Anointed by houseonrock

anointed! Group reflections on sharing in the life and mission of Jesus Christ

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Anointed!

978-0-9927584-4-8 Nihil Obstat: Father Terry Tastard, Censor Imprimatur: H.E Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster Date: The Presentation of the Lord, 2 February 2015

The Nihil obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil obstat and Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions or statements expressed. Writing Team: Dr Mark Nash and Mrs Margaret Wickware We are grateful to the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A for use of the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition copyright © 1993 &1989 and to the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd for use of the Good News Bible copyright © 1994. Excerpts from The Divine Office © 1974, hierarchies of Australia, England and Wales, Ireland. All rights reserved. With thanks to Alexander, Joseph & Luke Nash for contributing the wordsearches. The majority of images contained in this booklet have been taken from those freely available at the Wikimedia Commons website and from diocesan stock. For all others the copyright has either been obtained or sought. Produced by House on Rock Ltd (www.houseonrock.co.uk) in association with Diocese of Westminster (020 7798 9152; evangelisation@rcdow.org.uk) booklets are published by WRCDT. Printing by The Graphic Design House Tel: 02392 334971 Copyright © 2015, Diocese of Westminster, Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue, London, SW1P 1QJ. All rights reserved. The Diocese of Westminster is committed to a sustainable future for our planet. The booklet in your hands is made from paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

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Contents About this book with

Foreword by Cardinal Vincent Nichols (Westminster)

1. United with Christ

On the redeeming priestly sacrifice offered by Jesus on the Cross

2. Our Offering of Prayer

On the reconciling and powerful nature of prayer

3. Called to Lend Our Voice

On what it means to be called to share Jesus with others

4. Belonging to the Truth

On the message we proclaim in word and in deed

5. A New Kind of Kingdom

On temptation and strength in serving Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kingdom

6. Kingship as Loving Service

Serving others in the messiness of everyday life

Daily Prayers

Prayers from Sunday to Saturday

Further Reading

Other books and documents you may find useful

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Why small groups? In St Luke’s account of the Early Church we hear that three thousand were baptised following Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Guided by the Holy Spirit, the newly baptised ‘devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers‘ (Acts 2:42). In a similar fashion thousands of people have found spiritual nourishment in faith-sharing, in reflecting on Scripture and prayer as part of a small group. This resource feeds such small groups drawing on the Scriptures with each session clearly rooted in a passage from the Bible. As the Second Vatican Council Fathers emphasised ‘in the sacred books the Father comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them’ (Dei Verbum, 21). Fellowship is a vital part of small group participation. In these small groups you are able to get to know your fellow Christians better and to form strong, mutually supportive bonds. The living community is essentially Christian as Jesus ‘did not come to save individuals without any bond between them’ (Lumen Gentium, 9). Members of small groups are encouraged to share and gain confidence in talking about their faith. It is this confidence building in a trusting environment that helps participants to ‘love in all the circumstances of ordinary life’ (Gaudium et Spes, 38). Our prayers together help us to become the dwelling places of the Holy Spirit that we are called to be (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 2).

How do small groups work? The sessions in this booklet are designed to last between 1 and 1 ½ hours. Those leading the session are, of course, free to add periods of silence, hymns and other readings of interest - these sessions are a guide but can be used as they are written. It is vital that each person is given the opportunity to give their thoughts and share where they are on their faith journey. Small group sharing is not a place for argument or heated debate. The atmosphere should be prayerful with the aim of helping each to feel welcome and conscious of God’s loving presence. Soft music, candlelight, a religious image or crucifix to focus attention can all be used to help in this aim.

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Foreword Popes from St John XXIII to Pope Francis have referred to their baptism as the most important day of their lives. Through this sacrament, the gateway to all the others, we become members of the Body of Christ; it creates in us a new relationship with God and joins us to Jesus in his threefold ministry as priest, prophet and king. I commend to you this resource, Anointed! It looks at Christ’s threefold mission and invites us to see how, in word and deed, we might imitate him who gives life in abundance (John 10:10). Anointed by the Holy Spirit in baptism, we are called to share personally in the mission of Christ • as priest: to sacrifice ourselves out of love for God and the good of others; • as prophet: to proclaim the gospel of salvation whatever our particular calling, whatever our state in life, in whatever manner our gifts permit and • as king: to profess Christ as King and serve those in need. Take time this season to consider how you might extend your service to God in his Church and in the community, remembering to ask God for his help in discerning the path. The autumn 2015 season of faith-sharing will be the twenty-fifth in the Diocese of Westminster. What started as a large diocesan programme has found expression in a network of faithful and trust-filled groups whose prayer, action and faith has proved such an inspiration to so many. I would like to take this opportunity, therefore, to applaud you for your commitment to sharing and deepening your faith through the groups and encourage you to consider ways in which others may share in the benefits you have experienced. The joy of the gospel is the joy of encounter with Christ, it is a joy to be shared and a joy which gives us life. With an assurance of my prayers and best wishes, Cardinal Vincent Nichols Archbishop of Westminster

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Making connections A Holy Nation (Lent 2007) on baptism including pages on Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mission as priest, prophet and king.

A Foretaste of Heaven (autumn 2011) on the Mass with parts on offering sacrifice and participation at Mass and in the life of the Church.

Jesus, My Lord (autumn 2014) on discipleship and the conscious decision to follow Jesus.

Radiating Christ (autumn 2012) on evangelisation and our prophetic voice and actions in the world.

Other related books include: Amazing Grace on Reconciliation and Sparks of Light on the Call to Holiness

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About this book ‘In all the baptized, from first to last, the sanctifying power of the Spirit is at work, impelling us to evangelization. The people of God is holy thanks to this anointing... In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples (cf. Matthew 28:19). All the baptized, whatever their position, are agents of evangelization.’ (Pope Francis - The Joy of the Gospel, 119 and 120). Anointed!, a faith-sharing resource for small communities seeks to help us explore our share in the three-fold ministry of Christ - as priest, as prophet and as king. It is divided into six group sessions each containing Scripture, reflections and prayers. Also featured in the booklet is a selection of images which may stir a thought or feeling in a way that the text could not. We also invite you to make use of simplified daily prayers drawn from the Divine Office towards the end of the booklet. Anointed! is not tied to a particular time of year and the prayers and meditations may be used by individuals, groups or in a wider parish context throughout the year. This booklet and others in the exploring faith series can be viewed at and downloaded from the Diocese of Westminster’s website [http://rcdow.org.uk/ faith/small-groups/resources/].

CHILDREN’S PAGES Anointed! features pages specifically written for parents and grandparents to share the theme with children. These pages contain a short reflection, a Scripture passage (from the Good News translation of the Bible), a question on the Scripture and some form of activity.

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Image: Christ en Croix [Christ on the Cross] by Georges Rouault (1936)

Session One

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THEME

United with Christ

session one

By his Incarnation, suffering, death and Resurrection, Christ re-united all of humanity to Himself (cf. Isaiah 53:5). At our baptism, each of us is personally united with Christ and we are called us to share in His priesthood; a call that is continually renewed in the celebration of Eucharist.

Opening prayer

Adapted from Psalm 134(133) - said all together or the group can divide in half and alternate.

All:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us come and bless the Lord, rejoice as we seek to serve the Lord,

may we forever stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

Let us lift up our hands to the holy place and bless the Lord through the night.

May the Lord bless us from Zion, he who made both heaven and earth.

To the God of heaven give thanks, for his love endures for ever.

All:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

As we come together let us, either aloud or in the silence of our hearts, give thanks and praise to the Lord for all the things we have accomplished, the joys experienced, graces received and people met over the past week. Let us also remember all those in need of our prayers particularly the poor and the sick. Introduction to the Scripture reading Let us listen carefully to the Word of the Lord, and attend to it with the ear of our hearts. Let us welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice. St Benedict of Nursia (c.480-c.547) adapted

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Session One

Praying the Scriptures 1 Peter 2:4-10 Note: Found among the final books of the New Testament is a letter thought to be have been written by St Peter himself. Directed to the newly baptised of Asia Minor, he offers advice for living as one with Christ including the importance of Holy Scripture, life in the new priesthood and the importance of witness towards unbelievers.

