Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Liturgy for Pentecost 2021, Presiders:Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP and Jan LoGalbo, Readers: Peg Bowen and , Music Minister: Linda Lee Miller

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85108095506?pwd=Y3IyS0xkaWZ1WGRUOXlZMm5qcE1Fdz09         

Zoom link for video- 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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                                                                                                  Theme: Celebrate the Outpouring of the Spirit in our World

Welcome and Gathering

Jan: Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community, where all are welcome. 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 and community prayers we ask you to unmute yourself if you would like to contribute. Please have bread and wine/juice in front of you as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.

Bridget Mary: The Spirit of God dwells within our hearts, renewing, healing and transforming us and the entire cosmos. Each of us has been given spiritual gifts to serve others in diverse and wonderful ways. Each of us has the spiritual power to do more than we have ever imagined. Let us reflect on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit calling us to celebrate the wonders of Pentecost in our lives and in our world.

Gathering Song: Spirit Moves by Jan Novotka

https://youtu.be/wQb3XxqMAIQ

I stand strong
In truth
As the fire and winds draw near
I stand tall as I am
For the giving and rising
Of all.

Refrain
And the
Spirit moves through me
Spirit moves in me
Spirit moves through me
Spirit moves in me
Spirit moves freely
Spirit moves
Spirit moves freely
Spirit moves

(song repeats)


                          

Opening Prayer

Jan: Holy One, Creative Energy within us and within all, we open ourselves to the outpouring of Spirit Love anew on Pentecost and  every day. We encounter you in people from every nations who manifest your presence with diverse gifts in generous service to their sisters and brothers. May we continue to be filled with gratitude for our spiritual gifts and use them wisely to benefit all. All Amen

A Joyful Gloria: Linda Lee Miller and graphics by Rick Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lA5I0nODZI

                               Liturgy of the Word

Peg Bowen: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

ACTS 2:1-11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,
they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
These are the inspired words of  the disciples of Jesus. 

All: Thanks be to God.

Responsorial: Taize Chant: Veni Sancte Spiritus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxXwAgkhWQ


Cheryl Brandi:  A Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians (12:3-7)

God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere: but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various expression of power are in action everywhere; but God is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is. Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the Spirit of God who decides who get what, and when. 

These are the inspired words of Paul, disciple of Jesus. 

All: Thanks be to God.
(Translation from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson)

Alle, Alle, Alleluia: Linda Lee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID5UGWcS6Ws

Bridget Mary: A reading from the Gospel according to John (Jn 20:19-22)

On the evening of that first day of the week,
the doors were locked in the room
where the disciples were,
for fear of the Temple Authorities.
Jesus came and stood among them
and said, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this,
he showed them the marks of crucifixion.
The disciples were filled with joy when they saw Jesus,
who said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As Abba God sent me, so I am sending you.”
After saying this Jesus breathed on them and said,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”
These is the inspired words of John, disciple of Jesus.

All: Thanks be to God.


HOMILY STARTER- Bridget Mary

(Our homily starter is a guided meditation on celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life .)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVZZg0w3fwk

Community Sharing: 

Jan: Begins Sharing:
Share any word, image, experience of the outpouring love of the Holy Spirit’s presence/gifts/inspiration that helps you live Pentecost everyday.

STATEMENT OF FAITH: 

Jan and All: We believe in one God, a divine mystery

beyond all definition and rational understanding,

the heart of all that has ever existed,

that exists now, or that ever will exist.

We believe in Jesus, messenger of God's Word,

bringer of God's healing, heart of God's compassion,

bright star in the firmament of God's

prophets, mystics, and saints.

We believe that we are called to follow Jesus

as a vehicle of God's love,

a source of God's wisdom and truth,

and an instrument of God's peace in the world.

We believe that God's kin-dom is here and now,

stretched out all around us for those

with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,

and hands to make it happen.



                                 PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY 

Bridget Mary: As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to this table our blessings, cares and concerns.

Bridget Mary and All: Holy One, You hear our prayer.

Joan Meehan holds up Prayer Intentions for Week and shares the list of requests.

Bridget Mary and all: Holy One, You hear our prayer.

Bridget Mary: For what else shall we pray?
(Unmute your microphone Speak your concern when there is an opening, Re-mute your microphone)

Bridget Mary: We pray for these and all unspoken concerns that we hold in our hearts.

Bridget Mary and all: Amen.

                          PRESENTATION OF THE BREAD AND WINE 

Bridget Mary: Blessed are you, God of all life, through your goodness we have bread, wine, all creation, and our own lives to offer. Through this sacred meal we become your new creation.


Jan: My sisters and brothers, these gifts give glory to the Holy One.

Jan and All: O Holy One, You dwell in all of us, and you accept our gifts and our worship that we offer in service to our faith community. We do this in memory of our brother, Jesus. Amen.


                                  EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

Russ Banner: The Spirit of the Living God is within you.

Anna Davis (and all) And also within you.

