FORMATION
FORMATION 2004
THEME NO. 4
“Walk worthy of your vocation”
Call to Prayer
Leader:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All:
Amen.
Opening Prayer
Leader:
Blessed are you Lord God of all creation, for you care for us with steadfast love and guide us through your Word.
All:
Strengthen us, O gracious God, now and always, that through our reflection on your Word, we may learn your way ever more clearly and witness to your love through care of your people and praise of your Holy Name. Blessed are you, God, forever. Amen.
Word of God
The Gospel according to Matthew 5: 1—16
The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
"No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
For the next five minutes silently read and reflect on the scripture text. Underline what you consider to be key words and/or phrases for you.
The Sharing
Take 10 minutes now to share your insights from the reading of the Word of God.
Closing Prayer
Leader:
Let us pray.
All:
Gracious God, in this time of prayer and reflection on your Word,
we have been reminded of how we are called to be your disciples and to worthily serve you and your people. Strengthen us in our efforts to remain faithful to your purpose in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
You are encouraged to continue the practice of ‘Lectio Divina’ in the weeks between meetings. For your reflection, further Scripture texts relating to the Theme "Vocation" are included here.
Micah 6: 6—8; Matthew 28: 5—20; Luke 8: 22—25; Luke 9: 46—62;
Luke 12: 35—40; John 13: 3—20; Acts 1: 3—12; Romans 12: 1—21;
Ephesians 4:1—16.
