We
shouldn’t hide from the light that is being shed on the world. What this crisis
has given us is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the light and take the time
to make a different life, a different world.
For God so loved the WORLD (not just humans!)
April 22, 2020
Greetings MPB Community,
I have chosen to reflect on the gospel from today, John 3:16-21. In this often quoted scripture, we hear that God so loved the WORLD that he sent his only son. It doesn’t say God so loved just humans, he so loved the WORLD which includes the whole cosmos; birds, fish, insects, dirt, clouds… the WORLD and everything within it.
On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, I would like to reflect on how we play a critical part in taking care of this WORLD to which God sent his son. How does this care of our common home look while we are sheltering in place? Here are some Earth Day at Home ideas you might consider adopting while experiencing this gift of pause.
The MPB Creation Care Ministry seeks to promote
Day to Serve at Earthlinks 2018
MPB Creation Care Bike Event 2019
the ideas of sustainability and the interdependence of all Creation; to engage our parish in reflection and to inspire action – so that we can face together the imperative environmental issues of our time.
Presently, Creation Care is offering the opportunity to pray the Franciscan Rosary for Climate Justice on four Fridays at 7 pm: April 24, May 1, 8, 15.
These are the four Fridays between Earth Day and Laudato Sí. Pope Francis has commented that the pandemic may be nature's response to the climate crisis. For more information on the rosary or this ministry contact creationcaredenver@gmail.com.
God Bless and be well,
Ann Zimmer
Social Outreach Coordinator
A Prayer for our Earth
By Pope Francis*
All-powerful God,
you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
* Pope Francis published this prayer in his Laudato Si’ encyclical, and is meant for sharing with all who believe in a God who is the all-powerful Creator.
Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
"Requiem"
MPB Music Ministry performing Requiem live at their November 2014 Concert. Eliza Gilkyson wrote this piece after the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, taking over 260,000 lives. May we be awakened to the suffering of all creation, and do our part to heal our world.
MPB Livestream Mass
- On Saturdays at 4:30pm we will livestream and record a virtual Mass using Zoom video conferencing. More info and a song book will be available by Saturday and the Mass will stream here: https://mpbdenver.org/our-parish/virtual-worship/.
- You may choose to be a part of the "stay-at-home" Virtual Assembly that will be streamed live along with Fr. Pat and the liturgical ministers, who will also be at home. The assembly will be muted, but we will see one another participating with our responses, gestures and singing. While it isn't just like being at MPB, it is the closest we have for now, and it can be a powerful experience. "Seats" are limited so sign up HERE and you'll be sent a Zoom link and more instructions by Saturday morning.
- We will record the livestream and it will be posted by Sunday mornings on our website HERE for anyone to watch on demand for the remainder of the week.
Please send any questions to tstone@mpbdenver.org.
Please share with friends and family.
If you wish to subscribe for news and updates from Most Precious Blood, click here.