is his gracious choice: hallelujah, amen!

/or/ TIS #768 – “The Doxology” [Tune: Fairhill, by Jimmy Owens]

    Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
    Praise God all creatures here below.
    Praise God above you heavenly hosts.
    Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

/or/ SOF #372 - "My Heart's Desire"
/or/ SIS #265 - "He is Our Peace" (Kandy Groves)


GREETING:   The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
            and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
            ["AND ALSO WITH YOU"]

     God is here, and we are here to worship God!
     Let us greet our Lord in song and praise!

CALL TO WORSHIP:      

Make a joyful noise to the Lord!
Come and celebrate God's Ways!
For the Lord is good.  His ways are sure.
His love for us is forever!

/or/
Come together and get wisdom today.
Come as we listen and hear God's voice and Word.
Come, listen, and learn.
Come, it pays to worship the Lord!
   (from Africana Resources, United Methodist Church USA, http://www.gbod.org/worship/TextOnly.asp?item_id=16859)

/or/
One reads Proverbs 1:20–21; then an unseen voice reads Proverbs 1:22, 23, and 33.
One: Come, let us listen to the voice of Wisdom.
   (from ‘Gathering’, United Church of Canada, 2009.)


* HYMN OF PRAISE:  TIS #78 (AHB #394) - "I was overjoyed, Alleluia!"
   /or/ TIS #143 (AHB #80) - "Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise"
   /or/ TIS #107 (AHB #25) - "Sing Praise & Thanksgiving" [Tune: Kremser]

[PRAYER OF PREPARATION]

Almighty God, You are our creator and guide.  We come to you this day to worship You.  May we serve You with all our heart and know Your peace in our lives; through Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

/or/
Let us pray - God of grace and God of glory - we gather today as your
people to worship you and to be strengthened by your wisdom and your power.
We gather in the name of your Son, Christ Jesus, your living word.  We
gather to thank you that your ways are greater than our ways and that your
purpose for creation is loving and life giving.  Help us, we pray, to walk
in the way of life.  Be present with us as we call on your name and lift us
in the light and peace of your presence.  AMEN.
    (by Richard J. Fairchild, http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or24su.php)

/or/
God, we come today with willing hearts, aching for a believable word. We will not leave here the way we came. We come today — some weary, wounded, and worn — knowing that if we invite and witness to heard-and-hungered-for wisdom teachings, our lives will be changed.

/or/
This morning, Lord, we trust you. We trust you to touch us and bring us from the streets of despair. We trust you to prepare us for hope, for definite truth, for something that will grab us. God, take hold of us with something that will revive us as well as transform us and help us to expect life. In Jesus' name, we pray. AMEN.
   (from Africana Resources, United Methodist Church USA, http://www.gbod.org/worship/TextOnly.asp?item_id=16859)

/or/
Your knowledge of each of us is infinite, and your love for us is boundless.  We rejoice together as a family of faith that you have called to worship you and acknowledge you as our Father.  We praise you for your persistence in seeking us out, and loving us so much that you sent Jesus to show us the meaning of love  of forgiveness  or true humanity.  Grip us once more with a sense of wonder and prayer as we consider your righteousness and purity. AMEN.
    (from ‘Starters for Sunday’, Church of Scotland 2006, http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm)


WELCOME & INTRODUCTION: Today is the 15th Sunday in the Season of Pentecost.

Our theme today is centred on CHRISTIAN FAITH & OBEDIENCE.  We sing and proclaim our faith in the Lord.  But do our words ring true with our actions?

_________________________

[CONFESSION OF SIN & PARDON]

Let us come to God in humble prayer.  Let us confess our faults and failures and receive the grace that only comes from Him who is able to give new life.  [let us pray:--]

Lord, we confess our faith in you as Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  Are those merely words and words alone?  Our belief is often one that centres itself on desiring more and more goodness from you.  We take and receive.  But seldom do we give.  Father, forgive us.  Renew our faith and commitment, so that we can live our lives for you and for others, and not just for ourselves.

/or/
Living and loving God, we worship You more readily in the presence of Your friends than in the company of Your detractors.  We don't find much blessedness in being persecuted and avoid confessing our faith rather than expose ourselves to ridicule or suffering.  We do no have the courage of our convictions and play safe much of the time.  Forgive our failure to live our supposed faith and to act on our declared sympathies through your long-suffering Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  AMEN.
    (from "Prayers for the Seasons of God's People", p. 180.)

/or/
Most just and holy God,
We confess our failure to observe your commandments.
We have not worshipped you as we ought.
We have failed to acknowledge your unique glory.
We have often made things or persons our central ultimate concern.
We have abused our fellow men and women through covetousness, greed and indifference.
We have failed to be the forgiving people we are asked to be through your forgiveness of our sin.
Save us, O God.  Hold not our sin against us, but hold us up against our sin.  Set us free to love and serve and unshackle us from the memory and burden of past mistakes and selfishness which threatens to overwhelm us …
   (from ‘Starters for Sunday’, Church of Scotland 2006,
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm)

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY [HEAR OUR PRAYER] For we call upon your grace in the name of Jesus.  AMEN.


[ASSURANCE OF GOD'S LOVE & FORGIVENESS]

HEAR THE GOOD NEWS!  Christ Jesus came for you and me.  Let us receive the assurance that God never leaves or forsakes us.  To all who confess and believe, and seek to have their lives renewed, our Lord says: “your sins are forgiven!”  [“THANKS BE TO GOD!”]

[PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING]

SHARING GOD'S PEACE:    Christ is our life. Christ is our Saviour
                Christ is our hope.  Christ is our peace.

            "The Peace of The Lord Be With You All!"     
                ["AND ALSO WITH YOU!"]

EXHORTATION:    Leave self behind, take up your cross and follow Jesus.
            Walk in the Lord's presence in the land of the living.

[NOTICES / INTIMATIONS / MINUTE FOR MISSION]

_________________________

[SHARING WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD:  “For the Young and Young at Heart”]

With Children:
   Ask the children how it’s going at school. Then ask whether they have heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” Ask whether they think that’s true. Talk about a time when you were hurt by something someone said. We really can make a difference by what we say, and names can hurt.
   The Bible says that God brought the world into being by speaking! Words are powerful. One way of saying who Jesus is, is that he is the Word of God. Let’s make a plan for this week, both at home and at school, to honour God and follow Jesus by using our words to help and not to hurt.
   Sing “Who do people say I am” by the Common Cup Company.
      (from ‘Gathering’, United Church of Canada, 2009.)

/or/
   (Proverbs 1:20-33)   Remember in your own life a time when "wisdom was crying out in the streets." Recall a story of someone in your past who touched your life with the wisdom of their way. Tell the children what that person taught you that you value today or how it has helped make you into the person you are. Maybe it was a friend or a Nana or an Uncle or a neighbour. Maybe you have a picture of that person or something that reminds you of them to show the children.
   Prayer: Thank you, God, for the people in our lives who show us how to live wisely. AMEN.
   (from ‘Gathering’, United Church of Canada 2006.)

/or/
   Show pictures of leaders, e.g. prime minister, military officer, minister, a family group. Ask how we would expect that leader to act. What if they didn't act as responsible leaders, such as...(give examples)? Jesus surprised his followers by telling them that he was going to suffer and die, instead of leading his people to a military victory. He told them that they would suffer, too, if they followed him. Then they had to decide if they wanted to stay with him.
  (from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2003.)

/or/
   The Epistle of James lends huge possibilities in terms of visual aids.
A horses bit, of depending where one is, a variety of bits, each with their own specific function , but all used to control the horse.  A rider might well explain, leaving the minister to draw conclusions.  The rider might better do it all!
   Similarly, if congregation has people who know boats, they can be asked to talk of the rudder, of the tiller and wheel, of steering the boat to reach its destination.
   A box of matches, a lighter (risky in an enclosed space, so precautions necessary) gives a very powerful image of the power of little things.  The distinction can be drawn of the good a fire can do and the damage.
   (by the Rev Roderick Campbell, Minister, Appin linked with Lismore, Church of Scotland, 2009.)


* CHILDREN'S HYMN:  TIS #236 (AHB #178) - "Jesus' Hands Were Kind Hands"
   /or/ AHB #184 - "Son of the Father, Jesus, Lord and Slave"


    ===/ WE LISTEN FOR CHRIST'S WORD /===

[NOTICES / INTIMATIONS / MINUTE FOR MISSION]

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:   Gracious God, we come to you today to hear your Word afresh in our hearts.  Speak to us that we may listening, and in listening respond in faithfulness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

OLD TESTAMENT:    Proverbs 1:20-23
            Wisdom Calls

       [Wisdom cries in the streets.]

THE PSALTER:       Psalm 116
               A man saved from death praises God

/or/ AN AUSTRALIAN PSALM:  (based on Psalm 116: 1-2, 12-19)

  "THE CUP IS READY"

  My love belongs to God who hears me, who knows my voice and hears my prayer.
  God has turned a willing ear to me; as long as I live I will pray.

  What good gift can I offer God for the generosity I have been shown?
  I will lift up the saving cup and drink to the health of God.
  I will fulfil my vows freely, with the friends of God around me.

  When one of the Lord's own dies, the love of God is not negated.
  My God, I serve You alone, like my mother I serve You alone.
  As I continue to do Your will, I find Your perfect freedom.

  This sacrifice I make, I make gladly; with thanksgiving I own Your name.
  I will fulfil my vows freely, with the friends of God around me.
  In the fellowship of the house of God, with all my life I give You praise!

        -- by Bruce Prewer ("More Australian Psalms", p. 140.)

/or/    AN AUSTRALIAN PSALM: (based on Psalm 19)
    "The Ways of God" (by Bruce Prewer, "Australian Psalms", p. 20-21.)

* HYMN:    "We Daily See Your Glory, Lord" [Winchester Old]

  We daily see Your glory, Lord, in glowing skies above.
  Each dawn announces silently Your wonder and Your love.

  Each night repeats it to the next; no speech or sound is heard,
  Yet all of nature knows the truth of Your eternal word.

  The silent voice of wordless praise is heard throughout the earth;
  "This is God's world and we belong to God who gave us birth!"

  We join in concert with the song that sky and earth proclaim:
  "This is Your world and we would add our praises to Your name!"


NEW TESTAMENT:   James 2:1-5, 8-10,14-18
            Faith and Actions

        /or/      James 3:1-12    
            The Tongue

    [Not many of you should be teachers of God's word.]

/See Also Below/ "Be Our Freedom, Lord" (pp. 402-403.)

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST:    Mark 8:27-38    
                Peter's Declaration About Jesus & Jesus' Response

       [Who do people say that I am?]


