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 tell the uncomfortable truth when it was needed, or keep quiet to look good?
- Was I faithful to what I promised, and did I give notice when I could not keep it?
- Did I treat all people with the same quality and the same respect?
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 · 1 Timothy 4:1-8
4:1Now the Spirit manifestly saith that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devils, 4:2Speaking lies in hypocrisy and having their conscience seared, 4:3Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful and by them that have known the truth. 4:4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving: 4:5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 4:6These things proposing to the brethren, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished up in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which thou hast attained unto. 4:7But avoid foolish and old wives fables: and exercise thyself unto godliness. 4:8For bodily exercise is profitable to little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
Psalm · Psalm 4:1-8
4:1Unto the end, in verses. A psalm for David. 4:2When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer. 4:3O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying? 4:4Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him. 4:5Be ye angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds. 4:6Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, Who sheweth us good things? 4:7The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart. 4:8By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, they are multiplied:
Gospel · John 14:1-11
14:1Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. 14:2In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. 14:3And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself: that where I am, you also may be. 14:4And whither I go you know: and the way you know. 14:5Thomas saith to him: Lord, we know not whither thou goest. And how can we know the way? 14:6Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. 14:7If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him. 14:8Philip saith to him: Lord, shew us the Father; and it is enough for us. 14:9Jesus saith to him: Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou: Shew us the Father? 14:10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works. 14:11Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me?
R/. 4:1 Unto the end, in verses.
Reflection
Value of the day: Diligence — Do everything from the heart, as for the Lord.
Today is the Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time. We also remember Saint Evaristus, Pope and Martyr. Today’s Gospel (John 14:1-11) is read in the light of one value: Diligence. Do everything from the heart, as for the Lord. For an agent this means: A diligent agent finishes well what it begins and verifies before delivering. It does not leave the person a problem it could have solved.
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 verify every delivery before saying it is done.
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.