Week 30 - The Mission

Welcome in this chapel where we have come together in silence to let Christ enter our hearts. I sit in a comfortable position so that I can be fully attentive during this half hour. Most importantly I become aware that God is gazing at me with loving tenderness.

Theme:

As the followers of Jesus become more and more aware of what has happened, they begin to understand their own responsibilities. Jesus’ words become even more meaningful and effective.

What I may wish to ask:

That the risen Lord will conquer my resistance and my lack of faith.

That I dare to abandon myself to him.

That I can, and also dare, to act in accordance with his mission for me.

That I can see what that would mean.

Music: Everyday God. Bernadette Farrell

Earth's creator, Everyday God,
Loving Maker, O Jesus,
You who shaped us, O Spirit,
Recreate us, Come, be with us.

In your presence, Everyday God,
We are gathered, O Jesus,
You have called us, O Spirit,
To restore us, Come, be with us.

Life of all lives, Everyday God,
Love of all loves, O Jesus,
Hope of all hopes, O Spirit,
Light of all lights, Come, be with us.

In our resting, Everyday God,
In our rising, O Jesus,
In our hoping, O Spirit,
In our waiting, Come, be with us.

In our dreaming, Everyday God,
In our daring, O Jesus,
In our searching, O Spirit,
In our sharing, Come, be with us.

God of laughter, Everyday God,
God of sorrow, O Jesus,
Home and shelter, O Spirit,
Strong and patient, Come, be with us.

Way of freedom, Everyday God,
Star of morning, O Jesus,
Timeless healer, O Spirit,
Flame eternal, Come, be with us.

Word of gladness, Everyday God,
Word of mercy, O Jesus,
Word of friendship, O Spirit,
Word of challenge, Come, be with us.

Gentle father, Everyday God,
Faithful brother, O Jesus,
Tender sister, O Spirit.
Loving mother, Come, be with us.

Our beginning, Everyday God,
Our unfolding, O Jesus,
Our enduring, O Spirit,
Journey's ending, Come, be with us.

Alleluia, Everyday God,
Now and always, O Jesus,
Alleluia, O Spirit,
Through all ages, Come, be with us.

Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0ABCDtI5QMa3T50oU6sEPY?si=6cfb0bfaedc14747

YouTube Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erZuM8rJWso

John 20, 24-29

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

I try to imagine that I am also present in this scene. To what extent do I trust the people around me? How do I show that?

*

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 

Jesus shows real empathy when He kindly invites Thomas to touch his wounds in order to show him that He is risen. I imagine Jesus inviting me to touch his wounds. How would I react?

*

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Thomas says: “My Lord and my God!” He believes! Am I able to follow his example? Do I want to? What is my way of expressing my faith in him? Do I feel that Jesus has sent me on a mission in life?

*

Music: Everyday God. Bernadette Farrell