FORMATION
FORMATION 2004
THEME NO. 8
“Mary”
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 John 2: 1—11
The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine."
And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it.
When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now."
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
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 serve you and your people as did Mary, the first disciple. 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 "Mary" are included here.
Luke 1: 26—38; Luke 1: 39—56; Luke 2: 8—19; John 19: 25—30;
Acts 1: 12—14.
