"Out of her poverty, [she] put in everything she had."
We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.
Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.
CONTEMPLATIVE / SILENT PRAYER
Our Centering Prayer sit is 20 - 30 minutes sounded by the chime/chant. At the end of the Prayer sit, we will linger in silence a few minutes, then follow by praying together the Our Father.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
First reading & silent reflection: Reflect in silence.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
LECTIO: from Mark 12: 38-44
As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of
the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with
respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and
places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of
appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.
He watched the crowd putting
money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came
and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his
disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more
than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have
contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in
everything she had, all she had to live on.’
Second reading & reflection: What word or phrase catches your attention? Share or pass.
Third reading & reflection: How does this word or phrase touch your life? Share or pass.
Fourth and last reading & silent reflection: How is God inviting you to grow? We will reflect in silence for a few moments before we move from Lectio Prayer to the teaching by Father Keating.
Teaching: . . . the kingdom of God requires something
more than to love our neighbors as ourselves. . . . A new commandment
characterizes the Christian faith, which carries [it] a step further. It is to
love one another as Jesus has loved us. This is much more difficult. This is to
love others in their individuality. . . and in the things that drive us up the
wall, to love our neighbor, in other words, just as they are, with each one’s .
. . unbearable habits, unreasonable demands, and impossible characteristics. The
new commandment is to accept others unconditionally; that is to say, without the
least wish to change them. To love them in their individuality is the way Jesus
has loved us. Thomas Keating, Awakenings, p. 56.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
We now take some time to share our thoughts and reflections on our own spiritual journey and our prayer practice. Followed by brief prayers of intercession. Share or pass.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Go in the name of Christ Jesus to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
------------------------------
[This is an adapted format courtesy of Martha Johnston, Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC]
No comments:
Post a Comment