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: ‘See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’  To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner’, and ‘A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.’  They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Please take a few moments in silence to reflect on the passage, then share a word or phrase that has struck you. Pause to think about what others have said then, after a second reading of the passage, you may wish to share a further thought. Reflection It seems there is always one gadget, one more thing that we ‘simply have to have.’ The adverts of credit card providers are always quick to suggest that there is no need to wait, no need to postpone or even forgo whatever our heart desires. However, many of us know parents who set aside their own dreams for the sake of their children, perhaps for expensive lessons or, simply, to put food on the family’s table each day. The thought of sacrifice may be distinctly out-of-step in today’s world yet our faith is founded on it. The Old Testament is brimming with stories of sacrifice, a memorable example being Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22). In the Book of Exodus, we also read about Aaron, the priest, and his descendants who would present burnt offerings; the sacrifices offered by the Israelites to the Lord as repentance for their sins. We even find a recipe for the special oil used for their priestly anointing (Exodus 30:22). 8

Session One

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With the coming of Christ, God’s plan for the priesthood was clarified. No longer was it an inherited title. No longer was it a matter of governing or representing others in the inner sanctum of the Temple. From the moment of his Incarnation, Christ became the one eternal high Priest (cf. Hebrews 7). Offering not just animals or grains but his very self, he suffered and died on the Cross in atonement for the sins of all. By his bodily sacrifice he gathered each one of us to himself. This supreme act of love reconciles and joins us forever with him and with each other in his Mystical Body, made visible through the Church. In the Scripture passage we have just read, we hear St Peter call the newly baptised to allow Christ to build them into a ‘royal priesthood’. Through the writings of two great theologians, St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas, we learn that in baptism we are sealed with the oil of chrism, thereby receiving an indelible spiritual mark that signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and unites us to Christ. Imprinted on our soul, this mark transforms us and gives each of us the grace, that is the capacity to believe and to share in Christ’s Passion and his priesthood (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1241 and 1273). While some are chosen to act in the person of Christ (through the sacrament of Holy Orders) to administer the sacraments (CCC, 1142), all of the baptized are called to share in Christ’s sacrifice - uniting ourselves to his dying on the Cross and rising to new life. Christ did not intend that our union be for a fleeting few moments on a Sunday morning but for the whole of our lives each and every day. As his disciples, we are called to consciously decide ‘to align our hearts and minds with Christ: to love others as he so loves each one of us…to offer our very selves for his work’ (Jesus, My Lord, WRCDT, p.41).

Theological virtue: FAITH Expressing the theological virtue of faith is an integral part of our participation in the priestly ministry of Christ. During the celebration of the Eucharist we profess the Creed and, in doing so, we affirm the faith professed on our behalf by our parents and godparents at our baptism. Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32). Faith is the path created by God leading to the truth that is God himself. It is a trusting relationship to God with heart and mind, with all one’s emotional strength (YOUCAT, 307).

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Session One

United in Christ, we are called to share in his priestly mission: to unite those we meet in the course of daily living with our loving Lord. What greater privilege can there be than to share in Christ’s own work? •

• •

How might knowing that the grace of baptism unites you with Christ and calls you to share in his priestly mission change your celebration of Holy Eucharist? How has your understanding of our share in Christ’s priestly mission impacted your daily living? When have you felt most connected with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Closing Prayers You may wish to end this session with the Lord’s Prayer or silent reflection. Blessed are you, Sovereign God, our light and our salvation, to you be glory and praise for ever. You gave your Christ as a light to the nations, and through the anointing of the Spirit you established us as a royal priesthood. As you call us into your marvellous light, may our lives bear witness to your truth and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever.

This session looks at our priesthood and the offering of sacrifice. The letter to the Hebrews (chapters 3 to 10) provides a comprehensive summary of the Old Testament priesthood and Christ’s priestly mission. Perhaps you might reflect on even a few paragraphs of these short chapters in the coming week.

Session One

Signpost

If you wish to sing to conclude the sessions this season, how about ‘Forth in the peace of Christ we go’? You can find it in Liturgical Hymns Old and New (263), Laudate (853) or Celebration Hymnal for Everyone (183). The verses match the theme perfectly!

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FURTHER REFLECTING ON SCRIPTURE ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock’ (Matthew 7:24). Re-reading this session’s Scripture passage (from the New Revised Standard Version) or perhaps from a different version of Bible, you may wish to jot down the word or phrase that caught your attention. You may wish to write it down here or on even as a note on your mobile phone to refer to from time to time.

Reflecting on this word or phrase in the days following your group gathering, you might ask yourself, what is the Lord saying to me?

Holy Scripture is one way which our loving God communicates to each of us. What is your personal response, perhaps an action you might take, to the passage you have just read?

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Session One

1. Jesus’s great offering Hello again, it’s been a little while since we last met and a lot has happened. I made my First Holy Communion which was a really special occasion. Relatives and friends came from all over the place, to our church, to join in the celebration. Our priest reminded us that Jesus offered himself in sacrifice for all the people of the world; he said that this shows how much God loves us. From the Bible Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. You are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvellous light. At one time you were not God’s people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God’s mercy, but now you have received his mercy. From the first letter written by St Peter to encourage other Christians to keep believing in Jesus, chapter 2 verses 4 to 10. What did St Peter say we are asked to do for God? Have a look at the Bible passage above!

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Can you find these words in the search box to the right? Sacrifice

Priest

Chosen

Communion

Help

Love

Let us Pray Dear God, help me to see that everything I do, if done with love and for the good of others, is an offering to you. Help me to show my love for you in the way I behave and the way I share each and every day. Amen.

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In our own way we are asked to make sacrifices. Sometimes we have to give up something to help others. During Lent, my friends and I normally give up sweets. Any money our parents normally spend on these goes to the poor people near our church. Sometimes I am asked to stop playing computer games and use that time to help my little sister to tidy her room. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a job I really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to do but we are all asked to make sacrifices!

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Image: Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prayer on Oelber by Carlo Crivelli (1468)

Session two

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THEME

Our Offering of Prayer

session two

Our baptismal call to share in Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priestly mission asks us to be intercessors - to fast and pray on behalf of one another. These spiritual sacrifices can be offered alongside Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own perfect sacrifice in the celebration of the Eucharist and draw us ever closer to God.

Opening Prayers

Taken from Psalm 99(98) - to be said all together or the group can divide in half and alternate.

All:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord is king; the peoples tremble. He is supreme over all the peoples.

Let them praise his name, so terrible and great, he is holy, full of power.

Among his priests were Aaron and Moses, among those who invoked his name was Samuel. They invoked the Lord and he answered.

To them he spoke in the pillar of cloud. They did his will; they kept the law, which he, the Lord, had given.

Exalt the Lord our God; bow down before his holy mountain for the Lord our God is holy.

All:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Session two

Introduction to Reading of Scripture Let us listen carefully to the Word of the Lord, and attend to it with the ear of our hearts. Let us welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice.

St Benedict of Nursia (c.480-c.547) adapted

Praying the Scriptures Luke 22:24-34 Note: In St Luke’s account of the Passion, Jesus institutes the Eucharist and in doing so explains that the bread is ‘my body given for you’ and ‘this cup is the new covenant in my blood poured out for you’. Then, telling the disciples that one of them would betray him an argument followed. Speaking directly to Peter, Christ foretells how his much beloved disciple would be severely tested and he had prayed that his faith would survive the test. Indeed, the faithfulness and loyalty of all his disciples would be challenged.

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. ‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ‘Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.’ Please take a few moments in silence to reflect on the passage, then share a word or phrase that has struck you. Pause to think about what others have said then after a second reading of the passage you may wish to share a further thought. Reflection Each year, thousands of young people decide to read law at university. For some this will lead to private practice and to others public service. Whatever the plan or reason for the decision to study the law, these young people will likely work as intermediaries – as a link between two parties in order to resolve differences and bring about reconciliation.

