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22nd SUNDAY in Ordinary Time Get Behind me (31st August
2008) THE 7 STEPS
1.
SILENCE
2.
WORSHIP
3.
SCRIPTURE
4.
MEDITATION
5.
BY HEART
6.
INTERCESSION
7.
COVENANT
PRAYER Take up your cross What are you doing for the King? just to know your soul I said I know sometimes Take
Up Your Cross Ray Boltz, 1991 |
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of
mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For
anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life
for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world
and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life? Meditation: Try to answer as many
questions as possible
1.
“If anyone wants to be…”: Jesus invites us to follow
him. He never forces us to do
anything. This invitation is extended
for all. Do I want to be a disciple of
Christ? Do the choices I make in life
reflect this desire?
2.
“…renounce himself”: People renounce many
things in their lives for a higher purpose.
Athletes, for example, have to renounce many things in order to
achieve their goal and win the race.
What is our goal as followers of Christ? What do we have to renounce or say no
to? Are we on course to win the race?
3.
“…take up his cross”: How did Jesus carry his cross? Did he encounter difficulties? How many times did he fall? Did he give up? What can we learn from Jesus on carrying
our own crosses?
4.
“…and follow me”: Following Jesus means to let him be in
front and lead us. How much of our
lives do we let Jesus lead? Are we
following the ways of Jesus? By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your
daily life situation Once a man wanted to get rid
of his shadow, jumped into the water, ran in several directions but all in
vain. His shadow continued to follow
him. Then a wise man advised him: “It
is very easy to get rid of your shadow.
All you need to do is to go and stand in the shadow of a tree.” Likewise, if we want to get
rid of our dislike for the cross, let us go and stand in the shadow of the
cross on which Christ was crucified for love of us. In the shadow of the cross of Christ, a
Christian will learn that every trial has a triumph in it; within every
suffering, there is hope and hence his cross is not a loss.
Intercession:
1.
For perseverance to renounce ourselves, may the grace of God fill us with
the love of Christ to make wise decisions in our lives
2.
For strength to carry our crosses, may the Holy Spirit empower us to
follow in the footsteps of Christ with determination and not give up
3.
For our peace and unity in our country, may the power of God penetrate
the hearts of our government leaders and fill them with wisdom and courage
4.
For those who are in pain and suffering, may the mercy of God be upon
them to give them the healing and consolation of his presence. Covenant Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death
and resurrection, you give us new life:
a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for
you are the source of life. Guide us
on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully
as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and
truth. Enlighten our minds and hearts
that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives. Help us not to fall into sin and if we do
fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the
truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever
they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be
strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled. In your name we humbly pray. Amen |
