PRIEST: Today we Jesus who is Light of God’s love for all trapped in darkness; we celebrate Jesus who calls disciples to leave everything behind and follow him closely. The apostles of old and we today are alike called to become his light in a world darkened by war, poverty and injustice. Today we celebrate for this first time the annual ‘Sunday of the Word’ – and His word is ‘Repent…’, a call to a radical change of heart and change of structures that will no longer trap the poor in the darkness of inequality. And we who are the disciples of Jesus are challenged to listen to His Word and, called into the Light, are to be the first to repent and change
READER: ‘The People who walked in darkness have seen a great light’ …
For the darkness of sin in our own hearts;
For the darkness of injustice in the heart of our society …
LORD HAVE MERCY …
‘Follow me’ is Jesus’ call to each of us …
When we are too busy about our own busy-ness, our own desires
to listen to His Word and reflect upon His call
to leave behind our own selves and follow him into light
CHRIST HAVE MERCY …
‘Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is close at hand’ …
For not wanting to hear how we need to change;
For not embracing that mercy of God that sets us and the world free
LORD HAVE MERCY …
PRIEST: May the God of Light heal the darkness of our sin,
May the Divine Word, the Son of God,
call us from darkness into the Light of forgiveness,
May the Spirit of Repentance transform and energise our lives
bringing us all to everlasting life…
AMEN!