Morning Prayer for Justice and Peace But this a people plundered and looted, all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become plunder, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, "Send them back." Isaiah 43:22 "They cast lots for my people and traded boys for prostitutes; they sold girls for wine that they might drink." Joel 3:3 "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10. Opening Prayer: Open us, O God, to continue to be urged by your Spirit so that the fire of our love may be released in practical ways. Help us to right unjust systems and free our sisters and brothers from all that destroys the human spirit. Amen. Hymn: "People of Peace" (Companions on a Journey, Carey Landry) Alternate Sides: We are united with God in Jesus by being in compassionate solidarity with those who suffer. If God is there, resisting evil and willing life wherever people are being damaged, then the followers of Jesus must enter into the same solidarity. There is a traditional axiom which claims that to live a good ethical life, one must 'do good and avoid evil.' The emphasis shifts today, slightly but very dramatically, to make us realize that this is not enough… For in the light of the compassion of God, the Christian conscience here is not to hide our face from evil. Not to walk around it, or pretend it is not there; but to face its massiveness in spite of our feelings of powerlessness or insignificance and to become involved in transforming it. Suffering people are the privileged place where the God of compassion is found." (Consider Jesus, by Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ) Reader One: Throughout the pages of Scripture, God's power is an action on behalf of the powerless, the weak, the voiceless, and oppressed. God's activity in history is a clear laboring on behalf of justice for those who are being exploited and have no one to declare their cause. God is never indifferent to what goes on in his creation and the various ways His children act towards on another. The God who acts on behalf of justice for the poor demands that his people hear the cries of the oppressed. While there is not perfect justice this side of the Kingdom, we must resist temptation and be open to hope. Not hope in our efforts alone, but in the power of God to be with us in our struggle for justice and liberation. Reader Two: We need individuals and communities who hunger for justice and let mercy flow daily. The Church of Jesus the Incarnate Word, the community which draws inspiration from Mary, must stand in solidarity with those who live without power in a world that idolizes power. The Church must be for the poor and a Church of the poor. Only by being one with and for and of the poor can we as a faith community echo Mary's words: "My soul magnifies the Lord…He Who is mighty has done great things for me (us)…And His mercy is on those who fear Him." (Both readings taken from - Mary: Model of Justice, by Rev. Wm. Maestri) Hymn: "O Chosen One" (Companions On A Journey - By Carey Landry) Prayers of Intercession: Jesus, Savior God, on this day we remember your holy cross, the tree of life, and we pray: 1. As you loved children and called them to come to you, help us protect the innocent and vulnerable in a violent world. 2. As we are mindful of the grace to live our charism of active inclusive love and to be healers and reconcilers in the events of today, help us use our influence to effect change in our communities in our world. 3. As you suffer in the bodies of those wounded by war, those who are refugees and prisoners of conscience, help us right unjust systems and free our sisters and brothers from all that destroys the human spirit. 4. As you suffer in the hearts of those who seek a just world order, help us to support their efforts and sow seeds of hope. 5. As you suffer in the depths of those bound by depression and fears, help us to offer the refuge of understanding hearts, warmth, and welcome. Closing Prayer It is not important whether we believe in God…Father, Mother, Spirit…What is important is that we allow ourselves to hear God speak to us in ways that will make our lives whole and complete. I believe God…will move in our lives with such force that we will be carried to new freedom and life, if only we will be open to the opportunity. (Where is God? - Louise Garrison) We pray for this to become a reality. Amen.