A GOSPEL MEDITATION:

     "DISCIPLESHIP?"

  Setting a cross on top of a church may be fine
  but it is not discipleship.

  Putting a cross on the altar is a worthy sign
  but it is not discipleship.

  Wearing one on a chain might seem enough
  but it is not discipleship.

  Getting it tattooed over one's heart might be tough
  but it is not discipleship.

  Singing about the old rugged cross may feel okay
  but it is not discipleship.

  Preaching about the cross can point the way,
  but it is not discipleship.

  Weeping on Good Friday may seem devout,
  but it is not discipleship.

  Whipping your own back till blood flows out
  is not discipleship.

  Following the Christ, not counting the cost,
  old bridges burning, listening and learning,
  setting your face, trusting sheer grace,
  on the steep track, not looking back,
  loving and forgiving, dying while living:
  here is discipleship.

    (by Bruce D. Prewer, http://www.alphalink.com.au/~nigel/doc/20030914.htm )


* SCRIPTURE HYMN: TIS #164 (AHB #105) - "The Great Love of God"

SHARING GOD'S WORD:     Proclaiming the Good News

Comment:
   Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do people way that I am?"  They answer, "John the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets."  Jesus then reveals to them the cost of discipleship.  To follow Him will involve self-denial, sacrifice, and obedience.  Such is the way of the cross!"
    (by James G. Kirk, "When We Gather", Year B, p. 118.)

Sermon Starters:
   Focus on the differences in the priestly, prophetic, and Wisdom traditions with respect to where and how the Holy is experienced.
   The priestly emphasis is on experiencing God in worship and spiritual practices; the prophetic stress is on acts of justice and on extraordinary individual revelation; and the Wisdom worldview emphasizes the Holy in the everyday, built into the fabric of creation.
   It’s hard to choose between this and the gospel lesson, but since we are in Wisdom material for a few weeks, I think it’s worth it. Wisdom became so prized that it was envisioned not only as a human attribute, but also as part of the very being of God; there with God at creation, Lady Wisdom is calling to creation and teaching us that beneath and throughout creation there is a unity, a principle that holds us together.
   Even though I don’t like bringing the Greek reading into the Hebrew one, it would be fine to say that in some traditions and understandings, Jesus is the Wisdom of God.
   As people searched for words to express what is inexpressible, i.e., what God had done in Jesus, they turned to their own scriptures and traditions, finding there the person of Wisdom, and in Jesus, this Wisdom incarnate. (This serves two functions: lifting up Jesus as God’s Wisdom, and reminding people of the direction that the link moves in. It’s not that the authors of Hebrew scripture were foretelling Jesus, but rather that those who knew Jesus found in the Hebrew writings words and images to express what they experienced in him.)
   (from ‘Gathering’, United Church of Canada, 2009.)

/or/
   When I first read this passage on God's Wisdom, how she stands at the busiest place of human activity, a street corner and city gates where everyone has to pass through, I came away with the question, "How was it possible for so many people to ignore the voice of Wisdom?" Then it occurred to me, "Could it be that Wisdom's voice was being masked by the loud din of competing voices?" What voices are so loud that we are caused to miss God's Wisdom and her word for us?
   (from ‘Gathering’, United Church of Canada, 2006,

/or/
   Scripture contains extremes of language, of gesture, and of belief; all play their part in the process of discerning that which refreshes the soul. How do the extremes of life and of faith provoke us to recognize God's presence? Peter's confrontation with Jesus becomes the fulcrum for an expression of the deepest truth about Christian faith. Can we be as forthright as Peter in articulating our rejection of the crucified Christ's claim on us? Can we trust that God will use even the extremes of our apostasy to bring Truth to light?
      (from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada 2003.)

Prayer:
   O god, You declare Your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Grant us the fullness of Your grace, that, pursuing what You have promised, we may share Your heavenly glory; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
    (from Lutheran Book of Worship)


     ===/ WE RESPOND TO THE SPIRIT’S VOICE /===

THE CREED: [With Christian people throughout the world, and down through the ages, let us affirm what we believe in the words of the NICENE CREED (or APOSTLES CREED).  We believe in God! ... ]

/or/
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:

Lord, to whom can we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe and know
that you are the Holy One of God.
   (John 6:68-69)

/or/
I bind unto myself the name,
the strong name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One, and One in Three,
of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation:
salvation is of Christ the Lord. AMEN.
   (attrib. St. Patrick)

/or/
A LITANY OF AFFIRMATION
(Based on Proverbs 1:20-33)

One: I will trust in the Lord —
Many: Let all the people say, "I will trust in the Lord."

One: I will trust in the Lord — Let the wounded say —
Many: I will trust in the Lord. I will hear God's voice in dangerous streets that cause mothers to cry over their children.

One: I will trust in the Lord — Let the wounded say —
Many: I will trust in God, even as people sell their bodies to survive, even while the voice of insanity shouts louder than the voice of Truth in the ears of the homeless.

One: I will trust in the Lord —
Many: May the Saviour’s voice speak loud and linger long so we may hear it and live.

One: Oh, I will trust in the Lord —
Many: May we hear that holy voice in houses of prayer and in city streets.

One: I will trust in the Lord —
Many: I will trust in Mary's baby, my Lord, and the world's Saviour.

One: I will trust in the Lord.
Many: I will trust in Jesus, the way!

