Midweek Mindfulness ~ July 27th 2022

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Let us take a moment to sit and rest with Jesus, the spring of living water
We offer you a song and a simple prayer

A Song

A Prayer

Take a moment to sit with Jesus in silence

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When you're ready, let's pray the following prayer with Him
If you want a sister or brother to pray with you, click the bar below.
The accompanier will pray the whole prayer with you
You are invited to join in praying the purple italicized words with them

Today we meditate on the penitential pilgrimage of Pope Francis

A simple prayer for forgiveness

This week Pope Francis
makes his way across
the vast but cracked expanse
of Turtle Island, walking
a 'penitential pilgrimage'
for the Catholic Church.
We know this island
bears many wounds,
but some of the worst were struck
by the seat of St. Peter.

We have seen him arrive,
a man of humility and compassion,
carrying the weight of ecclesial sin
on stooped shoulders.

I can only imagine how
his medieval predecessors
would roll in their graves
to see the weak meekness
of this lowly man, their heir,
armed only with open hands
and apologies.

Father, let us join with him,
kneeling and opening hands.

We are sorry, Father,
for the ways that we too
have minimized, ignored,
or erased Indigenous roles, places,
voices, and history in our lives.
Expose our own part
in this broken story, Spirit.
How have we fallen short?

Perhaps in willful ignorance
Jesus, open our eyes.

Perhaps in harmful comments
Jesus, cleanse our tongues.

Perhaps in leaving no space
for Indigenous people at the table
Jesus, help us give away our own seat.

Perhaps in refusing to listen.
Jesus, give us ears to hear.

Perhaps in hidden thoughts,
which you alone see.
Jesus, purify our minds.

Perhaps in outright neglect or abuse.
Jesus, redeem our wayward hearts.

We bring our sins to you.
Forgive us, Father.

And forgive your bride, the Church,
for the blood on her hands.
Call her heart and leaders
to contrition, repentance, and restitution
in daily, tangible ways.
Lead us down the vulnerable and costly
path of reconciliation together,
that one day this island
and all its many peoples
would begin to heal.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Amen