This is a reflection on a passage from scripture.  The text is used and everyone spends time together in quiet, praying and reflecting on the passage.  A different translation is used so that a fresh approach to the meaning of the scripture passage can be taken.

LUKE   

(The text is from The Message.  It is read slowly for the first time.  Pause, and then it is read slowly a second time.  After which there should be a period of quiet.  Finally, there can be a sharing of reflections and prayers from the quiet time.)

One time when Jesus was off praying by himself, his disciples nearby, he asked them, "What are the crowds saying about me, about who I am?"

They said, "John the Baptizer. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets from long ago has come back."  He then asked, "And you--what are you saying about me? Who am I?"

Peter answered, "The Messiah of God." Jesus then warned them to keep it quiet. They were to tell no one what Peter had said.  He went on, "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive."
 

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat--I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.

The following response prayer can be used to end the reflection period.

TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?

To whom shall we go?
You alone are the Lord of life.

To turn away from you is to die.
To ignore you is to enter into darkness.
You are the way and the truth.
To lose you is to be confused and lost.
You alone are the Lord of life.

If we would turn to you,
You reach out to help us.
You want us to have life.
You offer us your love,
You give us yourself.
Where else could we go?
You alone are the Lord of life.

In your presence is the fullness of joy.
You are the light of the world.
In your presence are hope and peace.
You alone are the Lord of life.

Lord, we come to you.
Lord, we come.
Lord.

Glory to you ...

From Music of the Heart, David Adam, 2004.