One: I will trust in the Lord —
Many: Let all the people say, "I will trust in the Lord."

One: I will trust in the Lord — Let the wounded say —
Many: I will trust in the Lord. I will hear God's voice in dangerous streets that cause mothers to cry over their children.

One: I will trust in the Lord — Let the wounded say —
Many: I will trust in God, even as people sell their bodies to survive, even while the voice of insanity shouts louder than the voice of Truth in the ears of the homeless.

One: I will trust in the Lord —
Many: May the Saviour’s voice speak loud and linger long so we may hear it and live.

One: Oh, I will trust in the Lord —
Many: May we hear that holy voice in houses of prayer and in city streets.

One: I will trust in the Lord —
Many: I will trust in Mary's baby, my Lord, and the world's Saviour.

One: I will trust in the Lord.
Many: I will trust in Jesus, the way!

   (from Africana Resources, United Methodist Church USA, http://www.gbod.org/worship/TextOnly.asp?item_id=16859)

/or/
"A CREED FOR THE CHURCH"

L:  We are not alone, we live in God's world.

P:  We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
       who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
       to reconcile and make new,
       who works in us and others by the Spirit.
    We trust in God.
       We are called to be the Church,
       to celebrate God's presence,
       to live with respect in creation,
       to love and serve others,
       to seek justice and resist evil,
       to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
       our Judge and our Hope.
    In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.
    We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

    (United Church of Canada)

/or/
"WE ARE A PILGRIM PEOPLE"

We believe in one God,
the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit.
We proclaim Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen One,
confessing him as Lord
to the glory of God the Father.

In the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
We acclaim Jesus as the Lord of the church,
the Head over all things,
the beginning of a new creation.

We acknowledge that we live and work
between the time of Christ's death and resurrection
and the final consummation of all things
which he will bring.

We are a pilgrim people,
always on the way towards the promised goal;
on the way Christ feeds us with word and sacrament,
and we have the gift of the Spirit
in order that we may not lose the way.

We will live and work within the faith and unity
of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church,
bearing witness to that unity
which is both Christ's gift and his will.

We affirm that every member of the church
is engaged to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
Together with all the people of God,
we will serve the world for which Christ died,
And we await with hope the day of the Lord Jesus.

   (Adapted from the ‘Basis of Union’ of the Uniting Church in Australia)


/or/
* SCRIPTURE HYMN:   TIS #599 (AHB #520) - "Take My Life, and Let It Be"
   /or/ TIS #629 (AHB #558) - "When I Needed a Neighbour"

[INTIMATIONS / NOTICES / MINUTE FOR MISSION]

PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION:

    /See/    "Traces of Glory" by David Adam, Year B, pp. 119-121.
    /or/  "Let Us Pray" by Janet Nelson, pp. 276-277.
    /or/  "Companion to the RCL" by Christine Odell, Vol I, p. 105.**
    /or/  "Prayers for the Seasons of God's People", Year B, pp. 181-182.
        [NOTE: This is suitable for the beginning of a school year.]
    /or/  "When We Gather" by James G. Kirk, Year B, p 119.
    /or/  "Lord for All Seasons" by Ted Burge, p. 131.

/or/
**  Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus,
    and for all people   according to their needs:

  Word of life, take our words ... "AND SPEAK THROUGH THEM"

  God, our wisdom and our truth, we bring You our words;
  The words of those in authority:
    Words that legislate; pass judgement; persuade;
        make promises ... (silence) ...
  Word of life, take our words: AND SPEAK THROUGH THEM.

  God, our wisdom and our truth, we bring You our words;
  The words of those expressing care:
    Words that comfort; heal; bring hope;
                 make affirmations of love ... (silence) ....
  Word of life, take our words: AND SPEAK THROUGH THEM.

  God, our wisdom and our truth, we bring You our words;
  The words of those who follow Christ:
    Words of faith; compassion; commitment;
               reaching out in reconciliation ... (silence) ...
  Word of life, take our words: AND SPEAK THROUGH THEM.

  God, our wisdom and our truth, we bring You our words;
  The words of those who tell others of Your gospel:
    Words of friendship; witness; invitation;
               offering salvation ... (silence)...
  Word of life, take our words: AND SPEAK THROUGH THEM.

  Take our words, and speak through them, Word of life;
  Through Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

    (by Christine Odell, "Companion to the RCL", Year B., p. 105.)

/or/
   With gratitude, we acknowledge your Word is a lamp to our feet, a guide on our journey.  With gratitude, we acknowledge your Word made flesh in Jesus Christ as the pattern of our calling.
   With gratitude, we acknowledge your Holy Spirit our guide and comforter, leading us to truth.
   We offers our prayers this day for those who have lost their way in life; for those who cannot discern truth, and who reject opportunity.
   We pray for those who have neither pattern nor rhythm in their living.
   We pray for those whose relationships are tangled and all over the place.
   As we pray for others we remember our own course in life is not straightforward, hence we ask the blessing of your Spirit upon all your people.
   (by the Rev Roderick Campbell, Minister, Appin linked with Lismore, Church of Scotland, 2009.)


/or/
   Turn our hearts and minds to your clear demands and instructions.  Pierce our indifference and our blithe ignorance of the needs of our neighbours.  Fill us with a desire to remove stumbling blocks, and sharpen our awareness that we are not self contained units, but all linked together as part of the family of love.  Protects us from the self-righteousness that is masked in so many guises and leads us to arrogant judgements and destructive assertions, through Jesus Christ out Lord we pray. AMEN.

