A Spiritual Communion

18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In absence of the celebration of Mass, please join us in this prayer which unites us to Christ and to each other at Saint Hubert. It may be very appropriate to light a candle as we spend this time in prayer. 
 
Opening Our Heart to God
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
 
Lord, I know you are with me, always.
 
To prepare my heart and soul for this time of spiritual communion, I first acknowledge my sins and ask for God’s mercy.
 
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
 
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth, peace to people of good will!
 
Opening Prayer
Father of everlasting goodness,
our origin and guide,
be close to us and hear the prayers of all who praise you.
Forgive our sins and restore us to life.
Keep us safe in your love.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
 
The Word of God: The Words of Life
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/080220.cfm
 
First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3
The Lord invites the thirsty to “come to the water”.  The water, of course, reminds us of our baptism and our life inside the fullness of God, “our origin and our guide” throughout life.
 
Responsorial: Psalm 145
The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.
Second Reading: Romans 8:35, 37-39
Paul helps us see that nothing can separate us from God’s love for us—even something like a pandemic.  God’s love is stronger.
 
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus performs the miracle of taking five loaves and two fish to feed over 5,000 people. Instead of agreeing to disperse the crowds, Jesus encourages the apostles to keep them together and feed them with what they have.
 
A Reflection by Fr. Mike
To feed over 5000 people—which began with some loaves of bread and a couple fish—is definitely a miracle.  But there’s another smaller miracle hidden in this account, too. And it has to do with the discussion Jesus had with the apostles about the 5 loaves and 2 fish.
 
The opportunity Jesus gave the apostles on that mountain top was to be part of the solution to feeding those who are hungry—they just didn’t think they could. They’re thinking, “What can we do? We just have these 5 loaves and 2 fish.” 
 
But, what’s significant, is that they freely offered what they had. They gave away what could feed them (their dinner) to help feed others. They gave it all away. That’s compassion that moves into service. And that’s the miracle within the miracle. Jesus takes their compassion and multiples it into a miracle of goodness that surpassed anyone’s expectations for what’s possible.
 
What we see is that the impossible begins first with what’s possible. It begins with what is offered.  And so, Jesus invited the apostles to be a part of the miracle—not just to watch it unfold in front of them. In fact, when the food began to multiply Jesus wanted the apostles to distribute it to the people. They were part of the solution. 
 
But he also invites us to be a part of the solution to the needs we see around us, too. We’re today’s disciples of Christ.  When it comes to helping others, we don’t need to have a lot—just the desire to freely hand it on to let God’s goodness multiply from there.  Jesus takes our ideas, our talent, our money, our energy, our wit, our humor, our desire, our service or whatever it is we have to give.  He blesses it, and breaks it open so that in turn we can share it so it can feed others.
 
And maybe that’s what we’re meant to reflect on today. In the midst of more and more bleak news about the pandemic, what could we possibly do to make a difference around us?  It seems overwhelming.
 
But, we just have to use what we have. If we’re good at listening, listen. If we can contribute to help a good cause, contribute.  If we are creative, create for others. If we have some extra cans of food, bring them to the next food drive.  If we always wanted to do something meaningful to help the parish or build up our community, put in your name.  (If you don’t know where to begin, we’ll help you.)  If we know someone is down or struggling, give them a call. If someone needs a friend, be the friend they need.
 
Is that really enough? Yes, especially when we make it a prayer.
 
When we take it to Jesus, he’ll take what seems like a little, bless it, and break it open, so that what we have, can be given away and then…goodness can be multiplied. He’ll take what seems like a little and turn it into more than enough, just like he took 5 loaves and 2 fish and fed over 5,000 people. 
 
In the word “good” is the word “God”.  Life is about finding it. We all have something to contribute to bring goodness into our world. Maybe it’s the right time to seize an opportunity and to be a part of the solution God knows we can be.
 
Consider sharing some of your own perspectives or spend some time in personal reflection. What do have to give that, with God’s help, can multiply goodness in the lives of those around you?
 
All I Believe
As an alternative to the Nicene Creed, the Church also encourages Catholics around the world to profess the most ancient creed of our faith, The Apostle’ s Creed.
 
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son Our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body
and life everlasting.
Amen.
 
The Prayers of the Faithful
Good and gracious God, in union with my brothers and sisters at St. Hubert, we bring our prayers to you.
 

• For the Church, that as we remember God’s unconditional and everlasting love, we respond with love and compassion toward one another, we pray to the Lord.

 

• For political and spiritual leaders, to be inspired by the Spirit of Justice and Integrity, to serve all their people, defending the most vulnerable, the poor, the helpless, the unborn, and those who are discriminated because of race, we pray to the Lord.

