Pause

Take a moment to still yourself. Take a deep breath and ask God for a renewed sense of presence with you in this moment.

Opening Prayer

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

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First Reading – Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Psalm 128 – Listen Here
Second Reading – 1 Thes 5:1-6

Gospel

Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master’s money.

“After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.’
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master’s joy.’
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
‘Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.’
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master’s joy.’
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.’
His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'”

This section is designed to be adapted depending on how you are gathering to pray. There are links to external resources for children and young people. There is also a reflection which can be used by individuals or adapted to be used in groups.

Closing Prayer

Inspired by the Holy Father Francis’ Message for the VII World Day of the Poor

Oh Lord Jesus Christ crucified and risen,
with joy we gather around Your Table to receive anew from You
the gift and the commitment to live in poverty
and to serve the poor, in whom we encounter Your face.

We thank You that there are so many men and women
who live out their dedication to the poor and marginalized
and share with them,
paying attention to the holistic uplifting of their person.
Your Kingdom is made present and visible
in this generous and free service.

Enlighten public institutions so that they do their duty well,
guaranteeing to human beings the right to life, physical integrity,
indispensable means for a dignified standard of living,
the right to security in case of illness, disability, widowhood,
old age, or unemployment.

Oh Holy Spirit, who give us discernment,
under Your guidance may we recognize the true needs
of our poor brothers and sisters.
Make us able to lend them our voice in their causes,
welcoming the mysterious wisdom You wish to communicate to us
through them who are children of God.

Oh St. Therese of the Child Jesus,
may the tenacity of your love inspire our hearts,
helping us to not turn our gaze away from the poor,
but to keep it always fixed on the human and divine face
of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen. Alleluia!

Prayer from the Congregation of the Resurrection

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