BY: FR. THOMAS NAIRN, OFM, PhD
LEADER: The common good occurs when our society and the institutions we all depend upon work in a harmonious way that benefits all people.
Let us hear the word of God.
READER: (Micah 4:1-4)
A reading from the Book of Micah.
In days to come, the mount of the Lord's house shall be established higher than the mountains; it shall rise high above the hills, and peoples shall stream to it. Many nations shall come, and say, "Come, let us climb the mount of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, that we may walk in his paths." For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples and impose terms on strong and distant nations; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. For the Lord of hosts has spoken.
The Word of the Lord.
RESPONSE: Thanks be to God.
(Pause for silence)
READER: (Romans 12:9-18)
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans.
Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.
The Word of the Lord.
RESPONSE: Thanks be to God.
LEADER: Let us reflect on the obstacles that make our striving for the common good in our institution and in our society more difficult:
- The sort of individualism that values my individual freedom and personal rights over the needs of us all. (Pause)
- Those forms of pluralism that make it impossible for us to agree on the kind of society or institution we will all pitch in to support. (Pause)
- The unwillingness to sacrifice for others, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. (Pause)
- Forms of suspicion that break down solidarity and collaboration. (Pause)
- Wanting the benefits that the common good provides while refusing to do our part to support the common good. (Pause)
LEADER: Let us remember that all are the beloved daughters and sons of the God who loves all his children and always desires what is good for them, as we pray the prayer that Jesus taught us:
ALL: (Lord's Prayer) Our Father . . .
LEADER: O God, you have given all people one common origin and desire to gather them into one family for yourself. Fill our hearts with the fire of your love and kindle in us a desire to ensure the common good for all our sisters and brothers. By sharing with one another, may we secure justice for all people, an end to division and a society built on justice, love and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
"Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress, may be copied without prior permission.