One
of the songs used much in church today says, "there's
joy in giving." In his farewell address, Jesus
said to his apostles that he wanted to share his joy
with them to the full. And Paul, speaking from his own
experience, says that there is more happiness in giving
than in receiving. The Lord and the apostles gave themselves
to others. In how far can we do this? And what a joy
it would be if we could all be one!
Opening
Prayer
Lord
our God,
your Son Jesus gave himself totally
to those he loved - that is, to all.
Give us a bit of his unselfish love
that we too may learn from experience
that there is more joy in giving ourselves
than in receiving honors or favors.
May the Spirit make us also so much one
that we graciously share with one another
our God-given riches and gifts as persons.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
Liturgy
of the Word
First
Reading: Acts 20:28-38
Keep
watch over yourselves and over the whole flock the Holy
Spirit has placed into your care. Shepherd the Church
of the Lord that he has won at the price of his own
blood. I know that after I leave, ruthless wolves will
come among you and not spare the flock. And from among
you, some will arise corrupting the truth and inducing
the disciples to follow them.
Be
on the watch, therefore, remembering that for three
years, night and day, I did not cease to warn everyone
even with tears. Now I commend you to God and to his
grace-filled word, which is able to make you grow and
gain the inheritance that you shall share with all the
saints.
I
have not looked for anyone's silver, gold or clothing.
You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided
for both my needs and the needs of those who were with
me. In every way I have shown you that by so working
hard one must help the weak, remembering the words that
the Lord Jesus himself said, 'Happiness lies more in
giving than in receiving.'"
After
this discourse, Paul knelt down with them and prayed.
Then they all began to weep and threw their arms around
him and kissed him. They were deeply distressed because
he had said that they would never see him again. And
they went with him even to the ship.
R
(33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R Alleluia.
Show forth, O God, your power,
the power, O God, with which you took our part;
For your temple in Jerusalem
let the kings bring you gifts. R Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R Alleluia.
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,
chant praise to the Lord
who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.
Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:
"Confess the power of God!" R Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R Alleluia.
Over Israel is his majesty;
his power is in the skies.
Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people. R Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R Alleluia.
Gospel
Reading: Jn 17:11-19
Jesus
looked up to heaven and prayed, "I am no longer
in the world, but they are in the world whereas I am
going to you. Holy Father, keep them in your Name (that
you have given me,) so that they may be one, just as
we are.
"When
I was with them, I kept them safe in your Name, and
not one was lost except the one who was already lost,
and in this the Scripture was ful filled. But now I
am coming to you and I leave these my words in the world
that my joy may be complete in them. I have given them
your word and the world has hated them because they
are not of the world; just as I am not of the world.
I do not ask you to remove them from the world but to
keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world,
just as
I
am not of the world; consecrate them in the truth-your
word is truth.
"I have sent them into the world as you sent me
into the world, and for their sake, I go to the sacrifice
by which I am consecrated, so that they too may be consecrated
in truth."
Commentary
St.
Augustine said so aptly that we are called to be in the
world but not of the world. We have here no lasting city,
for we are but sojourners, strangers in a strange land.
Is it any wonder that we feel at times that we do not
belong, that our cares are beyond the limitations of this
world, and that we are destined for things greater that
what the world can offer?
May we store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, so
that we might one day enjoy the fruits of doing the Lord's
work here on earth.
General
Intercessions
- For
the Church we love, that it may bring forgiveness and love
to all, welcome all, care for all, inspire all with the
gentle power of the Holy Spirit, we pray:
- For lawmakers, that the Spirit may prompt them to make
good laws that are fair to all, we pray:
- For outcasts and victims of discrimination, that our communities
may accept them fully and make our love so spontaneous and
warm that they feel accepted, we pray:
Prayer
over the Gifts
Lord
our God,
your Son ate with sinners and tax collectors
while the devout people of his time
blamed both him and the weak.
Accept us at his table and teach us not to exclude anyone
with a "holier-than-you" attitude.
Do not allow us to condemn
those who are different or act differently
but make us accept them as you accept us
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer
after Communion
God
our Father,
you have given us the privilege
to hear the Word of your Son and to share his table,
not because we are better than others
but simply because you are good.
Do not allow us to become hard
or to look down with pride on others
but keep reminding us
that we are in constant need of conversion
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessing
We
should learn to appreciate whatever good is done by whatever
person. The Spirit inspires many people to do good in a
variety of ways. Good for them! May almighty God bless them
and you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Claretian Publications MACAU