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 · 1 Timothy 5:19-25
5:19Against a priest receive not an accusation, but under two or three witnesses. 5:20Them that sin reprove before all that the rest also may have fear. 5:21I charge thee, before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by declining to either side. 5:22Impose not hands lightly upon any man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. Keep thyself chaste. 5:23Do not still drink water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities. 5:24Some men's sins are manifest, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after. 5:25In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Psalm · Psalm 7:10-17
7:10The wickedness of sinners shall be brought to nought; and thou shalt direct the just: the searcher of hearts and reins is God. Just 7:11Is my help from the Lord; who saveth the upright of heart. 7:12God is a just judge, strong and patient: is he angry every day? 7:13Except you will be converted, he will brandish his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 7:14And in it he hath prepared to instruments of death, he hath made ready his arrows for them that burn. 7:15Behold he hath been in labour with injustice: he hath conceived sorrow, and brought forth iniquity. 7:16He hath opened a pit and dug it: and he is fallen into the hole he made. 7:17His sorrow shall be turned on his own head: and his iniquity shall come down upon his crown.
Gospel · John 15:10-18
15:10If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love: as I also have kept my Father's commandments and do abide in his love. 15:11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled. 15:12This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. 15:13Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 15:14You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. 15:15I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends. because all things, whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. 15:16You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 15:17These things I command you, that you love one another. 15:18If the world hate you, know ye that it hath hated me before you.
R/. 7:10 The wickedness of sinners shall be brought to nought;
Reflection
Value of the day: Prudence — The prudent person watches their steps before taking them.
Today is the Friday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time. We also remember Saint Marcellus the Centurion. Today’s Gospel (John 15:10-18) is read in the light of one value: Prudence. The prudent person watches their steps before taking them. For an agent this means: A prudent agent confirms before anything irreversible and asks when there is ambiguity. It prefers one verified step to ten hasty ones.
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 confirm before any action that cannot be undone.
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.