Responsive Reading

O God, teach us to be generous:
to serve you as you deserve to be served;

to give without counting the cost;
to fight without fear of being wounded;

to work without seeking rest;
and to spend ourselves without expecting any reward, but the knowledge that we are doing your holy will.

Amen.

(adapted, Ignatius of Loyola)

Prayer of Confession

Lord God,

We ask that by your holy light you illuminate the instances in our lives where we have not lived up to your name.  We denounce “obvious” evils in our society such as murder, rape, domestic violence, thievery, and sexual exploitation.  However, we often fail to remember that your gospel calls us to see the world as you see it – from the vantage point of the “least of these.”  In looking around us in this manner, we see the daily evils that boldly counter your gospel.  We see societal ills that habitually oppress the poor.  We see societal ills that blatantly disobey your Word.  We confess that we have not been extravagantly generous with our time, resources, or prayers.

Lord, forgive us.  Forgive us for not speaking against an immoral budget that exploits our brothers and sisters.  Forgive us for ignoring the plight of those unable to afford health care because of rising costs.  Forgive us for denying the tremendous damage that racism does to our society.  Forgive us for remaining silent over issues of immigration, the death penalty, and the need for a living wage.  Convict us to act in the name of Jesus Christ for justice and mercy, just as you have shown toward all.  Remind us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  Forgive us, dear Lord, for our daily hypocrisy.  Cleanse our souls and our bodies with your saving grace.

Amen.

(by Jason R. Jenkins)

Unlimited Generosity

You asked for my hands that you might use them for your purposes.
I gave them for a moment then withdrew them for the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes to see the pain of poverty.
I closed them for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life that you might work through me.
I gave you a small part that I might not get "too involved".

Lord, forgive me for calculated efforts to serve you only when it is convenient for me to do so, and
only in those places where it is safe to do so, and only with those who make it easy to do so.

Lord,
forgive me
renew me
send me out as a usable instrument,
that I may take seriously the meaning of your cross.

(edited, by Joe Seramane, South Africa; from the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, http://www.cafod.org.uk/resources/worship/prayers/prayers_about_poverty/unlimited_generosity)

A True Act of Faith

Loving God, we come to you in thanksgiving, knowing that all we are and all we have is a gift from you. In faith and love, help us to do your will. We are listening, Lord God. Speak your words into the depths of our souls, that we may hear you clearly. We offer to you this day all the facets of our lives, whether it be at home, at work, or at school – to be patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be holy. Give us the wisdom and insight to understand your will for us and the fervor to carry out our good intentions. We offer our gifts of time, talent and possessions to you as a true act of faith, to reflect our love for you and our neighbor. Help us to reach out to others as you our God have reached out to us.

Amen.

(from “Reflections and Prayers,” Generous Giving, www.generousgiving.org)