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Praying Together 24th March 2024

Praying Together 24th March 2024

by | Mar 23, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

hands resting on palm leaves

Lent 6 – Palm Sunday

Collects

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: Grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross, we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Philippians 2: 5-11

Mark 14: 1-15: 47

Today’s Palm Sunday reading is not the usual one from Luke’s Gospel describing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the accompaniment of people shouting ‘Hosanna’ and waving palm branches. The reading from Matthew is much darker – and although in retrospect we know that it does describe the first act of a triumphal drama, that victory will not be understood for some days later.

Jesus is under threat – life-threatening conspiracy to kill Him being discussed by the religious hierarchies. Even His disciples are annoyed with Him as He accepts the woman’s act as one of anointing, whereas they see it as a wasteful and over-the-top demonstration of what they regard as hero-worship. One of them is so disturbed that he decides that Jesus must be prevented from demonstrating against the Temple authorities during the Passover Festival. It may even be that Judas sees the betrayal as for Jesus’ own good – we don’t know whether he knew that Jesus would be killed or simply incarcerated until after the celebration was over.

But Jesus is aware of what He will have to endure in order to fulfil His mission of salvation – and He sets the necessary elements in motion. He accepts the woman’s gift for what it is (she may indeed have been Spirit-driven to be aware of the significance of what she was doing). He knows that Judas goes to betray Him unto death. He sends two of His disciples to acquire a room in which He will institute the eucharistic act and give His final teaching. Yes, He will certainly ride into Jerusalem to the accompaniment of cheering crowds, but in the light of the knowledge that those same crowds will call for Bar-Abbas to be released and demand His crucifixion.

But for my sake, and the sake of all those He loves – even those who do not love Him in return – He offers Himself as the final redemptive sacrifice. Hallelujah. What love. What a saviour.

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Praying Together 17th March 2024

Praying Together 17th March 2024

by | Mar 17, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

St Patrick depicted on stained glass

Lent 5 – St Patrick

Collects

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: Grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross, we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle to the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that way that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 5: 5-10

Matthew 28:16-20

The Anglican Church of Ireland has produced an excellent example of the way in which St Patrick’s life embodies the Five marks of Mission – a real cause for celebration and a model for us to follow (And by the way, St. Patrick’s flag colour is blue, not green.)

TELL – proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.
TEACH – teach, baptise and nurture new believers.
TEND – respond to human need by loving service.
TRANSFORM – transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.
TREASURE – strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of earth

Intercessions inspired by St Patrick’s life.

TELL – ST PATRICK CAME TO IRELAND TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.

Thank you Father for sending your Son to die on the cross in our place, so that we can draw near to him. In the cross you have revealed to us your unfathomable love, mercy and forgiveness. Help us to follow the obedience of your Son by taking up our cross, so we may become ambassadors of your sacrificial and reconciling love in the world, in Jesus’ name.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TEACH – ST PATRICK TAUGHT THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND ABOUT THE GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. Thank you for those who faithfully teach others about you in churches, theological colleges and communities across the world today. We pray for those teaching in challenging circumstances – places where there is conflict, hunger or persecution. We ask you for safety for Bible teachers and those who want to learn.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TEND – ST PATRICK LEFT HIS FAMILY AND COUNTRY TO FOLLOW GOD’S CALL TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND. Lord Jesus, help us not to see things through economic lenses, but the way you do. We are amazed at the price you paid and how valuable that makes us. Give us your heart for people and to value everyone you put across our path. May we find ways to serve others in our daily lives;

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TRANSFORM – ST PATRICK WAS CAPTURED AND TRAFFICKED TO IRELAND AS A SLAVE. Almighty God, please give us opportunities to challenge ourselves about the issue of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Move us to act for those who are victims of this dreadful crime. Prompt us to make changes, and speak up, where we need to so that the way we live doesn’t harm other people. Let our hearts be stirred about this issue.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

TREASURE – ST PATRICK WAS A SHEPHERD AND TAUGHT PEOPLE ABOUT GOD USING NATURE – TRADITION TELLS US THAT HE USED THE TINY SHAMROCK TO TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT THE TRINITY. Creator God, thank you for the beauty of the earth you created. Thank you that many nations including our own have recognised their responsibility towards climate change. We recognise that it is often the poorest of our world that suffer most from the effects of climate change. We pray that our government will urgently implement policies to reduce emissions and help people adapt to the problem. We ask you to help us find ways to live more sustainable lives.

God of Mission, hear our prayers.