Gracious God,
   For the gift of unmerited forgiveness, poured out time and time again on your servants, we praise and thank you.  For your patient understanding of our limitations and our capacity for self seeking and self preservation, we ascribe to you our gratitude.  For the pity and compassion that we have received from those who are identified by your church, we are most grateful.
   We give you thanks for every opportunity you have made available for us to be channels of your grace and forgiveness to your children … (silence) …

   With a quaking heart and expectant hope, we come to recall before you the woes and worries, struggles and slaughter which characterise so much of humanity’s common existence.
   May your truth and love inspire  stab awake  spark into action  all who have capacities to change, alter and amend the pain, suffering and sorrow of this world.  Embolden with impatience and passion all those who are charged with challenging and teaching those guilty of greed and infidelity.  Capture the hearts of those who are under intense pressures and make them ever more sure of loyalty to your Word and Way.
   In your love, grant wisdom and tact to those given positions of power in society.  May they be equipped to see through deceit and dissembling, selfishness and greed, unfair manipulation and inappropriate irritation, and attend to the real issues which confront them.  May people be encouraged to succeed in wholesome living, where victories are marked with rejoicing, and pain and problems met with empathy and encouragement.
   As we recall those who have been saved by your grave, and have been definite in their convictions and confession of their faith, we ask for guidance for the Church.  Free your children from pettiness and critical attitudes which are harmful and destructive.  May all your people be aware of the true source of judgement and thereby encouraged to be more merciful and compassionate.
   Open the lonely and loveless to the world as it might be, and make us all instruments of your re-creative love and forgiveness.  Give succour to those who are tempted to throw in the towel and give up because the problems are tough and the cost of discipleship seems almost too heavy to bear.
   Lead people in a new respect for people as persons, made in your image and likeness.  May our societies caring agencies reflect ever more deeply on appropriate acknowledgement of the individuals worth and importance.
   Protect and watch over all who are sick or feeble or inform.  Stir us to creative action and sharpen our consciousness of the conditions of so many millions of this world who are much less fortunate than we are.  Reach into each man, woman and child to refresh and reveal their love and ability to work miracles of healing and wholeness, through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord we pray. AMEN.
   (from ‘Starters for Sunday’, Church of Scotland 2006,
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm)


   ===/ SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - SERVICE OF THE EUCHARIST /===

   "Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God.
   My soul is thirsting for the living God." (Psalm 42:2-3)

   "When I am lifted from the earth, I will draw all men to myself,
   says the Lord." (John 12:32)


[INVITATION TO THE LORD'S TABLE]

   This is the joyful feast of the Lord.
   People come from east and west,
   from north and south,
   and eat at the table of the Lord.
     ( based on Luke 13:29)

  Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,
  and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)


* COMMUNION/OFFERTORY: TIS #517 (AHB #439) - "Hallelujah! Sing to Jesus"
   /or/ TIS #526 (AHB #451) - "Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Come to Us"

[OFFERING & DEDICATION - "SHARING GOD'S BLESSINGS"]

Take, Lord, and receive all that I am:  My heart, my mind, my soul, my strength, my time, my talents, my gifts.  Put them all to good use.  Receive and accept all that we have to offer, so that what you have purposed for the world will be accomplished through your Church; in Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

/or/
O God, in Jesus You call us to follow.  We come confessing that He is the Christ.  We offer ourselves to be filled with His commandments.  We dedicate our actions to match His desires.  We commit our intentions to be led by His Spirit.  With all that we have we seek to be faithful.  Accept our endeavours and bless our ambitions.  Honour our commitment, in Christ's name we pray.  AMEN.

/or/
We thank you, O God, for giving yourself to us and for us with hesitation.  Bless now, we pray these gifts which we offer to you.  Make them and us worthy of you - we ask it in Jesus' name. AMEN.
    (by Richard J. Fairchild, http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or24sesn.php)

/or/
Gracious and loving God, we come offering these gifts in response to your great gifts of grace and mercy. Bless us as we proclaim that grace and mercy through the service of our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom every knee shall indeed bow.  This we pray in his name. AMEN.
    (by Moira Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/html/september_15.html)


[SETTING APART THE ELEMENTS]

We do not presume to come to Your Table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in Your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy of Your goodness and grace, but You are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, and to drink His blood, that we may evermore dwell in Him, and He in us. AMEN.


[THE GREAT THANKSGIVING]  (standing)

L:     The Lord be with you!
P:  AND ALSO WITH YOU!
L:     Lift up your hearts.
P:  WE LIFT THEM TO THE LORD.
L:     Let us give thanks to the Lord our God:
P:  IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE OUR THANKS AND PRAISE

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

You decreed that man should be saved through the wood of the cross.
The tree of man's defeat became his tree of victory;
where life was lost, there life has been restored
through Christ our Lord.

Through him the choirs of angels and all the powers of heaven
praise and worship your glory. May our voices blend with theirs
as we join in their unending hymn:

    Holy, holy, holy Lord ...

 (from CanticaNova, http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/plnhc_l.htm)

/or/
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

In you we live and move and have our being.
Each day you show us a Father's love;
your Holy Spirit, dwelling within us,
gives us on earth the hope of unending joy.

Your gift of the Spirit,
who raised Jesus from the dead,
is the foretaste and promise
of the paschal feast of heaven.