 

• For those affected or afflicted by the virus, that they will be cared for; and for the researchers and those on the frontlines of this pandemic, that they receive the strength they need to keep helping those in most need, we pray to the Lord.

 

• For our community, that we share our time, talent and treasure with a generous heart; and for the jobless, the underemployed, the underinsured, those suffering from anxiety or depression, that their persistent efforts successfully lead them to the resources they need, we pray for Lord.

 

• For those awaiting test results, for the elderly, for those in nursing homes, for the sick and those who care for them, that they find in our Lord strength for their journey, including Karen Wentzell, Helen Ngoy, Rousel Irish Tolentino, Sharnice Cyprien, Kathi Smits, Nancy Pala, Jennifer Pfeifer, Diana Pfeifer, Jerry Goggin, Audrey Palmer, Dan Moutvic, Mary Margaret Bregin, Charlene Perri, Fernando Wolff, all those suffering through COVID-19, and for those for whom you would like to pray for today (add your intentions here)…we pray…

 

• For those who have preceded us into Eternal Life, including victims of the virus and violence, and for John Kenney, Mary Richardson, Esperanza Peig, Saul Danza, Cathy Kennedy Hoffman and Manuel Combes, and for those you would like to remember (add your intentions here)…we pray to the Lord.

 

• For those who we are praying for this weekend through the request of those they love: Loraine Polak, Vincent Curkov, Kim Ngyun, Anna Duzinski, Patrick Maloney, Efren Tomenbang, Goldie Einecker, Alphonse Sarno, and our Saint Hubert Parishioners. We also pray for the needs of those listed in our Book of Prayer Intentions, and the silent prayers we keep in our hearts (add your intentions here)…we pray to the Lord.

 
May these prayers be answered according to your will, O God. We ask them all through Jesus Christ, our Lord Amen.
 
A Spiritual Offering
During the Mass, we bring up gifts of bread and wine and thank God for them, because he gave them to us. Those gifts are then returned to us. God gives himself to us through Jesus Christ.  What do you offer to God today of yourself, that can be returned as a gift to others?  Who would you like to remember or offer this time of prayer for?
 
Longing for Communion
As we contemplate our desire to have Jesus Christ in our life, we prepare our hearts—knowing the angels and the saints are in communion with the One we long to be with.  Let us lift up our hearts to the Lord.
 
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
 
For you laid the foundations of the world
and have arranged the changing of times and seasons;
you formed people in your own image
and set humanity over the whole world in all its wonder,
to rule in your name over all you have made
and forever praise you in your mighty works.
 
And so, with all the Angels, we do praise you,
as in joyful celebration we acclaim.
 
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
 
The Prayer that Unites Us
United with my brothers and sisters at St. Hubert and with Catholics around the world, with one voice we pray the prayer Jesus teaches us to pray together.
 
Our Father, who art in heaven…
 
A Time for Peace
Lord, Jesus Christ,
You said to your apostles, “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you”.
Please graciously grant peace to all of us,
to those in our family
and to everyone in our parish.
Allow us to be of one mind and heart.
Allow us to be an instrument of your peace.
 
(If praying with others, offer a sign of peace to one another.)
 
A Time for Spiritual Communion
As we long for the Eucharist, we long to be with Christ and share in his life.  Let us spend some moments now in prayer uniting our life to the life of Jesus Christ.  (You may even want to look upon a crucifix or hold it, or look upon an image or statue of Jesus Christ.)
 
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there,
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
 
Saint Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.
 
Pastoral Note:
For those who may want to experience a more contemplative form of prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to pray within you. One way is to center ourselves by being conscious of our own breathing.  Slowly breathe in.  As you hold your breath for a second or two, picture Jesus Christ or even his name in your mind.  Then slowly breathe out. You can repeat this type of spiritual exercise until you are ready to close in prayer. This can be done as easily with children as with adults. It can be very comforting, peaceful and a way to find communion with God by feeling His presence.
 
 
A Closing Prayer
Lord,
As we seek this spiritual communion
and desire Your presence,
we pray, that You will protect us in these uncertain times.
 
Please give us the hope we need day by day,
strengthen our desire to help one another,
and keep our St. Hubert Parish community close to You.
 
We long to all be together again as a parish
to worship You at your altar of praise.
In the meantime, please give us the strength
and connection we need
as we seek to be with you and one another.
 
We ask all our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
 
Going Forth
Thank you, God, for this time we have shared.
I know you are with me.
 
Send me to glorify the Lord by my life.
 
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.