Call to Worship
The word of God comes to us:
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
The word of God comes to us:
“I appointed you to speak my word.”
We may believe we are too young, or too old, too tall or too short, too loud or too quiet, too ignorant or too cynical.
Still, the word of God comes to us.
Still, we have come together, to worship, where we can listen more closely so we can speak more faithfully.
May our mouths by filled with God’s praise, and with God’s glory all day long.
Jeremiah 6:16
The Pope has urged us all to learn from history, citing the danger of nuclear war that threatened the world in the early 60s.
“We cannot forget the danger of nuclear war that threatened the world at that time. Why not learn from history,” he said, referring to the missile crisis between Cuba, the United States and the Soviet Union.
“At that time, too, there were conflicts and great tensions, but the peaceful way was chosen. It is written in the Bible: ‘Thus says the Lord: ‘Stop on the highways and look, ask the ancient paths where the good way is, and go along it: then you will find peace for your souls,’ (Jeremiah 6:16)” Francis added.
God had warned his people over and over again through his prophets of the consequences of rebellion and sin against him. And today, God is still warning us to turn from our evil ways and serve him only. God asks “are you listening and obeying? Or, are you like Israel was back then in doing what was right in your own eyes? What choice are you making?
This “highway” signifies a place where a choice must be made! God offers help when we get to this place. We can either receive it or reject it – the choice is ours. It is his desire that we take the ‘ancient path’, but he will not force us to.
The ancient path isn’t the popular way! It is a path that is being abandoned daily by people who have decided that new is better. They are leaving the true and living God to serve other gods: power, empire, wealth and celebrity.
Do you choose peace and harmony or do you choose war?
A Prayer for Peace
Lord Jesus Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace,
who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said, “Peace to you,” grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love.
Banish from our hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters.
May longed for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.
Holy one – you who are the “One Heart” that surrounds Creation:
Hear our prayers for peace, Hear our prayers for recovery, Hear our prayers of gratitude, Hear our prayers of need; and, return to us the strength and conviction to carry our prayers beyond this sanctuary.
In you there is no limit, no one is turned away.
And, with you, we are transformed in astonishing ways.
Help us to see our power – especially when we feel powerless.
And, guide us through uncertainty and fear into serenity and trust.
Blessing
The Lord knows our worries, anxieties, and fears. The Lord promises blessings of peace and strength over our lives. The Lord will bring peace into our souls; a peace that passes all worldly understanding. Amen.
