Prayer/Act of Worship Resource Sheet
Week Beginning: 8 December 2018
Theme: Epiphany
Reflection: ‘Prince of Peace – Light of the World.’
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 71; Ephesians 3:2-6; Matthew 2: 1-12
Our first full week begins and we will continue to encourage our children to be focused on New Year resolutions. In setting new targets and goals we may use the image of ‘reaching for the stars.’ Indeed in our celebration assemblies we may talk of ‘stars of the week.’
As far back as history, people have been fascinated by these tiny lights in the sky. They engage us at many different levels. For some they are portents and omens to predict future events. Others focus on calculating the ages and distances to faraway stars. For some of us they are simply beautiful but beyond our reach. We try to catch them in the joy of language. Stars flicker everywhere in our love stories and poems. We even use them as a description for our role-models. Stars are inspiring.
Ordinary shepherds and learned magi alike took inspiration from the skies as they travelled to Bethlehem. We may explain them off as tales of omens and calculation and seldom think of the inspiration that set them on a journey. It was an early example of a peace march. The recurring wish of the star-gazer is a place of peace that lies maybe somewhere beyond the stars.
Across the ages every culture has stared up at the stars and wondered. There must be something else out there in the vastness beyond our understanding. Part of us inexplicably believes that whatever is out there is good or at least better than what we have here. In most cases our desire for inspiration asks the one thing we feel entitled to expect here on Earth. We feel it but rarely seem to get it – peace!
Peace to people of good will – the Prince of Peace welcomes everyone who seeks peace. Shepherd and king, rich and poor, local and stranger all seek the same thing, a life of peace and fulfilment. “All humans seek peace” is a generalisation that is close to being true. Breaking peace is always a decision. Anger, nastiness, belligerence and unkindness are not natural to the human person. In our better instincts, we desire peace and benevolence. The symbols of universalism in the Magi story speak to an audience far wider than just Christians. It is for all those who have gazed beyond the senses and dreamed for something better, something that is both natural and common to us all. Therefore let us all in our resolutions bring Peace; be ‘Stars of Peace’; - let us say in our thoughts, words and deeds: “Peace Be with You!”
A Homily for Sharing – Feast of the Epiphany 2017 -extracts taken from Pope Francis’ homily 6.1.17
Next to a manger containing the baby Jesus in St Peter’s Basilica Pope Francis in his homily spoke about the three Kings who, he said, “personify all those who believe, those who long for God, who yearn for their home, their heavenly homeland.” They reflect, he added, “the image of all those who in their lives have not let their hearts become anesthetized.”
Like these kings, the Pope explained, “a holy longing for God helps us keep alert in the face of every attempt to reduce and impoverish our life. That longing keeps hope alive in the community of believers, which from week to week continues to plead: “Come, Lord Jesus”.”
The Magi, underlined Pope Francis, “had to discover that what they sought was not in a palace, but elsewhere, both existentially and geographically. There, in the palace, they did not see the star guiding them to discover a God who wants to be loved. For only under the banner of freedom, not tyranny, the Pope said, “Is it possible to realize that the gaze of this unknown but desired king does not abase, enslave, or imprison us.”
It is a merciful gaze, noted the Pope that heals, forgives, and comforts those who suffer.
What the Magi found in Bethlehem concluded Pope Francis “was a promise of newness. There something new was taking place. The Magi were able to worship, because they had the courage to set out. And as they fell to their knees before the small, poor and vulnerable Infant, the unexpected and unknown Child of Bethlehem, they discovered the glory of God.”
Prayers for the week:
The response to our prayers this week. May the Peace of Christ be with you. (Amen)
Monday: We pray for the people of all the nations, that they may believe the Good News of salvation. R/.
Tuesday: We pray for the Christians in the Middle East who are suffering persecution — that the light of Christ will lead them to safety. R/.
Wednesday: We pray for the members of the Orthodox Church who celebrate Christmas at Epiphany — that they may draw closer to God and to all other Christians. R/.
Thursday: We pray for the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters — that through their faithfulness to God’s word, they too may reach the Kingdom. R/.
Friday: We pray for people of all faiths and of none — that in this New Year they may grow in peace and love. R/.