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Praying Together 10th March 2024

Praying Together 10th March 2024

by | Mar 9, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

a mother and child hugging

Lent 4 – Mothering Sunday

Collect

God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: Strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Colossians 3: 12-17

Luke 2: 25-35

‘a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

Mothering Sunday. Not Mother’s Day. Although there’s nothing wrong with buying your Mum some flowers or (and) a box of chocolates, you shouldn’t need a once-a-year prompt to do so. Mother’s Day is an essentially a made-up Hallmark holiday – a business opportunity. And don’t get me started on Father’s Day, Grandparents Day or be nice to your Budgerigar Day.

Mothering Sunday is a different thing altogether. It’s a day of being aware of, and thankful for, the caring and loving relationships that exist within family and friends. Certainly, in most cases (but sadly not all), the role of a Mother epitomises those relationships. She is the one to whom we turn in times of desperate need. There are many stories of young people feeling newly independent as they proudly march off to war, but later in a field hospital screaming out and calling for their Mother in their semi-conscious extreme pain. And there are few Mothers who do not carry a deep worry and concern for their children in their heart throughout their life no matter how grown up they are. The mothering love is always there.

In the joy of the Angel-promised birth of her Son, Mary lives her life in the knowledge of Simeon’s prophecy. The words burn in her memory. But even in the anguish and the pain of His crucufixion, she stays with Him unto the end. And He experinces the pain not just of the nails but of seeing his Mother’s heartbreaking suffering as she watches at the foot of His cross.

He is comforted by the the love she has for Him – in turn, He shows His care for her, even in His pain. He asks that she be taken into John’s family. We too will watch Him die – to save us. Amazing love. Or, you might say, the Mothering love of the Son for us, His children.

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Praying Together 3rd March 2024

Praying Together 3rd March 2024

by | Mar 2, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

boy with angry facial expression

Lent 3

Collects

Merciful Lord, Grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1: 18-25

John 2: 13-22

Is anger ever justifiable? Clearly it must be – we have Jesus’ example in today’s Gospel – anger at those who have turned religious adherence into a business opportunity, selling animals for sacrifice and changing money, taking profit from the exchange. Jesus’ angry response prompts the onlookers to think again and validate or reject His action.

Unfortunately, in most cases, anger is a negative and unhelpful; allowing the emotion to surface results in distress and hurt. How can we differentiate between positive and negative reactions? To understand why we are angry, we need to look at its cause – its ‘triggers’ – aggression, jealousy, frustration, insecurity, guilt, threat and many others among them. When Jesus sees what is happening in the Temple courtyard, He sees corruption taking the place of worship; human values taking the place of the values of the Kingdom. There is no love in the place from which love comes, and He is as wounded as He will be when the nails are hammered into His hands. His anger is driven by disappointment and grief in the face of the rejection of His Father’s love.

And what of our anger? Is it based on injury to self? Injury to others? Or injury to love, to forgive, to serve? Can we defend it at the foot of the Kingly throne? Ultimately, as in many other situations, we must see through the eyes of Christ – and in them we will know whether our angry response can be justified. Only then can we rationally decide our action – action based on blind anger is unlikely to be the answer. Simple as it may seem, counting to ten is usually a good idea…

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Praying Together 25th February 2024

Praying Together 25th February 2024

by | Feb 24, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

surfer surfing through a wave

Lent 2

Collects

Almighty God, you show to those who are in error the light of your truth
that they may return to the way of righteousness: Grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion, that they may reject those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 4: 13-25

Mark 8: 31-38

As part of our reflections during Lent, we are challenged to ask ourselves – ‘Which am I – the chicken or the pig? Jesus makes it clear that in following Him, there is no half-way house – our values are either of the material world, or of the Kingdom. Either temporary or eternal. Commitment or just involvement? Can’t have both.

Peter doesn’t understand yet. In many ways, you have to feel a bit sorry for him. His world is one in which victory is won according to human terms, in which suffering and death are the consequence of defeat. When Jesus talks about these things happening to Himself, Peter just can’t cope – if this stuff about Jesus’ suffering, rejection and murder is true, then his faith in Jesus as the Messiah is shaken to its foundations, so much so that he dares to rebuke Jesus – you can almost hear him saying “Don’t say these things! That’s defeatist talk!”

He gets a telling off, and still probably doesn’t know why.

But he will do soon.

“The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.”

Martina Navratilova


Funny kind of Victory

 

A short battle, it was;
no flags and no trumpets,
not a fair fight.
One naked man with outstretched arms
against chain mail and spears.
They gave Him thorns,
gave Him whips,
gave Him sour wine and their spittle,
gave Him nails… but gave Him no honour.
It’s over now.
He dies alone, and the quiet is hard to bear.
Even the banter of the soldiers is hushed;
only the sound of the wind and the aching world,
bound and fearful for so long,
waiting for its freedom.
Funny kind of battle, it was;
one man against legion.
Funny kind of victory
when the victor dies.
I wonder if the loser knew;
I wonder if the shaking of the earth
or the tearing of the curtain distracted him?
Or did he see, and despair to see,
the Christ-blood
washing the earth beneath the cross?
Funny when a victory’s won by seeming loss.

