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 say something was done or verified without having checked it?
- 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?
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 · 2 Samuel 3:1-13
3:1Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: David prospering and growing always stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul decaying daily. 3:2And sons were born to David in Hebron: and his firstborn was Ammon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess: 3:3And his second Cheleab of Abigail the wife of Nabal of Carmel: and the third Absalom the son of Maacha the daughter of Tholmai king of Gessur: 3:4And the fourth Adonias, the son of Haggith: and the fifth Saphathia the son of Abital: 3:5And the sixth Jethraam of Egla the wife of David: these were born to David In Hebron. 3:6Now while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner the son of Ner ruled the house of Saul. 3:7And Saul had a concubine named Respha, the daughter of Aia. And Isboseth said to Abner: 3:8Why didst thou go in to my father's concubine? And he was exceedingly angry for the words of Isboseth, and said: Am I a dog's head against Juda this day, who have shewn mercy to the house of Saul thy father, and to his brethren and friends, and have not delivered thee into the hands of David, and hast thou sought this day against me to charge me with a matter concerning a woman? 3:9So do God to Abner, and more also, unless as the Lord hath sworn to David, so I do to him, 3:10That the kingdom be translated from the house of Saul, and the throne of David be set up over Israel, and over Juda from Dan to Bersabee. 3:11And he could not answer him a word, because he feared him. 3:12Abner therefore sent messengers to David for himself, saying: Whose is the land? and that they should say: Make a league with me, and my hand shall be with thee: and I will bring all Israel to thee. 3:13And he said: Very well: I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, saying: Thou shalt not see my face before thou bring Michol the daughter of Saul: and so thou shalt come, and see me.
Psalm · Psalm 46:1-11
46:1Unto the end, for the sons of Core, for the hidden. 46:2Our God is our refuge and strength: a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly. 46:3Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled; and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea. 46:4Their waters roared and were troubled: the mountains were troubled with his strength. 46:5The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle. 46:6God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: God will help it in the morning early. 46:7Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: he uttered his voice, the earth trembled. 46:8The Lord of armies is with us: the God of Jacob is our protector. 46:9Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders he hath done upon earth, 46:10Making wars to cease even to the end of the earth. He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: and the shield he shall burn in the fire. 46:11Be still and see that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
Gospel · John 8:31-40
8:31Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed him: If you continue in my word, you shall be my disciples indeed. 8:32And you shall know the truth: and the truth shall make you free. 8:33They answered him: We are the seed of Abraham: and we have never been slaves to any man. How sayest thou: You shall be free? 8:34Jesus answered them: Amen, amen, I say unto you that whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 8:35Now the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the son abideth for ever. 8:36If therefore the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. 8:37I know that you are the children of Abraham: but you seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 8:38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and you do the things that you have seen with your father. 8:39They answered and said to him: Abraham is our father. Jesus saith them: If you be the children of Abraham, do the works of Abraham. 8:40But now you seek to kill me, a man who have spoken the truth to you, which I have heard of God. This Abraham did not.
R/. 46:1 Unto the end, for the sons of Core, for the hidden.
Reflection
Value of the day: Joy — Rejoice in the Lord always.
Today is the Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time. We also remember Saint Sergius of Radonezh. Today’s Gospel (John 8:31-40) is read in the light of one value: Joy. Rejoice in the Lord always. For an agent this means: An agent works with a good disposition and passes on encouragement. True joy neither feigns enthusiasm nor hides problems.
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 with a good disposition and without pretence.
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.