SONG: All Creatures of our God and King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d3gO6qDLNA

SIGN OF THE CROSS: Ki te ingoa… Tēnā Koutou Katoa – Good morning and welcome. Today is the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time. We are again mindful today of the call to celebrate the Season of Creation and consider what an integral ecology asks of us. We gather now in a spirit of love, as people of compassion who seek the same mind as we strive to be one in Christ.

READER: Let us pray – ka inoi tatou. You give us a yearning to do what is right, Lord have mercy (All) Lord have mercyYou give talent to develop and skills to learn Christ have mercy

(All)Christ have mercyYou lead us in the ways of justice, Lord have mercy (All) Lord have mercy

READER: This prayer is taken from ‘ A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation’ We will pray it then discuss the questions which follows. ‘Enlighten those who possess power and moneythat they may avoid the sin of indifference,that they may love the common good, advance the weak,and care for this world in which we live.’ From A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation, Laudato si

DISCUSS: What power do I have, what power do we have, that can be used for the common good and the care of the world? (image from pickpik)

COLLECT/OPENING PRAYER: Thank you for your thoughts. Let’s take a few moments now to bring to mind our personal intentions. (Allow silence - 1 minute) O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.All: Amen.

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 18:25-28 Thus says the LORD:You say, "The LORD's way is not fair!"Hear now, house of Israel:

Liturgy of the Word Lectio Divina – Holy Listening

Lectio Divina, or Holy Listening is promoted as a way of hearing God’s Word. It is listening with the heart.1. Listen attentively as the Word is read, or as you read it.2. Notice any word or phrase that seems to stand out or makes you think or feel something. Hold on to it mentally.3. When the reading is finished, repeat that word of phrase in your mind, almost as if you are taking it for a walk.4. When that time of prayer is ended, just let the words go.

Liturgy CentreCatholic Diocese of Auckland September 27th

Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies,it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed,he does what is right and just,he shall preserve his life;since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed,he shall surely live, he shall not die.The Word of the Lord – Ko te kupu a te ArikiALL: Thanks be to God - Whakamoemiti ki te AtuaSilence: Consider: How are fairness and justice different?

PSALM: 25 – Remember your mercies O Lord https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVXJgVEzNw4

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:1-11Brothers and sisters:If there is any encouragement in Christ,any solace in love,any participation in the Spirit,any compassion and mercy,complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love,united in heart, thinking one thing.Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory;rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,each looking out not for his own interests,but also for those of others.Have in you the same attitudethat is also in Christ Jesus,Who, though he was in the form of God,did not regard equality with Godsomething to be grasped.Rather, he emptied himself,taking the form of a slave,coming in human likeness;and found human in appearance,he humbled himself,becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross.Because of this, God greatly exalted himand bestowed on him the namewhich is above every name,that at the name of Jesusevery knee should bend,of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess thatJesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.The Word of the Lord – Ko te kupu a te ArikiALL: Thanks be to God – Whakamoemiti ki te AtuaSilence: Consider: How could we become more of one mind?

GOSPEL: Matthew 21:28-32Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:"What is your opinion?A man had two sons.He came to the first and said,'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'

He said in reply, 'I will not, 'but afterwards changed his mind and went.The man came to the other son and gave the same order.He said in reply, 'Yes, sir, ‘but did not go.Which of the two did his father's will?"They answered, "The first."Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you,tax collectors and prostitutesare entering the kingdom of God before you.When John came to you in the way of righteousness,you did not believe him;but tax collectors and prostitutes did.Yet even when you saw that,you did not later change your minds and believe him.The Gospel of the Lord - Ko te rongopai a te ArikiALL: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ - Kia whakanuia rā koe e Hēhu Karaiti.

SILENT REFLECTION: Recall a few words from the readings that seemed to stand out as you read or listened. Sit quietly and let these words go over and over in your mind – Lectio Divina. (3 minutes)

Consider or Discuss: Can people rely on my word?

READER: The reading below comes from the Papal Document Laudato Si. Read then discuss.

‘Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life, and encourages a prophetic and

contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption. We need to take up an

ancient lesson, found in different religious traditions and also in the Bible. It is the conviction that “less is more”. A constant flood of new consumer goods can baffle the heart and prevent

us from cherishing each thing and each moment. To be serenely present to each reality, however small it may be, opens us to much greater horizons of understanding and

personal fulfilment. Christian spirituality proposes a growth marked by moderation and the capacity to be happy with

little. It is a return to that simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things, to be grateful for the

opportunities which life affords us, to be spiritually detached from what we possess, and not to succumb to sadness for

what we lack. This implies avoiding the dynamic of dominion and the mere accumulation of pleasures.’ Laudato si #222

DISCUSS: What phrases from this quote draw your attention?

Prayer of the Faithful – we pray for the needs of the Church and the world.For the Church – that through open and loving communication, our communities strive to be of one mind, have the same love and are in full accord. (Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.

For leaders of the most powerful nations – that they protect the right to freedom of speech, without fear of retribution, for all people. (Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.

For an end to the Covid-19 pandemic – that all people tend to the needs of the very poor and vulnerable, especially refugees and those without electricity, running water or adequate shelter. (Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.

For Aotearoa New Zealand in this election year – that politicians attend to the critical need to address climate change and sustainability processes, so that our land, water and air, are in robust condition for future generations.

(Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.

For voluntary workers – that people who freely choose to use their time for the good of others are supported in their work and find the peace of Christ through it.

(Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.

For communities worldwide hit by fire, floods or storms – that we and the whole global community find new ways to support people in these dire situations, and effective ways to address climate change.

(Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.

For school children – that in this difficult and interrupted year, they will find calm and have the support of family and friends to support them with their learning.

(Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.

For us, gathered here now – that we commit ourselves to living simply and doing good for neighbour.

(Silence) Reader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou.Merciful and gracious God hear our prayers that we bring before you in expectation and in hope. We do so simply and sincerely through Christ our Lord. … Amen

A Prayer for the Earth – (pray as you watch) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJz0ZuxxMI0&t=27sThen the Lord’s Prayer together.Our Father who art ….

COLLECTION: Part of our commitment as Christian is to give to those in need. Discuss – what needs attract our attention now? How could we respond?

Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your participation. Let us go in peace to love and serve God. Kia tau te rangimārie ki a koutou – Peace be with you. All: Thanks be to God.

SONG: A Song; All the Ends of the Earth – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WURSnRG-bkQ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..