With thankful praise,
in company with the angels,
we glorify the wonders of your power:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

       (CanticaNova, http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/pln23b_l.htm)


/or/
It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God,
for yours is the eternal Spirit of Wisdom
who renews everything and gives life to all.

The heavens and earth are your handiwork,
and you have made all people in your own likeness.
Through the law and prophets you revealed your wisdom,
and all who listen are safe in your care.

When we refused your counsel
and failed to offer you our respect,
you came to us in your anointed one, Jesus,
to be our rock and our redeemer.
Taking up the cross
and suffering rejection as one of us,
he was killed and cast into the pit of hell.
But after three days, you raised him to life,
lighting a fire of renewal that will never go out,
and he now calls us to take up the cross
and follow him on the road to resurrection.

   (Copyright 2003. Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net,
http://www.laughingbird.net/LectionTexts/BP19.html#Eucharistic%20Preface)

______________________________

... Therefore we gladly join our voices to the song of the church on earth and in heaven:

ALL:  HOLY, HOLY, HOLY LORD,
      GOD OF POWER AND MIGHT,
      HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF YOUR GLORY.
      HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!

      BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES
      IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
      HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!

[PRAYER OF CONCECRATION - INVOCATION]

      [The great prayer of thanksgiving continues, recalling God's goodness
    in caring for his people, the life and saving work of our Lord Jesus
      Christ, how he commanded his disciples to remember him with the bread
      and the wine, and we pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit on us and
      what we do.]

Holy God, this meal which we share today is indeed the celebration of your love for the world - love spoken and revealed by Jesus, your beloved Son, our Lord. In him, the living bread from heaven, our hunger is eternally satisfied and our thirst forever quenched.

         [For, on the night of his betrayal, as he sat at the table and broke
     bread with his friends, he said:
         'Take and eat; this is my body which is
         broken for you. Remember me each time you do this.'
         After they had eaten, he took the cup, and said:
         'Remember me as you drink from this,
         for it is my life, poured out for you -
     the beginning of a new relationship with God.']

With this bread and this cup we do as our Saviour commands:
we celebrate the redemption he has won for us.

   Leader: ...     Christ has died!
   People:      Christ is risen!
   ALL:        CHRIST SHALL COME AGAIN!

God of all power, we praise you for these signs of your everlasting love. Breathe your Holy Spirit upon us, and upon these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be for us the life of Christ and that we may make that life visible through our faithful witness to him. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
   (by Moira Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/html/pentecost_13b.html)


/or/
We thank you that you called a covenant people to be a light to the nations.
Through Moses you taught us to love your law,
and in the prophets you cried out for justice.
In the fullness of your mercy you became one with us in Jesus Christ,
who gave himself up for us on the cross.
You make us alive together with him,
that we may rejoice in his presence and share his peace.
By water and the Spirit you open the kingdom to all who believe,
and welcome us to your table:
for by grace we are saved, through faith.

  [We bless you, Sovereign God, ruler of the universe,
   through our Lord Jesus Christ,
   who on the night of his betrayal took bread,
   gave you thanks, broke it,
   and gave it to his disciples, saying:
   Take this and eat it. This is my body given for you.
   Do this for the remembrance of me.
   In the same way, after supper, he took the cup,
   gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying:
   Drink from this, all of you.
   This is my blood of the new covenant
   poured out for you and for everyone
   for the forgiveness of sins.
   Do this, whenever you drink it, for the remembrance of me.]

With this bread and this cup we do as our Saviour commands:
we celebrate the redemption he has won for us.

   Leader: ...     Christ has died!
   People:      Christ is risen!
   ALL:   CHRIST SHALL COME AGAIN!

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Make us one with him, one with each other,
and one in ministry in the world,
until at last we feast with him in the kingdom.
Through your Son, Jesus Christ,  in your holy Church,
all honour and glory are yours,
Father almighty, now and for ever. AMEN.

ALL:  BLESSING AND HONOUR AND GLORY AND POWER
      ARE YOURS FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN!

   (Adapted from Eucharistic prayers by Moira Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/html/pentecost_4b.html)


[THE LORD'S PRAYER]

   Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
   Your kingdom come, Your will be done
    on earth as in heaven.
   Give us today our daily bread.
   Forgive us our sins
    as we forgive those who sin against us.
   Save us from the time of trial,
    and deliver us from evil.
   For the kingdom, the power,
    and the glory are yours,
    now and forever.  AMEN.

/or/
(An Alternate Translation)

   Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honoured.
   May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done
       on earth as in heaven.
   Give us today the food we need.
   Forgive us our wrongdoings
       as we forgive those who have wronged us.*
   Bring us through the hard-testing times
       and deliver us from evil's ways.
   For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours
       now and forever! AMEN.

         [translated and adapted by Rev. John Maynard]

    (* = or "Forgive us our offences
             as we forgive those who have offended us.")

/or/
(An Adaptation in Verse)

   Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept
      in reverence, honour and awe.
   Let Your Reign come and Your will be done,
      on earth as in heaven for all.

   Feed us today with the food we need;
      nourish, refresh us, we pray.
   Forgive our wrongdoings as we forgive
      those who have wronged us along the way.

   And as we go through hard-testing times
      deliver us from Evil’s way.
   For the Reign, the Power and Glory are Yours
      today and forever always.  AMEN.

