Embracing a Common Future

 

 

Edmund Rice Christian Brothers

North America

Thursday, 09 August 2007

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DEEPENING THE SPIRITUALITY

OF THE HEART OF BEING BROTHER

[New!]Gift Theme

 

Creator God, our origin and guide,

gifts without measure flow from your goodness

to bring us you peace.

Our life is your daily gift.

Guide our life’s journey,

for only your love makes us whole.

Keep us strong in your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11: 29

 

From your point of view as you hear and embrace the good news of the Message, it looks like the Jews are God's enemies. But looked at from the long-range perspective of God's overall purpose, they remain God's oldest friends. God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty--never canceled, never rescinded.

 

There was a time not so long ago when you were on the outs with God. But then the Jews slammed the door on him and things opened up for you. In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that he can personally open the door and welcome us back in.

 

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.

 

Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.

 

Response Thomas Merton’s Prayer

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,

and the fact that I think that I am following your will

does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.

And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this

you will lead me by the right road

though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always

though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,

and will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Thomas Merton

 

PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING

What will be a gift given to me by God that I will treasure during this day?

 

Intentions Instead of petitions for others, create petitions around the gifts you recall this day, and ask for help to keep these in mind as the day progresses.

 

 

Closing Prayer

Lord,

you give us the strength of continuous new life

by the daily gifts you bestow upon us.

Keep us safe in your love

and forgive our sins when we have fallen and

restore us to life in you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Closing Song     ‘Simple Gifts’ or other suitable hymn