As we enter this time of reflection and step away from distraction, let us be still and call to mind the presence of God within and around us.
Opening Prayer
Triune God, wondrous community of infinite love
RESPONSE: We marvel at the manifold connections existing among all creatures.
Teach us to contemplate you in the web of all relationships
RESPONSE: For all things speak your beauty
Reading 1: From the Gospel of St. John
Return to your heart! Why do you go away from yourselves, and perish from yourselves? Why do you go the ways of solitude? You go astray by wandering about. Return. Where? To the Lord. It is quickly done!
First, return to your heart. You are wandering without, an exile from yourself; you do not know yourself, and you ask by whom you were made! Return, return to the heart! See there what perhaps you perceive about God, because the image of God is there.
In the inner self Christ dwells; in the inner self you are renewed according to the image of God.
Song: Endless Is Your Love
Reading 2: Acts of the Apostles 4: 31-35
As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
The community of believers was of one heart and mind.
No one claimed that any of one’s possessions were one’s own, but they had everything in common. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles and they were distributed to each according to need.
Reflection Questions
Who am I before God?
Who are others for me before God?
What is my relationship with the rest of nature before God?
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle us in the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and we shall be recreated! And you will renew the face of the Earth!
Amen.