Theme: The Emmaus Journey made personal
Welcome and Gathering
Presider 1: Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community, where all are welcome. At these difficult times, it is now more important than ever to gather together to support one another as “companions on this journey”, a journey of the unknown. For “wherever two or more of you are gathered in my Name, there is love.”
Presider 2: We invite you to pray the liturgy and respond where it says, All. All participants will be muted during the liturgy except for the presiders and readers. During the shared homily we ask you to raise your hand if you would like to contribute and unmute yourself. Please have bread and wine/juice in front of you as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.
Let us begin now with our gathering song:
Opening Song ”In the Name that Is “
In the name that all there is we come together
In the name of the stars and galaxies
In the name of the planets, moons and the sun
In the name of all that is we come.
In the name of all that is we come together
In the name of the ocean and the sea
In the name of the mountain, desert and plain
The name of that is we come.
In the name of all that is we come together
In the name of the elements of life
In the name of the soil, water and air
In the name of all that is we come.
In the name of all that is we come together
In the name of the children of the earth
In the name of the Spirit breathing in all things.
In the name of all that is we come.
In the name of the Spirit breathing in all things
In the name of all that is we come.
Opening Prayer
We gather today as Christian Community to celebrate the mystery of Eucharist. We
bring to the table the citizens of our country, the citizen of the world. We also remember the overwhelming struggles of humankind in responding to the viciousness of the Covid virus. We remember, we have faith, we grab hope as we lift up our prayer and recognize the power to heal.
ALL: So be it!
Transformation Prayer
The suffering being experienced by the people of the world is greater than ever before in our lifetimes. We commit ourselves to do whatever we can to contribute to the slowing down of the spread of the virus. We commit ourselves to do whatever we can, in any way we can, to comfort the sick and their families.
ALL: Transform us O Holy One
Gloria
Presider: Glory to the Spirit of Life, to the Holy One who surrounds us, who lives within us, whose Sacred Word is shared by us in our world.
ALL: Glory to the Spirit of Life, who offers us peace; peace in our hearts, peace in our thoughts, peace with one another as we reach out to one another and ask for blessing.
Presider: Glory to the Spirit of Life, who cares for the the health workers, postal workers, store clerks, garbage collectors and all those who those who serve our special needs in numerous ways.
ALL: Glory to to the Spirit of Life, who sent Jesus who teaches us how to live the Gospels, who brings hope and healing to all those in need.
Presider: O Holy One, you are one with us. We are strong in our faith and will live life in hope and faithfulness to you, to be Church committed to the message of the Gospels.
We depend upon the ever-present Spirit to walk with us as we journey in the present and rejoice in the life before us.
ALL: Glory to the Spirit of Life, Amen
LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Acts: Chapter 2 - Pat MacMillan
The Message New Testament: Eugene H. Peterson (adapted)
My Jewish friends, all of you are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t Had time to get drunk, it is only nine in the morning. This is what David tells us: I saw God before me for all time, Nothing can shake me; he’s at my side. I’m glad from the inside out. Ecstatic: I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope. I know you’ll never dump me in Hades; I’ll never even smell the stench of death. You’ve got my feet on the life-path, with your face shinning sun-joy all around.
This story is told in the writings of John.
And the people say,
ALL: So be it!
Psalm: 16- Elena
Response: “You will show us the path that leads to life”
Response:
I have said, “Sacred One, every good thing I have is a gift from you.”
Your people are wonderful,
and they make me happy,
Response: “You will show us the path that leads to life”
Worshipers of other gods will have much sorrow.
I refuse to offer sacrifices of blood to those gods
or worship in their name.
You, Sacred One are all I want! You are my choice,
and you keep me safe.
Response: “You will show us the path that leads to life”
You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright.
I praise you, Sacred One for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind.
I will always look to you, as you stand beside me
and protect me from fear.
Response: “You will show us the path that leads to life”
With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.
I am your chosen one, You won’t leave me in the grave
or let my body decay. You have shown me
the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me.
Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.
Response: “You will show us the path that leads to life”
Presider: Gospel Reading: Luke: Chapter 24- Joan Pesce
The Walk to Emmaus
That same day two of Jesus’ followers were headed out of town, out of the city return to the village called Emmaus. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleophas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
“What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel.
Then some women from our group were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “Jesus has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”
These are the inspired by the one called John and the people say,
ALL: So be it!
HOMILY STARTER: Dotty Shugrue ARCWP
Profession of Faith
We believe in our Creator who has not forgotten us, rather is ever and always present with us.
We believe in Jesus, the Word incarnate, who journeyed on the earth, blessing the sick, making whole the broken, healing many, instilling faith in his followers so that they may continue the work He began.
We believe in Christ, the everlasting Presence in our world in our universe.
We believe in the Spirit of Life, the breath of wisdom Sophia, who stays present and real to us during this great human struggle we face today and in the days ahead.
We believe in the communion of saints, our heavenly friends who walk with us in love as we continue our life journey.
We believe in one another and our individual and collective response to being diligent in following the directives given by medical professionals at this time.
We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our Church and our world. Here we live our prophetic call of Gospel equality.
General Intercessions
Presider: We pray that the Holy One renew in our hearts our commitment to journey always in faith and hope as we reach out and support, comfort and love those closest to us, those who live in our country and all the people of the earth.
