Servanthood

We follow Jesus who came in humility

‘not to be served but to serve’, the path to true leadership.

We empower the poor by placing control in their hands and

not overpowering them with outside resources or expertise.

With courage, we embrace sacrifice and suffering,

and share faithfully in the life of Jesus and the poor.

 

 

 

INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD

 

Trust in God at all times, people. Pour out your hearts to the Holy One.

For God alone my soul waits in silence.

 

Silence

 

Our servant leader Jesus is with us.

Let his spirit be on us.

 

Let your spirit be on us your servants whom you uphold, whom you have chosen, and in whom you delight.

With you, we seek to bring justice to the nations.

Like you, we work quietly in the streets.

We will not break what is bruised, or extinguish flickering candles.

We accept that we may faint and be crushed in this birthing of justice. . .

 

You are God. You take us by the hand and keep us.

 

Sing      Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?

Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too.

 

 

THANKSGIVING AND LAMENT

 

My grief is beyond healing, my heart is broken.
Listen to the weeping of my people, it can be heard all across the land.
Has the Lord abandoned Jerusalem? Is her King no longer there?
The harvest is finished and the summer is gone, yet we are not saved!

I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief.
Why is there no healing for the wounds of my people?[1] 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, fellow servants who have gone before.
Let’s listen, they are cheering us on.
Thanks be to God.

Let’s throw off every attachment and distraction, eyes fixed on the Servant who both began and will finish forming a kingdom people from the margins.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

THE LIVING WORD

 

Psalm 86           or          Isaiah 52: 13 – 53: 6        or       John 13: 1-17

Matt. 20: 20-28              Luke 1: 46-55                            1Thess 1: 2-7

 

Silence for reflecting on the readings

 

RESPONSE

: foot washing  or hand massage
: meditation ~  lectio divina on Ps 86
: sing  “The Servant King’

 

 

FOR EACH OTHER

 

Let’s hold in the light and faithfulness of God those who live with poverty  …. of choice, of spirit, of generosity, and especially today…

 

 Silence or open prayer

 

 

THIS WAY, THIS DAY

 

Jesus, when you could have come in power

You came in humility and love.

You knelt down to wash the feet of your friends,

Even the one who betrayed you.

It was the cry of your spirit to be available to your Father,

Your joy to bring good news to the poor.

 

After your example, Jesus,

We want to wash each others’ feet today

Through touch that heals and words that restore.

Empty us of the need to control,

Free us to set others free.

Whatever it costs us in comfort or reputation

We give ourselves gladly to you today.

 

Where fear has bound us

or power seduced us

On earth as in heaven

Your Kingdom come!              

Amen

[1] From Jeremiah 8: 18-22 (New Living Translation)