This week, the service was prepared by the brothers and sisters of the Community in Poland.
Reflection text
Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, from the book entitled ‘Mandatum: Do this in memory of me’
Christ gives us the Holy Spirit at the cost of his death. At the Last Supper, he said: ‘Unless I go away, the Spirit will not be sent to you’ (John 16:7). Christ also gives us the light of faith so that we may understand reality. He said to his disciples: ‘You do not understand now, but later you will understand’ (John 13:7). Later – at the cost of his death.
And the third gift: Christ brings us together. In the Gospel passage in question, Caiaphas’ prophetic words are extraordinary. He indeed foretold that Jesus would die not only for the nation, but also to gather into one body the scattered children of God (John 11:52).
We can therefore be united at the cost of Jesus’ death. We can live in the Holy Spirit at the cost of Jesus’ death. We can be believers, seeing and understanding reality correctly, at the cost of Jesus’ death.
We must keep this price in mind so as not to give up these gifts too easily – for example, the gift of unity. It is precisely this gift that we are most likely to abandon. (…) It is not only attachment to customs or church traditions that can divide us; political debate is just as likely to do so.
… Christ died so that we might be one.
Intercessions
To be adapted or modified according to the place and the circumstances
Fighting is raging on Poland’s eastern border, and many Ukrainians are being forced to flee their country.
Lord, we pray that you will work a miracle to bring an end to the fighting in countries torn by conflict. Grant the grace of reconciliation to the nations in conflict.
In Mistów, the Siloe Centre is opening its doors.
Lord, we entrust this place to you, along with the sisters and brothers who work here, and those who are staying here temporarily. Grant that we may build a home after your own heart.
The parishes run by the sisters and brothers of the Chemin Neuf Community in Wesoła and Mistów are places where people from diverse ecclesial and social backgrounds come together.Lord, we pray that all the parishes entrusted to the Chemin Neuf Community may be places where your love is witnessed and unity is built.
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)