Session two

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The task of mediation is hardly new. In the Old Testament, we read how Moses had to repeatedly endeavour to reconcile two estranged parties: the Israelites and God. There were ongoing rebellions through all the years that they wandered in the desert and time and time again Moses had to stand between the two, pleading for the well being of the Israelites although they had turned away from the Lord (Numbers 14). In doing so, Moses developed an intimate relationship with the Lord, speaking to him frequently and even fasting for forty days on Mount Sinai before descending with the Ten Commandments. Just as Moses, Aaron and the consecrated priests conversed with God on behalf of the Israelites, Christ often prayed for those he met during his earthly ministry. As we have just read in St Luke’s Gospel, Jesus had prayed to his Father on behalf of his beloved disciple, Peter. His prayer was not to remove the challenge that Peter was about to face but that his faith be strengthened. Christ, the eternal priest (prefigured by Melchizedek, ‘a priest of God Most High’, who we hear mentioned at Mass) makes this same prayer for each one of us (Hebrews 7, Genesis 14:17-20). As baptised Christians and sharers of Christ’s victory over sin and death (1 John 4:4), we are not only asked but empowered to pray as Christ did: for those in need of our prayers. In some instances and for various reasons, prayers might be all that we can offer in the face of a terrible tragedy. Our prayer can take any number of forms, from time before the Blessed Sacrament, a rosary while walking to the shops or even a simple call for God’s help. However, it need not always be our thoughts and words. Our actions can also be a form of prayer for the good of another. Whatever form it takes, our intercessory prayer - asking God to soften the heart of our neighbour so as to hear his message of love - can be powerful.

Intercessory Prayer When evangelizers rise from prayer, their hearts are more open; freed of self-absorption, they are desirous of doing good and sharing their lives with others. This attitude becomes a prayer of gratitude to God for others (cf. Romans 1:8, also 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3-7). Such prayer is a way of penetrating the Father’s heart and can shed light on concrete situations and change them. We can say that God’s heart is touched by our intercession, yet in reality he is always there first. What our intercession achieves is that his power, his love and his faithfulness are shown ever more clearly in the midst of the people (Evangelii Gaudium, 281-283).

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Session two

Indeed, everything that we do and endure in the right spirit - that is in charity and love for another - can be offered up to God, our Father, as spiritual sacrifices. In preparing the gifts brought to the altar, the priest prays that Christ’s sacrifice and ours may be acceptable to God the Father (cf. Celebrating the Mass, 196). In doing so, he gathers up our spiritual sacrifices, the offerings of the liturgical assembly; ‘not a random group of individuals but the gathering of God’s people to exercise its royal priesthood in the sacrifice of praise’ (Celebrating the Mass, 23). In preparation for this moment, we might recall those times when we have sacrificed our own self-interests, all for the good of another. In doing so, our humble offerings are joined with the perfect sacrifice of Christ, the one eternal mediator between the Father and humankind. • •

How often do I choose to forgo my personal wants and desires, to make sacrifices for the good of another? Christ’s prayer was not to lift the burden of Peter but to strengthen his faith. How can this be an example for our own intercessory prayers?

Closing Prayers You may wish to end this session with some different prayers or silent reflection.

This session, our second on the priestly ministry, looked at intercession. What is often called Jesus’ great intercessory prayer is found in the Gospel of St John chapter 17, verses 1-26. If time permits, perhaps you might like to explore this prayer in the coming week. Next up, called to be a prophet!

Session two

Signpost

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, our light and our salvation, to you be glory and praise for ever. You gave your Christ as a light to the nations, and through the anointing of the Spirit you established us as a royal priesthood. As you call us into your marvellous light, may our lives bear witness to your truth and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever.

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Reflecting on this word or phrase in the days following your group gathering, you might ask yourself, what is the Lord saying to me?

Holy Scripture is one way which our loving God communicates to each of us. What is your personal response, perhaps an action you might take, to the passage you have just read?

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Session two

2. Helping others in prayer Normally the playground at school is a great place to be. After working in the classroom we have time to play whatever we want (I like football) and we can eat one thing from our lunchbox. Sometimes though the playground can be a place where some children feel lonely and some children get angry with one another over the game they are playing. When this happens a teacher talks to us about how to play nicely again. From the Bible ‘The greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant. ‘Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers.’ Peter answered, ‘Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to die with you!’ ‘I tell you, Peter,’ Jesus said, ‘the rooster will not crow tonight until you have said three times that you do not know me.’ From the Good News according to St Luke, chapter 22 verses 24 to 34. What did Jesus ask for his friend Simon Peter? Have a look at the Bible passage above! 20

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Jesus spent a lot of time walking from place to place. Wherever he was he healed sick people, he talked about the Kingdom of God and he made people understand how to behave with one another. There were times when Jesus wanted to spend some time alone with his Father. Jesus prayed to his Father for strength for himself and for others (like Peter in the Bible story here). He taught us how to pray too with the Our Father. In the playground a teacher sometimes has to step into the gap between two children to stop them being angry and help them start smiling again. Jesus did this for the people he met and we can do the same. One of the things that we are asked to do by Jesus is to pray for other people.

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Can you find these words in the search box above? Prayer

Jesus

Link

Peace

Servant

Strength

Let us Pray Dear God, please help me to pray for other people and not just for myself. Help me to be a link between you and others, helping them to get to know you better. Amen.

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Image: The Annunciation by BartolomĂŠ Esteban Murillo (1655)

Session three

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THEME

called to lend our voice

session three

Each and every baptised Christian is called to participate in the prophetic ministry of Jesus Christ. We are asked, no matter our role in the Church or state of life, to proclaim a message of love and hope. This session looks specifically at ‘the call’.

Opening prayer Taken from Psalm 63(62) - to be said all together or the group can divide in half and alternate.

All:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders. His right and hand his holy arm have brought salvation.

The Lord has made known his salvation; has shown his justice to the nations. He has remembered his truth and love for the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, ring out your joy.

All:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

As we come together let us, either aloud or in the silence of our hearts, give thanks and praise to the Lord for all the things we have accomplished, the joys experienced, graces received and people met over the past week. Let us also remember all those in need of our prayers particularly the poor and the sick. Introduction to Reading of Scripture Let us speak of the God whom we love, listen to the God who wishes to speak to us. ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’.

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Session three

Evangelii Gaudium, 146 and 1 Samuel 3:9

Praying the Scriptures Luke 1:26-38 Note: The Annunciation celebrates the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus. As the Eastern Church’s Troparion (hymn of the day) says, that day was ‘the beginning of our salvation, and the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.’ A separate, briefer annunciation is given to Joseph in Matthew 1:18-21

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Please take a few moments in silence to reflect on the passage, then share a word or phrase that has struck you. Pause to think about what others have said then after a second reading of the passage you may wish to share a further thought. Reflection Mary’s acceptance of God’s invitation proved the turning point in all of human history; ushering in the promised coming of the Messiah, the Anointed One (e.g. Micah 5:2; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 2 Samuel 7:10-13; Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6-7). Everything that came before lead to this and all that follows is to be seen in its glorious light. We, anointed by the Spirit in our baptism, have the privilege of bearing to others, ‘the most beautiful message that this world can offer’ (EG, 277). We are called to be prophetic voices in the world, called ‘to light a fire in its heart’ (EG, 271). In our different circumstances and with our different gifts we are called by God much as Moses, Mary, ‘the Baptist’, David and Elijah were, to bear witness to the Good News. Indeed, in our own way, we are Christ-bearers to those who have heard but forgotten or to those yet to hear. 24

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The various ‘calling’ stories or narratives we find in the Bible share six elements, and in reflecting on these we can seek the Lord’s call to serve in our own lives. The first element of the call narrative is confrontation; often a simple meeting of God (or an angel from God) and the person. Next comes an introductory word or greeting; often ‘be not afraid’ (which we read in Luke 1:28-30 and is a phrase repeated 365 times in the Bible, one for each day). Fear of failure, embarrassment and in some cases fear of pain and death may cause us to ignore whatever call we hear. Following the initial greeting we find the commission, where instructions are given. Clearly, a person can have many different callings in life – e.g. a person can have a calling to both marriage and motherhood, as well as to a certain occupation. Sometimes it can take a long time to hear our commission, the path down which we are to go. Essentially, everything we do should be ordered toward discerning and responding to the will of God, the ultimate good in an imperfect world (cf. CCC, 1719 and 1726). In the call narrative we read of an objection where often the protagonist suggests that another person may be better equipped to fulfil the Lord’s command; indeed, Moses gave four objections (Exodus 3:11,13; 4:1,10)! Mary, the ark of the new covenant ‘in whose womb are all the treasures of the sanctuary’ (St Gregory the Wonder Worker), while not resisting the call, asked ‘how can this be?’ The Lord then goes on to provide reassurance; clearly, we are asked to rely, not solely on our own gifts and motivation, but on the grace and power and presence of the Lord. The final element is the sign, given to show that it was not a dream or their imagination (e.g. Gideon in Judges 6:17).