 

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Praying Together 18th February 2024

Praying Together 18th February 2024

by | Feb 18, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

a lone woman looks out over a vast landscape

Lent 1

Collect

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: Give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Peter 3: 18-22

Mark 1: 9-15

Lent. What are you giving up? More positive—What are you taking up?
Neither constitute the entire meaning of Lent itself, whether as a penance or self-punishment like a hair shirt (well, not quite that extreme), perhaps as a time of faithful recommitment, maybe a reminder of the season; perhaps all of these.

But that’s not the real point. In reality, in addition to the above (and arguably more significant) Lent provides a time to go out into the wilderness and prepare, even if that time spent in the wilderness is only for a few moments each day. A wilderness in solitude, without disturbance, facing temptation, self-searching, repenting, meditating, praying. Certainly, it is also a preparation for the dramatic events of Easter, when despair will be turned into celebration—but it’s more than that. It’s a time when we have the opportunity to hear the uninterrupted voice of the Holy Spirit equipping us for living as the body of Christ for every single day of our lives.

As Edith Stein says so movingly in the passage below, the world is in flames. Where can we go? The answer is in the power of a cross – and an empty tomb.

A meditation for Lent – Edith Stein

 

“THY WILL BE DONE,” in its full extent, must be the guideline for the Christian life. It must regulate the day from morning to evening, the course of the year, and the entire of life. Only then will it be the sole concern of the Christian. All other concerns the Lord takes over. This one alone, however, remains ours as long as we live. And, sooner or later, we begin to realize this. In the childhood of the spiritual life, when we have just begun to allow ourselves to be directed by God, we feel his guiding hand quite firmly and surely. But it doesn’t always stay that way. Whoever belongs to Christ must go the whole way with him. He must mature to adulthood: he must one day or other walk the way of the cross to Gethsemane and Golgotha.

Will you remain faithful to the Crucified? Consider carefully! The world is in flames, the battle between Christ and the Antichrist has broken into the open. If you decide for Christ, it could cost you your life. Carefully consider what you promise.

Before you hangs the Saviour on the cross, because he became obedient to death on the cross. He came into the world not to do his own will, but his Father’s will. If you intend to be the bride of the Crucified, you too must completely renounce your own will and no longer have any desire except to fulfil God’s will.

The Saviour hangs naked and destitute before you on the cross because he has chosen poverty. Those who want to follow him must renounce all earthly goods. It is not enough that you once left everything out there and came to the monastery. You must be serious about it now as well. Gratefully receive what God’s providence sends you. Joyfully do without what he may let you do without. Do not be concerned with your own body, with its trivial necessities and inclinations, but leave concern to those who are entrusted with it. Do not be concerned about the coming day and the coming meal.

The Saviour hangs before you with a pierced heart. He has spilled his heart’s blood to win your heart. If you want to follow him in holy purity, your heart must be free of every earthly desire. Jesus, the Crucified, is to be the only object of your longings, your wishes, your thoughts.

The world is in flames. Are you impelled to put them out? Look at the cross. From the open heart gushes the blood of the Saviour. This extinguishes the flames of hell. Make your heart free by the faithful fulfilment of your vows; then the flood of divine love will be poured into your heart until it overflows and becomes fruitful to all the ends of the earth.

Do you hear the groans of the wounded on the battlefields in the west and the east? You are not a physician and not a nurse and cannot bind up the wounds. You cannot get to them. Do you hear the anguish of the dying? You would like to be a priest and comfort them. Does the lament of the widows and orphans distress you? You would like to be an angel of mercy and help them. Look at the Crucified. If you are bound to him by the faithful observance of your holy vows, your being is precious blood. Bound to him, you are omnipresent as he is. You cannot help here or there like the physician, the nurse, the priest. You can be at all fronts, wherever there is grief, in the power of the cross. Your compassionate love takes you everywhere, this love from the divine heart. Its precious blood is poured everywhere, soothing, healing, saving.

The eyes of the Crucified look down on you, asking, probing. Will you make your covenant with the Crucified anew in all seriousness? What will you answer him?

“Lord, where shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Edith Stein
Saint Edith Stein
Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon (public domain), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Edith Stein (1891–1942) came from an Orthodox Jewish family. She became an atheist as a teenager, but at the age of thirty encountered the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Ávila, converted to Catholicism, and took vows as a Carmelite nun. Because of her Jewish ancestry she was executed at Auschwitz by the Nazis in August 1942.

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