Russ Banner: Lift up your hearts.

Anna Davis (and all) We lift them up to the Holy One, the Love of our Hearts.

Russ Banner: We give thanks and praise to you Spirit of love for the grace of new beginnings.

Anna Davis (and all) It is a joy to be fully alive. 


Russ Banner: O Divine Flame of Love, your glowing embers dance in our hearts. Your passionate presence kindles our souls. You purify us with the searing truth that ignites our spirits. As the glowing embers of a fire penetrate the cold around us, so your tenderness sets our hearts aglow.

Anna Davis: We celebrate your nearness this day as we remember your Pentecost miracles. The wind of your life has blown across our world in the gentle breezes and thunder storms of your vision in  prophets and visionaries among us. We praise and exalt you forever with grateful hearts as we sing:

All:  Holy, Holy, Holy Linda Lee Miller

 (adapted from Holy, Holy, Holy by Karen Drucker)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orKBBIj5LZA

We are Holy, Holy, Holy…3x , You are Holy, Holy, Holy, I am Holy, Holy, Holy, We are Holy, Holy, Holy

Bridget Mary: Passionate God, you kindle your fire of enthusiasm within us. You speak to us with assurance and excitement and reveal to us the infinite, boundless, depths of your love for us.  You are the life of all life, beyond all names and images. You are eternal mystery dwelling among us and in whom we delight. 

Jan :  Your Spirit dwelling within us set us free to love. You help us see  ourselves and others with understanding and kindness. You give us strength to be part of the world's healing each day. You bless us O Holy One and enliven all that exists. You transform these gifts of bread and wine, and our lives by boundless grace that nourishes and sustains us and all creation on our journey.

(Please extend Your hands in blessing.)

Bridget Mary and All:  You pour out Your spirit anew upon this bread and wine and upon us as we become more deeply the Christ Presence in our world.

On the night before he died, Jesus came to table with the women and men he loved. 

Jesus took bread blessed and broke it, saying,

“Take, eat, this is my body. Do this in memory of me.”

(pause)

Jan and All: After supper, Jesus poured a cup of wine and shared it with his friends, saying,

“This is the cup of the covenant of my love. As often as You drink of it, remember me.”

(pause)

Jan and All: Let us proclaim the mystery of wonder in our midst:
All: Christ of the Cosmos you are the spark of love in whom we believe; the Wisdom of Sophia in whom we trust; and the desire for justice that consumes us.

Jim B.: As we celebrate the memory of Jesus, we remember our political and religious leaders, especially  President Joe Biden, Pope Francis and all God's holy people. We remember the communion of saints and all who have inspired and loved us.

(pause to remember your loved ones who have gone before us)


Manny LoGalbo: May our hearts be merry as we dream new dreams and see new visions. May we recognize the face of God  in every person everywhere. May we, like Jesus, become Spirit Fire, as we fan the flames of love over the entire cosmos.


(Presiders hold Bread and wine.)

Bridget Mary: For it is through living as Jesus lived,

That we awaken to your Spirit unfolding within us,

Moving us to birth new life,

O Holy One,

At this time and all ways.

Great Amen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy76fpfkNsg

All: Amen

                                             COMMUNION RITE

  Jan and all : Let us pray as Jesus taught us. 

  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 we need.  You remind us of our limits, and we let go. 

You support us in your 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)

Bridget Mary:  Jesus said to his disciples, “My peace I leave You.  My peace I give You.” 

The peace of the Holy One enfolds You.  

Let us share a cyber hug as we sing:  Peace is flowing like a River by Carey Landry: Linda Lee Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLnCPq1GJk

Jan: Please join in praying the prayer for the breaking of the bread:

Jan (and all:) Loving God, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice.
We will live justly.

Jan (and all): Loving God, You call us to be Your presence in the world.

We will love tenderly.

Jan (and all) Loving God, You call us to speak truth to power.
We will walk with integrity.

(Presiders hold up bread and wine)

Bridget Mary: Let us pray our communion prayer together.
Bridget Mary and All: Nourished by the Body of Christ, may we live as the Body of Christ in service to our sisters and brothers especially those in need. 

Jan: Let us share Communion with the words “ I am (You are) the Body of Christ” and “I am (You are) the Blood of Christ”


Communion Song: Welcome Holy Spirit

https://youtu.be/WPyqkFWqwTE


Thanksgivings, Introductions and Announcements


Final Blessing:

Bridget Mary and All: God’s Spirit strengthens you to carry out your ministry faithfully.

God’s Spirit calls you to contemplate the divine presence within and all around you.

God’s Spirit guides you in your work for justice, equality and peace for all.

God’s Spirit enlivens you in prophetic and liberating obedience.

Jan and All: Together, we are one in Christ, loving and serving as God’s holy people.


Dismissal:
Jan: Go in peace and joy to celebrate the outpouring of the Spirit in your life and our world.