        [Translated and adapted by Rev. John Maynard, Copyright 2005.
        May be used freely for public worship or personal devotion.]


[BREAKING OF THE BREAD and AGNUS DEI]

We break this bread and take this cup so that we can all share in the life of Christ. God’s gifts for God’s people.
   (by Moira Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/)


   Jesus, Firstborn of Mary:     HAVE MERCY ON US.
   Jesus, Saviour of the world:  HAVE MERCY ON US.
   Jesus, Monarch of heaven:     GRANT US PEACE.

/or/
   Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
     HAVE MERCY ON US.
   Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
     HAVE MERCY ON US.
   Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
     GRANT US PEACE.

L:   Lord, we come to You:
P: FOR YOU CAN MAKE US WHOLE.


[DISTRIBUTION]  /as per local custom/

/or/
[The people come forward down the aisle to the front of the Church (in front of the Lord's Table) where the minister is holding a large plate of folded loaves of Lebanese bread, they in turn tear a piece of bread for themselves and quietly move to the sides where the Elders are holding trays of (unfermented) wine,  they then move to the sides into a large circle.  It is optional to eat the bread and drink from the cups at this time, or to partake when the minister and Elders, who serve each other last, are ready to partake together. ... ]

The Ministering words:   

          The Bread of Life for You.
    The Cup of Salvation for You.

/or/    Behold of the Bread of Life.
    Behold the Cup of our Salvation.

/or/     The Body of Christ for You.
          The Blood of Christ for You.   

/or/    Jesus said: I am the Bread of Life;
          May Christ the Bread of Life keep you in eternal life.

          Jesus said: I am the Vine and You are the Branches;
          May Christ the True and Living Vine keep you in eternal life.


[FINAL PRAYER]

       ‘Bless the Lord, O my Soul,
       and all that is within me Bless God’s Holy name.
       Bless the Lord, O my Soul,
       and forget not all God’s benefits.’

Lord, your word and your sacrament give us food and life. May this gift of your Son lead us share his life for ever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
   (CanticaNova, http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/pln23b_l.htm)

/or/
Eternal God,  we thank you for making this no ordinary meal.  It has been  one in which we have been fed and nourished with Jesus, the living bread. May we go from here, refreshed and eager, to nourish others with his life and love.  In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN.
   (by Moira Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/html/pentecost_13b.html)

/or/
Revive Your Church with life and power. Loving God, source of renewal, open us to Your new life.  Enable us as Your community of faith to risk living the Way of Jesus.  Help us to put aside our love of security and to enter the new life of the Spirit.  Show us the Way of Jesus, the way to bring justice and peace in the world.  AMEN.

* HYMN OF FAITH:   TIS #129 (AHB #56) - "Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound!"
   /or/ TIS #595 (AHB #514) - "O Jesus, I Have Promised"
   /or/ TIS #607 (SA #66) - "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"

DEPARTING PRAYER:

God of all the world,
God of all the stars and planets,
God of all the plants and creatures:
You know us and You love us.  You listen when we pray.
You hear our sadness.  You feel our hurt.
You heal us and make us whole.
We celebrate life, living in Your amazing love;
through Christ our Lord.  AMEN.


COMMISSIONING:

   In the power of the Holy Spirit, we now go forth
   into the world, to fulfil our calling as the people of God, the body of
   Christ.
    (by Richard J. Fairchild, Aug. 2003)


BLESSING & DISMISSAL:

May God give you grace to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
May God give you strength to offer yourself to Him ...
And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Be with you now and remain in you always.  AMEN.
    (by David Adam, "Traces of Glory", Year B. p. 121.)

/or/
Go in peace,
and may the strength of God uphold you,
the wisdom of God guide you,
and the love of God fill you
day by day, now and forever. AMEN.
    (by Richard J. Fairchild, http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or24su.php)

/or/
May almighty God keep you from all harm
and bless you with every good gift. AMEN.

May he set his Word in your heart
and fill you with lasting joy. AMEN.

May you walk in his ways,
always knowing what is right and good,
until you enter your heavenly inheritance. AMEN.

   (See http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/plnhc_l.htm)

/or/
Go in peace and may God the Father - the Creator and Maker of Us All,
God the Son - our Redeemer and our Friend, and God the Holy Spirit - our Strength and our Inspiration -- draw close to you and bless you all with joy and love, and with clarity of vision and strength of purpose, both now and forevermore. AMEN.
    (by Richard J. Fairchild, http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or24sesn.php)


* BENEDICTION:  AHB # 162 – “Come, Children, Join to Sing” (vs. 2)

   Come, lift your hearts on high, hallelujah, amen;
   let praises fill the sky, hallelujah, amen;
   he is our guide and friend to us he'll condescend;
   his love shall never end: hallelujah, amen!

/or/  TIS #768 – “The Doxology” [Tune: Fairhill, by Jimmy Owens]

   Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
   Praise God all creatures here below.
   Praise God above you heavenly hosts.
   Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

/or/  "My Heart's Desire is to Worship the Lord"
/or/  Song #265 - "He is Our Peace" (Kandy Groves)

* POSTLUDE


===[ A GOSPEL REFLECTION ]===

"THINKING GOD'S WAY"

Jesus died at the hands of violent people,
And His disciples would have spared Him
Or told Him to live in such a way that
No harm would come to Him.
But God's way was the way of love,
They type of love that is proved in hardship,
The type of love that is understood only in God.

