Welcome

Hebrews 5:7 reminds us that Jesus “offered up prayers and supplications” and was heard by the Father. As we gather for worship today, may we bring our own prayers before the Lord and draw closer to Him and to one another. Welcome, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Preparation for Worship

Fill our minds with holy thoughts, O Lord, that we may think what you would have us think and worship you with purity of heart. Amen.

Prayer Ventures

Ask the Spirit to help us along our baptismal journey so we might speak truth rather than deceive, show empathy and caring rather than callousness and indifference, practice mercy and forgiveness rather than retribution, and inspire others through our faith, hope, joy and compassion.

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

In today’s first reading God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine purposes. When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus, he tells them to give the emperor what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. To gather for worship reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God rather than to any earthly authority. Created in the image of God, we offer our entire selves in the service of God and for the sake of the world.

A Quote From Fr. Richard Rohr

You are created in the image of God from the very beginning. This is the basis for God’s justice: Since everyone is made in the image of God, then we need to recognize, honor, and respect the image of God in everyone.
No exceptions.