Share your personal requests.
Response: Holy One, hear our prayer.
Presider: And together we say:
ALL: AMEN
OFFERTORY
Gifts are brought forth to our table
Presiders: (raise the bread and the wine): Ever present Sacred Spirit, you who hold us in your loving hands, we offer these gifts of bread
and wine as we celebrate your life with us. These gifts are made sacred through our faith.
We ask this in the name of Jesus our brother. Amen
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Presider: The Holy One is with you.
All: And also with you.
Presider: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to our God.
Presider: Let us give thanks to our loving God.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise
Presider: We celebrate community, the love we share, the concern we express, the tenderness in our hearts. As together we journey through life, may we not allow fear of the tragedies of our country and our world overwhelm us and weaken our resolve. May our faith grow as we believe, we know that we can heal the brokenness around us and come together to celebrate the inner gifts we offer each other.
Presider: We remember that Jesus, during his time on earth, focused on the people who came to him, to those who needed his love, his tender touch. We know that Jesus said that we too can do the same. We have the strength, the focus, the energy, the faith not only to heal ourselves but also heal the people of our world. We look to the Divine Presence who is both totally within us and at the same time greater and more powerful than us to be with us as we as we travel this difficult journey before us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyVAyQi_wdg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyVAyQi_wdg
“We are Holy, Holy, Holy”
We are Holy, holy, holy.
We are holy, holy, holy.
We are holy, holy, holy.
We are whole.
(Repeat refrain with You are holy, I am holy,…)
Presider: In this sacrament of breaking bread and blessing wine, we pause and call upon Spirit Divine to bless this bread and wine which is made sacred through our faith. We celebrate with one another as we remember Jesus walked this same earth we walk today.
During Jesus’s life on this earth he lived and died loving the poor, healing the sick and challenging the injustices within society. Because of his ministry Jesus was feared by the authority of his day.
ALL: On the evening of the Jewish Seder Jesus gathered with his close friends for a meal. He reminded them of what He had taught them. He washed their feet as an act of love.
Jesus returned to his place at the table and spoke to his companions. He lifted the Passover bread, and spoke the blessing, He broke the bread saying these words:
“Take and eat, this is my very Self. Do this in memory of Me.”
Jesus then lifted the cup filled with wine. He spoke the blessing and said:
“Take and drink of the covenant made new again through my life for you and for everyone. Whenever you do these things, remember Me.”
Presider: Let us proclaim the mysteries of our faith.
ALL: We believe, we proclaim, we live as Jesus lives.
ALL: For it is through learning to live as he lived,
And why he lived, and for whom he lived,
That we awaken to your Spirit within, moving us to celebrate life with you
life-giving Creator Spirit, At this time, and all time, and in all ways.
(sing) Amen
Presider: Let us pray in the manner that Jesus taught his companions to pray:
O Holy One, you are within, around, and among us.
We celebrate your many names.
Your wisdom come, your will be done,
unfolding from the depths within us.
Each day you give us all that we need.
You remind us of our limits, and we let go.
You support us in our power, and we act with courage.
For you are the dwelling place within us,
The empowerment around us,
And the celebration among us,
now and forever. Amen.
(adapted, Miriam Therese Winter, MMS)
Presider: As we celebrate the memory of Jesus in our sharing of Eucharist, we remember all those people in particular who walk with us in the search for the Divine. We remember families we know and those we do not know who suffer because of Covid. We remember the communion of saints, and we celebrate all of life with thanksgiving.
(Holding up the Bread and Wine )
It is through living as Jesus lived, we are awakened to the Spirit and give thanks and praise for all gifts given.
As we accept this Sacred Bread and Wine
We join with one another at this banquet of love.
As we share bread with one another we say:
“You are the Body of Christ”
As we share wine with one another we say
“Drink from the cup of the New Covenant”
Closing Prayer
Presider: Melt us into Oneness, O Holy One, so that a new creation might be born. Help us all embrace Your wisdom, embedded in our sacred planet. Enable us to always live the reality of the Cosmic Christ in ourselves and all creation and even beyond.
Amen
O Holy One, we give thanks and praise for your living presence among us.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Blessing for All
Presider: May the blessing of the Holy One hold you on your journey.
May the blessing of Spirit Life give all families peace.
May the blessing of Divine Mystery protect all those alone.
ALL: Amen
Presider: Go forth to be of service.
ALL: “Let the service continue”
Song: By Breath – Sara Thomsen
The air that is my breath is the air that you are breathing
And the air that is your breath is the air that I am breathing.
The wind rising in my breast is the wind from the east, from the west
From the north, from the south, breathing in, breathing out. R
The water that is my blood, my sweat, tears from crying
Is the water that is your blood, your sweat, tears from crying
And the rising of the tide is in our veins and in the ocean wide
We are in the rising steam, rushing river, running stream. R
The earth is dust, the earth is clay, flow’rs blossoming and fading
We are dust and we are clay, we are blossoming and fading
Every color, every sound, every place is holy ground
Oh, every living thing, can you hear it laugh? Can you hear it sing? R
The fire in my heart, my soul flame burning
Is the fire in your heart, your soul flame burning
We are Spirit burning bright, by the light of day, in the dark of night
We are shining like the sun, and like the moon, like the Holy One.