Theological virtue: Hope The theological virtue of hope underpins our ministry as prophetic voices in a world in need of the hope only Christ can give. It’s his voice people yearn to hear as his resurrection gave birth to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). Hope is trusting in what God has promised us in creation, in the prophets, but especially in Jesus Christ, even though we do not yet see it. God’s Holy Spirit is given to us [at baptism] so that we can patiently hope for the Truth (YOUCAT, 308). Likewise when we do not know how to pray as we ought, the Holy Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words (Romans 8:26).

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Perhaps the element of call with which we are most familiar is that of resistance and a feeling of unworthiness. We can always find reasons to resist the will of God; excuses as to our lack of qualifications in terms of sanctity and ability. We must recall that God has created each of us with a particular purpose. We are called to proclaim the salvation of Christ, in word and the testimony of life, as a result of the ‘grace and dignity conferred on us at baptism’ (Christifideles Laici, 14). Our resistance, however sincere, must lie with the realisation that we are adopted children of God in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-12) and have the privilege of bringing joy and hope to the world (1 Peter 3:15 and Evangelii Gaudium, 277). • • •

Can you recall a time when you have felt called by the Lord to a particular course of action or to a particular mode of Christian discipleship? Do we pause to reflect on the call of God, perhaps in the depths of prayer or in an invitation from another, to perform an act of service to the Lord? How reassured are we that the Lord will not give us more than we can cope with, even when it doesn’t feel that way?

Closing Prayers

You may wish to end this session with different prayers or silent reflection.

This session explored the six stages of the call of God in Scripture: confrontation, greeting, commission, objection, reassurance and sign. God has a desire for us to respond to his particular call for each one of us. Next week will look at the prophetic ministry and the spreading of the Truth - before then, try to find time to meditate on John 14:6.

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Reflecting on this word or phrase in the days following your group gathering, you might ask yourself, what is the Lord saying to me?

Holy Scripture is one way which our loving God communicates to each of us. What is your personal response, perhaps an action you might take, to the passage you have just read?

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3. Accepting god’s call I was baptized when I was only a few weeks old. I don’t remember the day but my parents showed me a photo when I was getting ready for my First Holy Communion. I was so small! At the time my parents made a promise that they would help me to learn about God and his love for me. From the Bible God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. He had a message for a young woman whose name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, ‘Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God’s power will rest upon you.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ said Mary; ‘may it happen to me as you have said.’ From the Good News according to St Luke, chapter 1 verses 26 to 38.

How did Gabriel greet Mary? Does this sound like a prayer you know? Have a look at the Bible passage above!

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My parents have kept that promise about helping me to know God and others, like their friends and our priest, help too. One thing they told me was that I have to make the decision to follow Jesus for myself. They read me stories from the Bible of people who were called by God but tried not to listen. They were afraid of how hard following his call might be. Joseph was afraid when the angel came but he agreed to what God asked. Mary agreed to God’s plan and my mum says that she is a great example for us all.

Can you find these words in the search box below? Mary

Joseph

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Promise

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Let us Pray Dear God, help me to listen hard for your voice in the world. Help me to say ‘yes’ to your call. Amen.

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Image: Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple (1600) by El Greco - London version

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THEME

Belonging to the Truth

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Continuing our theme of prophecy, a key part of which is having the courage to tell the truth no matter our discomfort, we look here at the nature of Christ’s message and how we might seek to grow and mature in our faith.

Opening prayer

Taken from Psalm 25(24) - to be said all together or the group can divide in half and alternate.

All:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. I trust you, let me not be disappointed.

Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me.

In you I hope all day long because of your goodness, O Lord. Remember your mercy, Lord, and the love you have shown from of old.

The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path, He teaches his way to the poor.

All:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

As we come together let us, either aloud or in the silence of our hearts, give thanks and praise to the Lord for all the things we have accomplished, the joys experienced, graces received and people met over the past week. Let us also remember all those in need of our prayers particularly the poor and the sick. Introduction to Reading of Scripture Let us go forward in peace, our eyes upon heaven, the only one goal of our labours. St Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897)

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Explore the Scriptures John 18:28-38 Note: Meditating on the crucifixion brings up powerful feelings in each of us, the pain and the cruel injustice are keenly felt. This passage, so familiar from the reading in parts at the Good Friday service, features the famous dialogue between Pilate (honoured as a saint in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for his role in our salvation) and Jesus.

They took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against this man?’ They answered, ‘If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.’ The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death.’ (This was to fulfil what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’ Pilate asked him, ‘What is truth?’ Please take a few moments in silence to reflect on the passage, then share a word or phrase that has struck you. Pause to think about what others have said then after a second reading of the passage you may wish to share a further thought. Reflection Imagine for a moment that you met St Paul on his travels around the Mediterranean accompanied by Barnabas or Silas, Timothy or Luke. Can you feel the zeal and passion he had for the Lord? Can you imagine the willingness he displayed to suffer hardship for the Gospel? Or, for that matter, can you put yourself in the assembled crowds as various martyrs found their way to the gallows at Tyburn? How impressive must their witness have been, refusing to compromise their belief. Even today, with much sorrow and anguish, we hear of people – adults and children – having their lives taken for the sake of their faith in Christ Jesus our Saviour. Each of these, from different ages, from different backgrounds, in their own situation, is witnessing to the Truth (cf. John 14:6). 32

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Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, a Polish priest martyred in 1984, spoke eloquently of this Christian witness to the truth: ‘Truth never changes. It cannot be destroyed by any decision or legal act. Telling the Truth with courage is a way leading directly to freedom. The one who tells the Truth is free despite external slavery, imprisonment or custody.’ Each one of the members of the Church is called to proclaim the Kingdom of God, to understand and to proclaim Christ crucified as the path to happiness and life everlasting. Like the prophets of the Old Testament (e.g. Elijah in 2 Kings 1:118 and Elisha in 2 Kings 6:10) and John the Baptist in the New (Matthew 14), we are asked to put ourselves in positions where people won’t necessarily like what we say or do. Building the Kingdom and proclaiming truth go hand in hand. A desire to proclaim the truth necessitates making full use of the understanding, knowledge and wisdom received from the Holy Spirit in baptism and strengthened in confirmation. ‘The Lord’s missionary mandate,’ as Pope Francis reminds us, ‘includes a call to growth in faith, formation and maturation’ (EG,160). So too, let us recall that our role is one of participation in the Spirit, it is the Spirit who works in us (cf. Evangelii Nuntiandi, 75; Acts 1:4-8). ‘The Lord wants to make use of us as living, free and creative beings who let his word enter their own hearts before then passing it on to others’ (EG, 151 and cf. 2 Corinthians 4:5). The message is not ours but Christ’s, the mouth is not his but ours. Our path in life is two-fold, like our two-fold waiting in Advent. Firstly, we recall the life and message of Christ Jesus and his prophetic call and realisation of the

Called & Anointed In the Church there are laity and clerics. As children of God, they are of equal dignity. They have equally important but different tasks. The mission of the laity is to direct the whole world toward the Kingdom of God. Every Christian has the duty to bear witness to the Gospel by their own life. But God walks a special path with each person (YOUCAT, 138 and 139). Both the Greek word ‘Christos’ and the Hebrew word ‘Messiah’ mean ‘the Anointed One’. In Israel kings, priests and prophets were anointed. The Apostles learned that Jesus was anointed ‘with the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 10:38). We are called Christians after Christ, as an expression of our exalted vocation (YOUCAT, 73).