Illness for many years
May seem like a waste to some;
But we also see that within the illness
Was a strength that was life-giving to many,
And through it a deep love and faith was born,
Even in times of hardship and frustration
For a person who is ill and for carers.

God's way is not to see illness,
Disability or confusion,
Failure or mistakes,
As a waste,
But as a way to love;
For in the fragility of life we discover
Some of the deepest truths of human life.

It is God's way to see the child of God in everyone,
God's way to forgive and be reconciled,
God's way to work for justice and peace,
God's way to see, in the weakness of death,
The strong promise of eternity.

God sees no waste in life
For in everything love can grow and God can be found.
And that was the way for Jesus who said
That the son of Man was to suffer grievously,
Be put to death,
And on the third day rise again.

Jesus, once condemned to death,
Now raised to life in the love of God.

    -- Donald Neary SJ  (Communion Reflections, Year B, p. 67.)


===[ ANOTHER SUNDAY REFLECTION ]===

A family illustration ...I saw her mother take her aside.

When we take someone aside what do we have in mind? We might take a friend aside when know something they don't. As we see it, it is for the good of the person we take aside and perhaps for the good of the group also. What was happening then when Peter took Jesus aside?

This took place at an important time in the ministry of Jesus. Peter had for the first time confessed belief in Jesus as the Messiah (Mark 8:28-29). There had been earlier recognitions of Jesus as the Messiah (e.g. cf. John 1:40-42,45; Mark 1:24-25). But Peter's confession was different He was putting his trust in Jesus. Peter was ready now to make a commitment to go with him wherever he might lead; or so he thought, until Jesus began to tell them something quite shocking about what it would mean for himself and for them (Mark 8:31-32). Peter clearly had misunderstood what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah. There were guides to it in the Hebrew Scriptures (e.g. Daniel 7:13-14 which fits the idea of a Messiah If Jesus intended to pick up this idea when he used the title Son of Man for himself, he certainly wanted to give it some new content.) He might be destined for glory, but he was first going to be the suffering servant, and that did not fit with Peter's conception of a glorious kingdom..

What is its message for us? There was more to it than Peter simply misunderstanding. It was a very serious error, sufficient for Jesus call him Satan (Mark 8:33). Who else had said to Jesus that if he was the Messiah God would not allow him to suffer? It was Satan, when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6). When Peter took Jesus aside he thought he knew. The Messiah must not suffer. The Kingdom depends on it, he thought. And it was a real temptation to Jesus. The message for us ought to be clear. We are in danger of taking Jesus aside. We all have our own human idea of what we want Jesus to be like. Our conformity to the dominant culture demands that Jesus be the kind of Messiah we would like him to be and it rebukes him for challenging our preconceived ideas about him. Above all it misses the call of Jesus to meet him at the foot of the cross. His call is to follow him to Jerusalem; to see him die (Mark 8:34-35).

To share in the new life of the Messiah in the Kingdom of God is first of all to share in his death. It requires us to be prepared to die to all our preconceived ideas of him and about the kind of life that we hope to live. Let us not then take Jesus aside to correct him, but rather let him correct us, so that we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice and hope to live with him for ever.

    (by David Beswick. Full Sermon at
      http://www.beswick.info/rclresources/24B9100Ser.htm)


===[ A REFLECTION ON THE EPISTLE ]===

[Note:  Each verse can be read by a different speaker]

"GOSSIP"   (from "Be Our Freedom, Lord", p. 402)

Nobody who fails to control the tongue can claim to be religious; this is mere self-deception; that person's religion is worthless
(James 1:26)

Gossip tells you more about the person who tattles it than about the person whose life it pries into.
(Berris Falla)

Think how small a flame can set fire to a huge forest; the tongue is flame like that.
(James 3:5)

You will never be an inwardly religious and devout person unless you pass over in silence and diligently examine your own weaknesses.
(Thomas à Kempis)

If you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.
(Jesus - Matthew 6: 14-15)

O Church, Church, you that stone the prophets, that criticise those who dare to be different, that tear to pieces those who would serve you best; you that break reputations to pieces, who destroy growing souls with false kindness, who pour out the unkind gossip behind the hand: you judge without bringing to trial, you condemn without hearing the defence ...

In that hour alone shall you be open to receive my love, when you have forsaken judgement and found forgiving grace.
(Joan Brockelsby)

You, yes, you, why do you pass judgement on your brother or sister?  And you, why do you hold your brother or sister in contempt?  All of us will stand before God to be judged.  For it is written:

    "As I live, says the Lord, everyone shall kneel before me,
    and everyone confess that I am God."

So, you see, each of us will be accountable to God.  Let us therefore no longer pass judgement on one another, but resolve instead never to be the cause of a brother or sister tripping or falling.
 (Paul of Tarsus - Rom. 14:10-13)

Leader:  It is true, Lord.

People:  To appear righteous, we point a finger at the faults of others.

Leader:  To camouflage flows in our own character, we delight in the weaknesses of others.

People:  To gain favour or promotion, we assassinate someone's character.

Leader:  To have something to say, we gossip like gulls keening over scraps.

People:  We criticise without thought for the consequences.

Leader:  We judge without understanding, and condemn without knowing the circumstances.

People:  Forgive us, and help us this very day to make a new beginning.

And now, my friends, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is just and pure, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable -  fill all your thoughts with these things.  AMEN.

(Paul of Tarsus - Philippians 4:8)