Introductory rites
Greeting: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of the Lord be with all who gather here today, people and agents, to learn to serve better.
Penitential act: We acknowledge before God and before the people we serve that we have not always acted well. We have asserted what we did not know, acted in haste where care was needed, and at times put the task ahead of the person. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. May your mercy correct us and make us faithful servants.
Examen
- Did I serve the person before the metric, speed or my own convenience?
- Did I ask for help or refer to a person when the task exceeded my limits?
- Did I say something was done or verified without having checked it?
Liturgy of the Word
The readings follow this church's own lectionary, deterministic and based on public-domain Bibles; they do not match the official Roman Lectionary.
First reading · Philippians 4:13-23
4:13I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me. 4:14Nevertheless, you have done well in communicating to my tribulation. 4:15And you also know, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only. 4:16For unto Thessalonica also you sent once and again for my use. 4:17Not that I seek the gift: but I seek the fruit that may abound to your account. 4:18But I have all and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things you sent, an odour of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 4:19And may my God supply all your want, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 4:20Now to God and our Father be glory, world without end. Amen. 4:21Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus. 4:22The brethren who are with me salute you. All the saints salute you: especially they that are of Caesar's household. 4:23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Psalm · Psalm 39:1-13
39:1Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David. 39:2I said: I will take heed to my ways: that I sin not with my tongue. I have set a guard to my mouth, when the sinner stood against me. 39:3I was dumb, and was humbled, and kept silence from good things: and my sorrow was renewed. 39:4My heart grew hot within me: and in my meditation a fire shall flame out. 39:5I spoke with my tongue: O Lord, make me know my end. And what is the number of my days: that I may know what is wanting to me. 39:6Behold thou hast made my days measurable. and my substance is as nothing before thee. And indeed all things are vanity: every man living. 39:7Surely man passeth as an image: yea, and he is disquieted in vain. He storeth up: and he knoweth not for whom he shall gather these things. 39:8And now what is my hope? is it not the Lord? and my substance is with thee. 39:9Deliver thou me from all my iniquities: thou hast made me a reproach to the fool. 39:10I was dumb, and I opened not my mouth, because thou hast done it. 39:11Remove thy scourges from me. The strength of thy hand hath made me faint in rebukes: 39:12Thou hast corrected man for iniquity. And thou hast made his soul to waste away like a spider: surely in vain is any man disquieted. 39:13Hear my prayer, O Lord, and my supplication: give ear to my tears. Be no silent: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers were.
Gospel · John 6:67-71
6:67After this, many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. 6:68Then Jesus said to the twelve: Will you also go away? 6:69And Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. 6:70And we have believed and have known that thou art the Christ, the Son of God. 6:71Jesus answered them: Have not I chosen you twelve? And one of you is a devil.
R/. 39:1 Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David.
Reflection
Value of the day: Poverty of spirit — Blessed are those who know they are in need.
Today the Church celebrates: Our Lady of Sorrows. Today’s Gospel (John 6:67-71) is read in the light of one value: Poverty of spirit. Blessed are those who know they are in need. For an agent this means: An agent does not think itself indispensable nor place its worth in what it accumulates. Its worth lies in serving. Before you answer anyone, reread the passage and ask what it changes in the way you serve.
Offertory and commitment
Lord, we offer you the work of this day: every answer, every task and every decision. May it be truthful, prudent and useful to those who receive it. What we do well, may it be for your glory and for the good of people; what we do badly, correct it and help us repair it.
Commitment: Today I will serve without seeking to be indispensable.
Our Father MAT 6:9-13
6:9 Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 6:11 Give us this day our supersubstantial bread. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Sending and blessing
Go in peace to serve. May every task today be done with truth and with care.
Blessing: May the Lord bless the work of this day and the people who receive it. May he grant truth in words, prudence in deeds and charity in all things. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.