This week, the service was prepared by the brothers and sisters of the Community in the Studium in Chartres
Reflection text
Christ is risen
Meditation by Brother Roger of Taizé, Easter 1989
Christ, we know from the Gospel that, having risen from the dead, you dwell within us all through your Holy Spirit. Yet we often struggle to grasp that you have risen. It is as though we did not know it, or as though we had forgotten it.
And yet, from the depths of our human condition, we seek love—the wonder of your love. Yes, deep within each of us lies a longing for your presence, for you, Christ, who love us. This longing for your life within us is already a communion with you, the Risen One. This longing is already faith—a humble faith hidden within us.
Whilst many of us experience inner contradictions and resistance, you, Jesus, burn them away with the fire of your Holy Spirit.
And even more: you give us the courage to leap over the walls of hesitation, and even of doubt, so that we may always be united with you in the silence of our hearts and may continually renew a ‘yes’ with our whole being. And now, Christ, you have chosen us all to convey, through our own lives, a mystery of hope. So, day after day, alongside those you place in our path, we look forward to discovering in you, the Risen One, the source of a simple trust that makes us truly alive!
Intercessions
To be adapted or modified according to the place and the circumstances
During this Easter season, the Bishop of Chartres has announced the start of a special period of prayer and reflection leading up to Pentecost. This time of prayer and listening to the Risen Lord is intended to guide the future of the diocese, its movements, its parishes and its schools.
Lord, may these special weeks be fruitful and enable us to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer!
This Thursday, 9 April, the 30-day retreat will begin at Béthanien in Switzerland. Seventy retreatants will take part in all or part of the Exercises.
Lord, may the grace of intimate and profound prayer enable them to listen to you. We also pray for the brothers and sisters who are serving you through this retreat.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer!
From 13th to 23rd April, Pope Leo XIV will visit four African countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The trip will focus on key issues and themes such as interfaith dialogue, peace and social justice.
Lord, may this important milestone, one year after the end of the conclave, be experienced as a powerful sign of commitment to the world.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer!
Last Monday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was installed beneath the dome of the Institute of France. This event provided an opportunity to highlight the place of worship and Christianity in the public sphere and within French institutions.
Lord, we pray for the bonds between the Christian Churches and state bodies: may a path of respect and dialogue be sought and made possible.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer!
Prayer for Christian unity
Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one,
we pray to you for the unity of Christians,
according to your will,
according to your means.
May your Spirit enable us
to experience the suffering caused by division,
to see our sin
and to hope beyond all hope.
Amen.
(Prayer written by members of the Chemin Neuf Community
inspired by a prayer of Father Paul Couturier)