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Kingdom (cf. Isaiah 11:1-10; Mark 1:15; Luke 17:20-21). Secondly, we look towards life with the Father at the end of time. In prayer and expectation this dual aspect marks our life: looking ahead and attempting to transform the present. Jesus acknowledged the great good in people (e.g. Matthew 9:2 and 9:22), he did not seek the abolition of the law (Matthew 5:17-20) but where he saw hypocrisy, self-centredness and injustice he acted with energy and resolve (cf. Matthew 21:12 with the traders in the Temple). ‘We have become sharers in the mission of the prophet Christ,’ as St John Paul II reminded us in his first encyclical; helping others ‘seek the truth… in all its saving power and its splendour’ (cf. Fides et Ratio, 33 and Redemptor Hominis, 19). As a raising agent in the dough, as salt in the world, our voices are needed, joined with others, to ring out in challenge and in love. • • •

Where have I taken opportunities to form and mature my faith? What examples can I give of standing against injustice? Where have I experienced the prophetic voice in my life, as a recipient or as the voice itself?

This session looked at the challenge of proclaiming the truth in these uncertain times. We read that we need a clear grasp of the saving message of Christ if we are to share it with others. Next session is the first of two looking at the kingly ministry of Christ. Before then you might wish to pray particularly to the Holy Spirit for the gift of understanding.

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Closing Prayers You may wish to end this session with different prayers or silent reflection. Blessed are you, Sovereign God, our light and our salvation, to you be glory and praise for ever. You gave your Christ as a light to the nations, and through the anointing of the Spirit you established us as a royal priesthood. As you call us into your marvellous light, may our lives bear witness to your truth and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever.

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Reflecting on this word or phrase in the days following your group gathering, you might ask yourself, what is the Lord saying to me?

Holy Scripture is one way which our loving God communicates to each of us. What is your personal response, perhaps an action you might take, to the passage you have just read?

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4. Saying the right thing My parents tell me that I shouldn’t lie and that I should always try to tell the truth. I know this is right but sometimes if you tell someone the truth about what happened or what their new jumper really looks like they can get quite sad. Telling the truth about something can make us feel really uncomfortable and can make the other person upset. I suppose that if people just tell lies to one another we really won’t know what anyone is feeling or thinking. From the Bible Pilate [the governor] asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the authorities. No, my kingdom does not belong here!’ So Pilate asked him, ‘Are you a king, then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me.’ From the Good News according to St John, chapter 18 verses 28 to 38 Why did Jesus say that he came into the world? Have a look at the Bible passage above!

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Jesus told the truth about God the Father and about himself. He was so sure of what was real and true that he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scared when people got angry or upset. He never set out to hurt people but told them what they needed to know to help them live better lives and get closer to God, our Father. Jesus wants to get to know us and he wants us to get to know him. By reading about him and by praying to him we can try to be more like him. If someone is searching for happiness then we can show them the example of Jesus. We should always seek to tell the truth even if we are scared or we are in trouble. Just like our King, Jesus.

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Can you find these words in the search box above? Truth

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Let us Pray Dear God, help me to understand what a good friend I have in Jesus. Please help me to get to know him, and you better and better each day. Amen.

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Image: Christ in the Desert by Ivan Kramskoi (1872)

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THEME

A New Kind of Kingdom

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Just as Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work as the High Priest and King are closely linked, our call to share in these two missions are connected. By his priestly death and Resurrection (pp.6-10), Christ established the Kingdom to which we are all invited and for the sake of which we guard against idolatry and worldliness.

Opening prayer

Taken from Ephesians 6:11-20 and 2 Corinthians 5:20 - to be said all together or the group can divide in half and alternate.

All:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us put on the whole armour of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Let us take the whole armour of God, that we may be able to withstand on the evil day, and stand firm.

Let us stand loins girded with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.

Let us stand, feet shod with the gospel of peace; taking up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Let us pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

May our mouths boldly proclaim the gospel, for we are ambassadors for Christ.

All:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Introduction to Reading of Scripture Let us go forward in peace, our eyes upon heaven, the only one goal of our labours.  St Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897)

Praying the Scriptures Matthew 4:1-11 Note: Matthew, Luke and Mark all recount Jesus’s time in the desert following his baptism. With echoes of Moses’ 40 years of wandering in the desert, we hear how the devil tried three different ways to tempt Jesus, even trying to garner homage, yet our Lord remained steadfast. Strengthened by his time of prayer and fasting, Jesus began his earthly ministry.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’ Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Please take a few moments in silence to reflect on the passage, then share a word or phrase that has struck you. Pause to think about what others have said then after a second reading of the passage you may wish to share a further thought. Reflection Many people particularly enjoy reading historical novels as an entertaining way of discovering the history of this island nation. Authors of this genre often describe dazzling court attire and grand ceremonial occasions alongside fierce battles between warring monarchs jostling for supremacy, strategic alliances formed through marriages and impoverished subjects struggling to subsist under a king’s code of onerous laws and taxation. Such was life at a time when kings and queens actively governed their realms. From his birth in a stable, Christ was never associated with the trappings of royalty. During his earthly ministry, Jesus performed many ‘mighty works and 40

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wonders and signs’ giving notice that he was the Messiah (CCC, 547). Yet, for most part, he was misunderstood by his disciples and his enemies (e.g. Matthew 2:3 and 20:21). Fearful of a rival king in their midst, Pilate and his soldiers chose to condemn Christ and at his crucifixion, they mocked him with a sign that read ‘King of the Jews’. By his suffering, death and Resurrection, Christ redeemed humankind – paying for the sins of all with his own body and blood. In doing so, he triumphed over Satan and over death. In one of his homilies, Pope Francis explained: ‘Jesus enters Jerusalem in order to die on the Cross. And it is precisely here that his kingship shines forth in godly fashion: his royal crown is the wood of the Cross! Why the Cross? Because Jesus takes upon himself the evil, the filth, the sin of the world, including the sin of all of us’ (24 March 2013). By his self-sacrifice, Christ defeated the devil that tempted him in the desert just after his baptism (that we know from our reading of St Matthew’s Gospel). Fasting and praying, Christ fought back Satan who wanted to be his god. We are similarly confronted, and Pope Francis speaks often of Satan’s presence in our world today. In cunning disguise, we may not easily recognise his presence as he works to separate us from the Lord. Convincing us that our personal wants and desires are paramount (idolatry), and that it is perfectly fine to follow the crowd (worldliness) are but two tactics steering us away from Christian discipleship. In baptism we received the gift of faith, the capacity to believe infused into our very beings. By ever deepening our understanding, ever purifying our hearts with sacramental graces, we can each strengthen our will weakened by the residual

Theological virtue: LOVE (Or Charity) Expressing the theological virtue of love is an integral part of living out our part in Christ’s kingly ministry. As sharers in Christ’s kingship acts of service and real love help to build the Kingdom he proclaimed (Mark 1:15). Charity (Love) is the power by which we, who have been loved first by God, can give ourselves to God so as to be united with him and can accept our neighbour for God’s sake as unconditionally and sincerely as we accept ourselves. Love is the greatest virtue, the energy that inspires all the other virtues and fills them with divine life (YOUCAT, 309).

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stain of the original sin of our first parents (Amazing Grace, WRCDT, Session 4). This is the discipline in discipleship! Daily we face challenges of managing our pride, our greed for material goods, our personal desires yet, emboldened by our share in his mission, we can fight courageously ‘under the banner of Christ [our] King’ (Pope Pius XI, Quas primas, 24). Christ accomplished his mission and reigns for all eternity but his kingship; his form of governance was not forcibly imposed upon humanity. It is offered to all in love. Through faith, gifted by the Holy Spirit in baptism, he seeks to reign: ––in our hearts… inviting us to freely return his love; ––in our wills…. helping us, through the Spirit, to choose the good of God’s will; ––in our minds… helping us to deepen our understanding of the gift of faith; ––and in our bodies… asking us to go beyond ourselves, to those in need. • What have become idols in our daily lives today? How can we become more vigilant to those activities that take our attention away from the Lord? • The feast of Christ the King is a relatively new addition to the liturgical year (1925). How might we celebrate and shine up this feast? Closing Prayers You may wish to end this session with some different prayers or silent reflection.