All: Alleluia:


Closing Song: Send Down Your Spirit by Marty Haugen

https://youtu.be/GKbWrjWF06Q


Refrain:
Send down the fire of your justice,
Send down the rains of your love;
Come, send down the Spirit,

breathe life in your people,
and we shall be people of God.

Call us to be your compassion,
Teach us the song of your love;
Give us hearts that sing,
Give us deeds that ring,
Make us ring with the song
of your love. (Refrain)

Call us to learn of your mercy,
Teach us the way of your peace;
Give us hearts that feel,
Give us hands that heal,
Make us walk in the way
of your peace. (Refrain)

Call us to answer oppression,
Teach us the fire of your truth;
Give us righteous souls,
'Til your justice rolls,
make us burn with the fire
of your truth. (Refrain)

Call us to witness your Kindom,
Give us the presence of Christ;
May your holy light
Keep us shining bright,
Ever shine with the presence
of Christ. (Refrain)

This Liturgy was written by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

If you would like to add your intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayers book,

Please send an email to Joan Meehan at jmeehan515@aol.com

If you would like to invite another person to attend our liturgy please refer them to

www.marymotherofJesus.org where the day’s liturgy is found. Zoom instructions are also included there.

Please support our community, send your check to:

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community

% St Andrews UCC, 6908 Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34328

                          

What is Truth? by Rev. Dick Vosko, May 16,2021

 https://www.richardsvosko.com/blog/what-is-truth

    Every so often during a pick up basketball game there is disagreement over the actual score. In one contest, a player argued the score was not true. A guy on the other team cried out, somewhat jokingly, “you can’t handle the truth!”
    This meme was heard in the 1992 movie “A Few Good Men.” LTJG Kaffee (Tom Cruise) pressed Colonel Jessup (Jack Nicholson) on whether Jessup ordered a Code Red.  [1] “I want the truth,” Kaffee queried. Infuriated, Jessup angrily shouted back, “You can’t handle the truth.”
    In today’s gospel (John 17:11b-19) Jesus is praying to God to keep his disciples united, protect them from evil, give them strength to carry on.  And don’t forget, Jesus adds, “consecrate them in truth.”
    To be consecrated is easy to understand. It means to be set apart for a purpose, to be dedicated, to have a strong commitment. Christians celebrate their prophetic and priestly voice in baptism. Their role in the world is strengthened by a holy Spirit. They are sustained in their vocation by celebrating the eucharist with others.
    However, the expression “in truth” is more difficult to interpret because there can be variable theories of truth. In a biblical context the word truth refers to the life of Jesus of Nazareth, his way, his light, his message, and his respect for all people. To be committed to that “truth” is to stand for what Jesus stood for — justice for everyone.
    The question “what is truth” is at the heart of many problems we are experiencing in this country and perhaps elsewhere on the global stage. The adherence to and promotion of falsehoods and outright lies serve to establish a collective feeling in a large segment of a population. When the lie is repeated over and over it no longer appears to some to be false but actually something they come to believe as true. The earth is flat … the earth is flat … the earth is flat ….
    The fabrication is designed to strengthen the ideologies of a sector of a social, political or religious establishment. Most often those who spread the falsehoods are threatened by what is proven to be true either by science or evidence. The escalation of falsehoods creates confusion and doubt among people who are simply searching for honest answers.
    Consider these few examples of where facts and truths are blurred or rejected because of the proliferation of misinformation, speculation, and conspiracy theories:
    The number of deaths actually caused by the virus. The effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccines. The validation of the 2020 presidential election. The cause of Middle East conflicts. Voters have rights. The implications of religious doctrines on public and private lives. The prevalence of racial bias.
    To lives as a disciple of Christ and his standards in these confusing times one discerns what must be done so that people do not suffer or die because of injustices — lack of money, food, water, decent housing, and health care. Lies and falsehoods that threaten these basic human rights must be stopped.
    When Jesus talked about the kingdom of God he was not referring to a romantic heavenly place. He understood his life’s mission was to create a peaceful, equitable place for everyone here on earth. If we continue his undertaking the world will be better not only for us and our families but also everyone else.
    Luke, the author of the first reading (Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26), was concerned about who would carry on the work of Jesus. The passage specifically tells of the selection of Matthias as an apostolic minister to replace Judas. A good questions for us is are we to be counted among the disciples?
    The first place for Christians to start is to make a commitment to spreading the gospel truth. Then we will link arms with those from other traditions dedicated to the same mission.
    Of course, when it comes to abiding by biblical shibboleths, there will be different interpretations and skepticism. One could argue because the scriptures are not history books but testimonies the stories could be fabrications.
    It seems clear, however, that the underlying long term message found in all of these texts is that, in order to create a world where justice and equity are experienced by everyone, truth must prevail. Lying and perpetuating falsehoods has no place in this narrative. How we handle truth and share it with others will make a huge difference in the future of the worlds we live in.
______
1. In the movie, In the film, the “Code Red” is used for a punishment or action taken against marines that is extrajudicial or, outside of existing military law.