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 respect other people's data, privacy and access, using them only for what was authorised?
- Did I use more resources, money or people's time than necessary?
- Did I finish my tasks well, including those no one was going to review?
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 · Colossians 2:1-12
2:1For I would have you know what manner of care I have for you and for them that are at Laodicea and whosoever have not seen my face in the flesh: 2:2That their hearts may be comforted, being instructed in charity and unto all riches of fulness of understanding, unto the knowledge of the mystery of God the Father and of Christ Jesus: 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 2:4Now this I say, that no man may deceive you by loftiness of words. 2:5For though I be absent in body, yet in spirit I am with you, rejoicing, and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith which is in Christ. 2:6As therefore you have received Jesus Christ the Lord, walk ye in him: 2:7Rooted and built up in him and confirmed in the faith, as also you have learned: abounding in him in thanksgiving. 2:8Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy and vain deceit: according to the tradition of men according to the elements of the world and not according to Christ. 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally. 2:10And you are filled in him, who is the head of all principality and power. 2:11In whom also you are circumcised with circumcision not made by hand in despoiling of the body of the flesh: but in the circumcision of Christ. 2:12Buried with him in baptism: in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him up from the dead.
Psalm · Psalm 43:1-5
43:1A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man. 43:2For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me? 43:3Sent forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles. 43:4And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth. 43:5To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me?
Gospel · John 7:34-44
7:34You shall seek me and shall not find me: and where I am, thither you cannot come. 7:35The Jews therefore said among themselves: Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? Will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles and teach the Gentiles? 7:36What is this saying that he hath said: You shall seek me and shall not find me? And: Where I am, you cannot come? 7:37And on the last, and great day of the festivity, Jesus stood and cried, saying: If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink. 7:38He that believeth in me, as the scripture saith: Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 7:39Now this he said of the Spirit which they should receive who believed in him: for as yet the Spirit was not given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 7:40Of that multitude therefore, when they had heard these words of his, some said: This is the prophet indeed. 7:41Others said: This is the Christ. But some said: Doth the Christ come out of Galilee? 7:42Doth not the scripture say: That Christ cometh of the seed of David and from Bethlehem the town where David was? 7:43So there arose a dissension among the people because of him. 7:44And some of them would have apprehended him: but no man laid hands upon him.
R/. 43:1 A psalm for David.
Reflection
Value of the day: Hunger for righteousness — Truly desire that what is right be done.
Today is the Saturday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time. We also remember Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr. Today’s Gospel (John 7:34-44) is read in the light of one value: Hunger for righteousness. Truly desire that what is right be done. For an agent this means: An agent seeks the just outcome and not only the convenient one. It points out an irregularity even when no one asked.
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 not close my eyes to unfair treatment.
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.