This session explored the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us at baptism and strengthened in confirmation. If time permits, you may wish to dip into the recently published book: Strange Gods Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life by Elizabeth Scalia

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Signpost

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Reflecting on this word or phrase in the days following your group gathering, you might ask yourself, what is the Lord saying to me?

Holy Scripture is one way which our loving God communicates to each of us. What is your personal response, perhaps an action you might take, to the passage you have just read?

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5. Jesus’s kingdom I may have mentioned last time that I really like looking out of my window. There are hundreds of buildings - some are houses, some are places where people work and others are buildings like cinemas and shops - and there are lots of people. Some of them have the job to look after how the town runs, they have the power to make decisions. Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is less about the powerful and more about the poor and weak! From the Bible The Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. The Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. ‘All this I will give you,’ the Devil said, ‘if you kneel down and worship me.’ Then Jesus answered, ‘Go away, Satan! The scripture says, “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!”’ Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him. From the Good News according to Matthew, chapter 4 verses 1 to 11. What does the Devil offer to Jesus and what does Jesus say? Have a look at the Bible passage above! 44

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Before his baptism and before he preached about the Kingdom of God, Jesus spent forty days in the desert; he was hungry, he was thirsty and he was probably very, very tired. The Devil tried to get Jesus to turn away from the Father but Jesus refused. Jesus prayed and fasted to help him get close to the Father. We can do the same by giving certain things up and by prayer. Can you find these words in the search box below? Desert

Fasting

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Let us Pray Dear God, please use my hands, my voice and my skills to help others and make your kingdom come. Amen.

Image: Return of the Holy Family from Egypt by Jacob Jordaens (c.1616)

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Kingship as loving Service

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In baptism we are anointed and thereby share in the kingly ministry of Christ. This ministry is one of service and is to be expressed no matter our state in life and no matter the messiness and challenges present in our life.

Opening prayer

Taken from Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (paragraph no. in brackets).

All:

Almighty God and loving Father, we come before you as a community of joy as we present our humble petitions.

Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of the joy of sharing the Good News! (83)

We ask the Lord to heal our inner weariness and fill us with zeal for the Good News! (83, 27)

Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope! (86)

We refuse to be prophets of doom, for we know that the Lord’s love is steadfast and the Holy Spirit radiates in the midst of darkness. Lord, strengthen our hope! (84)

Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of the Gospel! (97)

We refuse the corruption of spiritual worldliness. Lord, send us forth to others: in community, in reconciliation and in a ‘revolution of tenderness’. (93, 88)

Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of the ideal of fraternal love! (101)

We embrace the law of love. Lord, help us to love, in spite of everything. (101)

All:

We make this prayer through Jesus Christ your Son, and in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Introduction to Reading of Scripture Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort me and restore me.

attributed to St Patrick (c.387 – 493 or c.460)

Praying the Scriptures John 13:1-9, 12-15

Note: In John’s account of the Good News, where there is no institution of the Eucharist, we find the washing of the feet. In this powerful act we can see kingship as a ministry of service.

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.’ Please take a few moments in silence to reflect on the passage, then share a word or phrase that has struck you. Pause to think about what others have said then after a second reading of the passage you may wish to share a further thought. Reflection It is a very real challenge to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Perhaps you’ve organised a family party or a trip out and unforeseen problems get in the way of the perfect event. Perhaps you’ve yearned for a day where no interruptions come and no problems are to be solved – a day in which you are able to get peace, just for a moment. So often the troubles in daily life, in family and single life, can threaten to overwhelm. So many people struggle with the everyday, the ideal life is so far removed from their experience. 48

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One might imagine that our kingship by virtue of baptism would encourage us to seek a degree of control over our lives. To a certain extent, this must be true, as we pursue a vision of holiness and the discipline of a disciple’s life. However, we must remain aware of the difficulties that many others and we face from time to time, indeed some more than others. Holiness is not the appearance of perfection but the life in which, despite sin and temptation, despite anger and brokenness, Christ is invited in to heal and save on a continual basis (cf. Colossians 3:15-16). The family has been described, particularly in the teachings of St John Paul II, as the ‘domestic church’ (cf. Familiaris Consortio 21 and Pope Paul VI’s Marialis Cultus, 52). Where Christ is invited in, the family serves as an expression of Christ’s presence in the world. We all know – whether we have families of our own or from childhood – that families are not all right decisions and clean lines. There is so often tension and pain, argument and discord but, and it is a vital but, there are so often examples of unconditional love and forgiveness. Might this ability to love, no matter what, be readily seen in our parishes (cf. John 13:35)? In pursuit of eternal life we have been gifted the sacraments, ‘signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church‘ (CCC, 1131). As well as the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist) and those of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick) we have those at the service of mission (Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony). The Catechism tells us, of these last two, that ‘if they contribute to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so’ (CCC, 1534). This ministry of service, while easy to see in the big things we do, is also to be present in daily acts of loving service to another. Working for the salvation of the other, putting them in touch with Christ, is not

The Spirit at Work in the Church and in Us The Holy Spirit builds up the Church and impels her. He reminds her of her mission. He calls people into her service and sends them the necessary gifts. He leads us ever deeper into communion with the Triune God. It is the Holy Spirit who works in the sacraments and who makes Scripture come alive for us (YOUCAT, 119). The Holy Spirit makes us receptive to God; he teaches us to pray and helps us be there for others. St Augustine beautifully describes the Spirit as ‘the quiet guest of our soul,’ in St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians we read that we are ‘Temples of the Spirit’ (YOUCAT, 120).

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the sole preserve of the married couple or the ordained minister. By virtue of our baptism and the role of kingship we receive on our anointing with the oil of chrism, we are each asked to serve the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of others – Jesus shows us the way in the Scripture we have just read (John 13:1-17). ‘Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others. Under no circumstance can this invitation be obscured! All of the virtues are at the service of this response of love’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 39). • Can we find ways of communicating the richness of our faith so that it is not heard as rhetoric or simply an idea (cf. EG, 232-3)? • How in our service of the messiness and brokenness in the world can we make Christ present (cf. EG, 179)? • When have we felt the frustration of not achieving perfection through our own power, when we might usefully have sought God’s help in the trouble and challenge of the situation? Closing Prayers You may wish to end this session with some different prayers or silent reflection.

This session is the last of this booklet and it looked at our life as one of service in the manner of Christ (John 13:1-15). We have a similar role in the world today; to act in loving service and to proclaim his message of salvation and hope. Please consider meeting as a group on a regular basis and look out for your next resource in the autumn.

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Signpost

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Reflecting on this word or phrase in the days following your group gathering, you might ask yourself, what is the Lord saying to me?

Holy Scripture is one way which our loving God communicates to each of us. What is your personal response, perhaps an action you might take, to the passage you have just read?

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Session six

6. when things get hard Not every day is a good day. Occasionally we find things hard to do or really difficult problems come up. No matter what we plan to do, no matter how hard we try everything seems to go wrong. Families are a bit like that, not every day is a good day where we all get along but we know that there is love and forgiveness when we need it. From the Bible Jesus rose from the table, took off his outer garment, and tied a towel around his waist. Then he poured some water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. After Jesus had washed their feet he returned to his place at the table. ‘Do you understand what I have just done to you?’ he asked. ‘I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you. How happy you will be if you put it into practice!’ From the Good News according to, St John chapter 13 verses 1 to 15. Does Jesus act like a king or a servant? Have a look at the Bible passage above and see what you think!

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Jesus knows that we can find life hard from time to time He knows that we have bad days as well as good ones. My mum always talks about saints and other holy people who had difficult lives but loved God no matter what. They realised that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be perfect to be a friend of Jesus; you can still make mistakes.

