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to remember you and your love for us. Calm our bodies and our hearts, heal us of the disease of restlessness. Come and sit with us as we pray now in silence for our Brother NAME as he celebrates NUMBER years in loving service as a Christian Brother.
A REFLECTION ON
A Celtic moment In the milking of cows and tending
the hearth,
Not in our kingdom of busyness,
Like the unceasing prayer of Celts,
Let our open gaze fall faithfully
Celtic moment, Soul moment, Sacred
moment,
Gather all to our soul:
Recover the lost cloak put on the rich garment -Joyce Rupp
Reading: John 21 Do You Love Me?
After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
He then asked a second time, "Simon, son
of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
Then he said it a third time: "Simon,
son of John, do you love me?"
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." ... And then he commanded, "Follow me."
Candle Ritual
The leader lights the candle with the following prayer - May this holy candle send forth dancing rays like sunrise on the most glorious morning. May these rays of light encircle us and those we love, as we celebrate the anniversary of NAME coming to the Brothers NUMBER years ago. We give you thanks, O God, for this happy occasion and we ask that as we are one in this circle of light with all those who are dear to us, we may always be one with you in the circle of your loving presence. Amen.
After a pause, the leader extends this invitation: "Remember the spark of God that sets aflame the one who seeks. Let us pause now to invite the radiance of God in our lives ... May the fire of God be ever present in the depth of NAME’s heart."
Pass the candle around the group. Each one receives the candle, pauses to pray silently or speaks a few words for NAME as he celebrates his anniversary, and then passes the candle to the next person.
Hymn: A New Heart for a New World - Played softly while the candle is passed.
Let Us Pray ... Response: "The flash of love is a flash of fire, a flame of God."
Leader: Let us pause to remember We remember those times when we felt a great drawing within us, when we yearned to be completely yours even when it meant the hardship of leaving our homeland, God of fire ...
We remember the love of scriptures that Brother has always expressed in his life, may our hearts be set on fire with love of you and your word through his example ...
We remember the people in our lives who have kindled your fire in us, all those who have lived and served with at NAME THE PLACES, may their example move us to give ourselves more completely to you ...
A Hymn of Blessings (The jubilarian stands in the center of the gathered community and the following blessing is recited by the members of the community or by a member of the Brother’s family, standing with his/her/their hand(s) on the head of the Brother Jubilarian.)
May an abundance of gratitude burst forth as you reflect upon what you have received.
May thanksgiving overflow in your heart, and often be proclaimed in your prayer.
May you gather around your table today the faithfulness, kindness, and goodness of each person who has meant so much to you.
May your basket of blessings surprise you with its rich diversity of opportunities for growth.
May all that nourishes life bring you daily satisfaction and renewed hope.
May you never forget the Generous One who loves you lavishly and unconditionally.
Prayer of Thanksgiving (Prayed by the Jubilarian - either his own prayer or something such as the following.)
Faithful Love There are days when I reflect upon the moments of my history and I taste satisfied fragrance, like a well-aged bottle of wine.
It is easy then to ponder the beauty of Isaiah's God: holding me in tender arms, etching my name on divine palms.
There are other long-spent days when I chew upon my memories, only to taste the dry crumbs of stale and molded bread.
How difficult then to perceive the steadfast love of God; How empty then is my longing for a sense of divine embrace.
There are yet other days when I sit at a great distance, looking at the life that is mine; threading the loom of my past with a deep belief in faithfulness.
It is then that I see how fidelity has little to do with fine feelings, and everything to do with deep trust, believing the One who holds me in joy will never let go when sorrow steps in. - Joyce Rupp
End with the Kiss of Peace |
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We pause, our God, along the busy
roadside of life,
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he
answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that
I love you."