The Family Foundation School Catholic Community Bulletin
Pauca Verba – ( A Few Words)
The Didache (The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) is a manuscript used by bishops and priests of the 2nd century in their work of preparing catechumens for Baptism. Catechumens are people preparing for Baptism. Listen to this earliest teaching intimately linking Confession and Eucharist:
On the Lord’s own day, assemble in common to break bread and offer thanks, but first confess your sins, so that your sacrifice may be pure. However, no one quarreling with his brother (sister) may join your meeting until they are reconciled; your sacrifice must not be defiled. For here we have the saying of the Lord. “In every place and time offer me a pure sacrifice; for I am a mighty King; and my name spreads terror among the nations.” Chapter 14
(Father Stephen adds: of course the words “brother” and “sister” are not by any means limited to blood relatives, but these were the common terms Christians used in referring to one another as believers.) We really have to stop quarreling and arguing over so many things. How will the nations ever come to peace if we can’t stop fighting right here over so many insignificant things.
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Prayer Against Violence (Peace and Justice Support Network of the Mennonite Church U.S.A.)
Perfect love casts out fear and so today we pray for your Spirit of love
on our world.
Cast out the strapping of bombs to bodies.
Cast out the explosion of bombs in crowded places.
Cast out the tricking of children to carry bombs.
Cast out the desperation that leads people to terrorist acts.
Cast out the making of walls that divide and imprison us.
Cast out the firing of missiles and the bulldozing of homes.
Cast out the prejudice against people of a certain race or culture.
Cast out the political structures that perpetuate violence.
Cast out the hatred that produces fear.
Send down the courage to reach out in peace.
Send down the resolution to not return evil for evil.
Send down the creativity to find peaceful political solutions.
Send down the wisdom that politicians and diplomats need.
Send down the commitment to work together to end terrorism.
Send down the power of nonviolence to create change.
Send down the comfort and justice that victims need.
Send down the love that will end our fear.
We ask these things in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
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Have you ever wanted to join the prayer Father Stephen prays before receiving Holy Communion at Mass? It is from the Eastern Christian Church. It is very beautiful and easily memorized.
O Son of God, bring me into communion this day with your mystical supper. I will not tell your enemies the secret, nor will I kiss you with Judas’ kiss, but like the good thief, I cry, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
What is this, “I will not tell your enemies the secret”? Remember that Judas told Jesus’ enemies where he could be found on Thursday night – in the olive orchard, yes? I never want to betray Jesus. And of course, Judas used a kiss, the sign of love and loyalty, as a sign of betrayal. Rather, that I would stay near Jesus – always and forever – as close as when I receive him in Holy Communion tonight!