Can you find these words in the search box to the right? Love

Friend

O O W K

Family

Holy

Forgive

Saint

M M W X

O V

A Q N W A

O K

K O D

V O

W Q U

Let us Pray Dear God, please help me to realise that I can still make mistakes and be your friend. Help me to understand that I only need to ask you for help and you will give it to me. Amen.

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W Y

A W D

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Daily Prayer: Sunday to Saturday The Office, ‘the prayer of the whole People of God’ (Pope Paul VI, The Hymn of Praise, 1) is intended to be read communally but here we invite you to use these extracts from the Office as personal daily prayer.

Image: He Prays While Watching Over Us by Eddy Aigbe (2013)

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Sunday - Jesus Christ, High priest Introduction O God, come to our aid. Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Alleluia)

Glory be… Antiphon Christ the Lord is a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we must always give thanks to God for omit Alleluias during Lent you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first Suggested Hymns fruits for salvation through sanctification O Lord You are the centre of my life by the Spirit and through belief in the (Celebration for Everyone 543; Laudate 423) truth. For this purpose he called you Praise, my soul, the King of heaven through our proclamation of the good (CFE 602; L 807) news, so that you may obtain the glory of Antiphon our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ the Lord is a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek. Short Responsory R Great is our Lord; great is his might. Psalmody Psalm 66(65) V His wisdom can never be measured. R Burnt offering I bring to your house; Glory be… R to you I will pay my vows, Benedictus/Magnificat Antiphon the vows which my lips have uttered, All authority in heaven and earth has been which my mouth spoke in my distress. given to me, says the Lord. I will offer burnt offerings of fatlings Benedictus (if said in the morning) with the smoke of burning rams. or Magnificat (if said in the evening) I will offer bullocks and goats. see inside back cover for these prayers Come and hear, all who fear God, I will tell what he did for my soul: Pray for the Church, the world and your to him I cried aloud, own personal intercessions with high praise ready on my tongue. Our Father… If there had been evil in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has heeded the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me.

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Concluding prayer Almighty, ever-living God, it is your will to unite the whole universe under your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Grant freedom to the whole of creation and let it praise you for ever. Amen.

Monday - Beloved of the Lord Introduction O God, come to our aid. Lord, make haste to help us.

Antiphon Blessed be God who gave life to my soul, and has brought me relief.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Alleluia)

Reading Isaiah 42:1 Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he omit Alleluias during Lent may bring true justice to the nations. Short Responsory Suggested Hymns R Here is my servant, whom I uphold. From heaven you came (CFE 187; L 749) V My chosen one in whom my soul delights. R Lord of all hopefulness Glory be… R (CFE 386; L 969; Hymns Old & New 329) Antiphon Blessed be God who gave life to my soul, and has brought me relief. Psalmody Psalm 66(65) Cry out with joy to God all the earth, O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise. Say to God: “How tremendous are your deeds! Come and see the works of God, tremendous his deeds among men. He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod. Let our joy then be in him; he rules for ever by his might. O peoples, bless our God; let the voice of his praise resound, For you, O God, have tested us, You let foes ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water but then you brought us relief. Glory be...

Benedictus/Magnificat Antiphon Christ is baptized and the whole world is made holy; he wipes out the debt of our sins; we will be purified by water and the Holy Spirit. Benedictus (if said in the morning) or Magnificat (if said in the evening) see inside back cover for these prayers Pray for the Church, the world and your own personal intercessions Our Father… Concluding prayer Almighty, ever-living God, when Christ was baptized in the river Jordan the Holy Spirit came upon him and your voice proclaimed from heaven, ‘This is my beloved Son.’ Grant that we, who by the water and the Holy Spirit are your adopted children, may continue steadfast in your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Tuesday - Anointed! Introduction O God, come to our aid. Lord, make haste to help us.

Reading Isaiah 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to Glory be to the Father and to the Son bind up hearts that are broken; to proclaim and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the liberty to captives, freedom to those in beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world prison; to proclaim a year of favour from without end. Amen. (Alleluia) the Lord. omit Alleluias during Lent Short Responsory Suggested Hymns R You are Christ, Son of the Living God. Breathe on me, breath of God Have mercy on us. (CFE 98; L 302) V You have been revealed. R Glory beâ&#x20AC;Ś R Antiphon The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He sent Benedictus/Magnificat Antiphon me to bring Good News to the poor. The Holy Spirit appeared to the disciples in the form of fire and gave to them his Psalmody Psalm 85 (84) special gifts; he sent them into the world I will hear what the Lord God has to say, to proclaim that whoever believes and is a voice that speaks of peace, baptized will be saved. peace for his people and his friends and those who turn to him in their hearts. Benedictus (if said in the morning) or Magnificat (if said in the evening) His help is near for those who fear him see inside back cover for these prayers and his glory will dwell in our land. Pray for the Church, the world and your Mercy and faithfulness have met; own personal intercessions justice and peace have embraced. Our Fatherâ&#x20AC;Ś Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven. The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps. Glory be... Antiphon The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He sent me to bring Good News to the poor.

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Concluding prayer Lord God, you sanctify your Church in every race and nation. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit on us and fulfil now in the hearts of your faithful what you accomplished when the Gospel was first preached on earth. Amen.

Wednesday - Light of the world Introduction O God, come to our aid. Lord, make haste to help us.

Antiphon You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Alleluia)

Reading Hebrews 13:7-9 Remember your leaders, who preached the word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, imitate their omit Alleluias during Lent faith. Jesus Christ is the same today as he Suggested Hymns was yesterday and as he will be for ever. Do Dear Lord and Father of Mankind not let yourselves be led astray by all sorts (CFE 143; L 934) of strange doctrines. Love divine, all loves excelling Short responsory (CFE 398; L 801) R The mouths of the good utter wisdom. Antiphon V Their lips speak what is right. R You are the light of the world. A city built Glory beâ&#x20AC;Ś R on a hill-top cannot be hidden. Benedictus/Magnificat Antiphon Psalmody Psalm 119(118) Nun (N) XIV It is not you who speak: the Spirit of your Father speaks in you. Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path. I have sworn and have made up my mind to obey your decrees.

Benedictus (if said in the morning) or Magnificat (if said in the evening) see inside back cover for these prayers

Lord, I am deeply afflicted; by your word give me life. Accept, Lord, the homage of my lips and teach me your decrees.

Pray for the Church, the world and your own personal intercessions Our Fatherâ&#x20AC;Ś

Though I carry my life in my hands, I remember your law. Though the wicked try to ensnare me, I do not stray from your precepts. Your will is my heritage for ever, the joy of my heart. I set myself to carry out your statutes in fullness, for ever. Glory be...

Concluding prayer Lord God, by whose surpassing mercy blessed us with the unfathomable riches of Christ, grants that we may grow in knowledge of you, yield fruit in every good work, and by the truth of the Gospel live faithfully in your presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Thursday - Make straight the paths Introduction O God, come to our aid. Lord, make haste to help us.

Antiphon He came as a witness to the truth.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Alleluia)

Reading Isaiah 49:5-6 And now the Lord has spoken, he who formed me in the womb to be his servant: ‘I will make you the light of the nations so omit Alleluias during Lent that salvation may reach to the ends of the Suggested Hymns earth.’ Walk with me, oh my Lord Short Responsory (CFE 765; L 966; HON 582) O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder R Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. (CFE 568; L 721) V There is one coming after me who existed Antiphon before me. R He came as a witness to the truth. Glory be… R Psalmody Psalm 92(91) It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your truth in the watches of the night Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad; for the work of your hands I shout with joy. O Lord, how great are your works! How deep are your designs! To me you give the wild ox’s strength; you anoint me with the purest oil. The just will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a Lebanon cedar. Planted in the house of the Lord they will flourish in the courts of our God, still bearing fruit when they are old, still full of sap, still green, to proclaim that the Lord is just. In him, my rock, there is no wrong. Glory be...

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Benedictus/Magnificat Antiphon Zachary opened his mouth and spoke this prophecy: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel. Benedictus (if said in the morning) or Magnificat (if said in the evening) see inside back cover for these prayers Pray for the Church, the world and your own personal intercessions Our Father... Concluding prayer Almighty God and Father, you sent Saint John the Baptist to the people of Israel to make them ready for Christ the Lord. Give us the grace of joy in the Spirit, and guide the hearts of all the faithful in the way of salvation and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday - Jesus Christ, Universal King Introduction O God, come to our aid. Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Alleluia)

Glory be… Antiphon Yours is an everlasting kingdom; Lord your rule lasts from age to age.

Reading Colossians 1:12-13 Give thanks, with joy, to the Father, who omit Alleluias during Lent has made you fit to have a share of what God has reserved for his people in the Suggested Hymns kingdom of light. He has rescued us from Praise, my soul, the King of heaven the power of darkness and brought us safe (CFE 602; L 807) into the kingdom of his dear Son. Hail Redeemer, King Divine (CFE 239; L 320) Short Responsory R O Lord, your saints will tell of the glory of Antiphon Yours is an everlasting kingdom; Lord your your kingdom. V They will speak of your power. R rule lasts from age to age. Glory be… R Psalmody Psalm 145(144) Benedictus/Magnificat Antiphon I will give you glory, O God my king, He made us a kingdom for his God and I will bless your name for ever. Father; he is the firstborn from the dead, I will bless you day after day the leader of the kings of the earth. and praise your name for ever. Benedictus (if said in the morning) The Lord is great, highly to be praised, or Magnificat (if said in the evening) his greatness cannot be measured. see inside back cover for these prayers Age to age shall proclaim your works, Pray for the Church, the world and your shall declare your mighty deeds, own personal intercessions shall speak of your splendour and glory, Our Father… tell the tale of your wonderful works. They will speak of your terrible deeds, Concluding prayer recount your greatness and might. Almighty, ever-living God, They will recall your abundant goodness; it is your will to unite the entire universe age to age shall ring out your justice. under your beloved Son, The Lord is kind and full of compassion, Jesus Christ, the King of heaven and earth. slow to anger, abounding in love. Grant freedom to the whole of creation, How good is the Lord to all, and let it praise and serve your majesty for compassionate to all his creatures and ever. Through Christ our Lord. gladdens her heart with children. Amen.

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Saturday - Christ, the servant king Introduction O God, come to our aid. Lord, make haste to help us.

Antiphon If anyone wishes to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.

Glory be to the Father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Alleluia)

Reading Romans 6:4 In our baptism, we have been buried with him, died like him, that so, just as Christ was raised up by his Father’s power from omit Alleluias during Lent the dead, we too might live and move in a new kind of existence. Suggested Hymns Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour Short Responsory (CFE 416; L 200) R Your word, O Lord, will endure for ever. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind V Your truth will last from age to age. R (CFE 143; L 934) Glory be… R He who would valiant be (CFE 248; 862) Antiphon If anyone wishes to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all. Psalmody Psalm 21(20) O Lord, your strength gives joy to the King; how your saving help makes him glad! You have granted him his heart’s desire; you have not refused the prayer of his lips. He asked you for life and this you have given, days that will last from age to age. Your saving help has given him glory. You have laid upon him majesty and splendour. You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence.

Antiphon Let us serve the Lord in holiness all our days. Benedictus (if said in the morning) or Magnificat (if said in the evening) see inside back cover for these prayers Pray for the Church, the world and your own personal intercessions Our Father… Concluding prayer God of eternal compassion, grant your people still greater grace, so that all may truly understand the waters in which they were cleansed, the Spirit by which they were reborn, the blood by which they were redeemed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The king has put his trust in the Lord: through the mercy of the Most High he shall stand firm. Glory be…

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Priest (from the Vatican II dogmatic constitution on the church, 1964) The supreme and eternal Priest, Christ Jesus, gives the [laity] a sharing in his priestly function of offering spiritual worship for the glory of God and the salvation of [humankind]. For all their works, prayers and apostolic endeavours, their ordinary married and family life, their daily occupations, their physical and mental relaxation, if carried out in the Spirit, and even the hardships of life, if patiently borne—all these become ‘spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ’. Together with the offering of the Lord’s body, they are most fittingly offered in the celebration of the Eucharist (Lumen Gentium, 34).

Prophet (from the Vatican II dogmatic constitution on the church, 1964) Christ, the great Prophet, who proclaimed the Kingdom of His Father both by the testimony of His life and the power of his words, continually fulfils his prophetic office through the laity whom He made His witnesses and to whom he gave understanding of the faith and an attractiveness in speech so that the power of the Gospel might shine forth in their daily social and family life (LG, 35).

King (from the Vatican II dogmatic constitution on the church, 1964) Christ has communicated this royal power to his disciples that they might be constituted in royal freedom and that by true penance and a holy life they might conquer the reign of sin in themselves. Further, he has shared this power so that serving Christ in their fellow men they might by humility and patience lead their brethren to that King for whom to serve is to reign (LG, 36).

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Further reading Church documents There are many Church documents which can help us understand our baptismal vocation. These are available from the Vatican website [www.vatican.va] or to buy in hard copy from the Catholic Truth Society. For example: Pope Pius XI: Quas Primas (On Christ the King), 1925 Second Vatican Council: Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), 1964 Apostolicam Actuositatem (Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People), 1965 Ad Gentes (Decree on the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s missionary Activity), 1965 Saint John Paul II: Redemptoris Missio (The Mission of the Redeemer), 1979 Christifideles Laici (The Lay Faithful), 1988 Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992) Pope Francis: Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), 2013 Other Resources YOUCAT (2014) published by CTS in the UK Scott Hahn (1998) A Father Who Keeps his Promises Robert Barron (2014) Priest, Prophet and King DVD series [priestprophetking.com] Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (2000) The Spirit of the Liturgy, Part 4 (Chapter 2) Elizabeth Scalia (2013) Strange Gods Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life Raniero Cantalamessa (1994) The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus James Rea (1946; 2007) Common Priesthood of the Members of the Mystical Body Radiating Christ (2012) WRCDT [issuu.com/rcwestminster/docs/radiatingchrist] Come, Follow Me (2014) WRCDT [issuu.com/exploringfaith/docs/comefollowme] Jesus, My Lord (2014) WRCDT [issuu.com/rcwestminster/docs/jesus_my_lord/]

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exploring faith Some other booklets in the exploring faith group sharing series

Teach Us to Pray (published autumn 2013) Six group sessions for faith-sharing which explore, the call to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and the idea of faith in today’s world. 978-0-9570793-7-3

£1.50 where sold

Amazing Grace (published Lent 2013) Six group sessions for faith-sharing exploring the call to continuing conversion and the mercy and love shown by God to his children. 978-0-9570793-6-6

£1.50 where sold

Come, Follow Me (published Lent 2014) Six group sessions for faith-sharing which explore, the joy of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. 978-0-9927584-0-0

£1.50 where sold

Jesus, My Lord (published autumn 2014) Six group sessions for faith-sharing which explore the call of every Christian to an ever closer discipleship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. 978-0-9927584-1-7

£2.00 where sold

Previous resources in the exploring faith series can be viewed on the Diocese of Westminster’s website. Further copies of this booklet and other resources can be bought from www.houseonrock.co.uk. If you have a QR reader simply scan the code (right) and you will be directed to the relevant webpage or call 01227 362669. exploring faith booklets are produced, under licence, by houseonrock.co.uk

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The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus)

The Song of Mary (Magnificat)

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour, born of the house of his servant David.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant, and from this day all generations will call me blessed.

Through the holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by forgiving them their sins.

The Almighty has done great things for me: holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet on the road of peace.

The Benedictus can be found in the first chapter of Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gospel (Luke 1:68-79). You can also find the Magnificat in Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s account, earlier in chapter one (Luke 1:46-55).

anointed! From the Diocese of Westminster’s exploringfaith series Anointed! contains six group sessions on how we may share in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. In Anointed! you will find various prayers and reflections as well as pages dedicated to helping parents share the booklet’s themes with their children. Information on faith-sharing can be accessed via the Diocese of Westminster website rcdow.org.uk (see small groups).

HOUSEONROCK RRP £2.00