This guide is offered for your prayer and reflection. 
 
We may face difficult circumstances at some point in our life. Even ordinary challenges can seem overwhelming at times. God does not promise anyone a life untouched by difficulties or even tragedy. Instead, God offers abundant and providential care in all circumstances. Faith in this promise that we are not left to face our challenges and fears alone is a building block of resilience.
 
 
  +SIGN OF THE CROSS  
 
 
OPENING SONG: The Church of Christ
1. The Church of Christ, in ev’ry age Beset by change, but Spirit-led,
        Must claim and test its eritage And keep on rising from the dead.
2. Across the world, across the street, The victims of injustice cry
       For shelter and for bread to eat, And never live until they die.
3. Then let the servant Church arise, A caring Church that longs to be
        A partner in Christ's sacrifice, And clothed in Christ's humanity.
4. For he alone, whose blood was shed, Can cure the fever in our blood,
       And teach us how to share our bread And feed the starving multitude.
5.  We have no mission but to serve In full obedience to our Lord:
        To care for all, without reserve, And spread his liberating Word.

 
OPENING PRAYER
Grant, O Lord, that we may always revere and love your holy name, for you
never deprive of your guidance those you set firm on the foundation of your love.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.
 
 
SCRIPTURE 
  (Please note that, due to copyright licensing, scripture texts cannot reprinted. Click on the scripture reference below, which will take you to the USCCB site)
 
     FIRST READING: Jeremiah 20: 10-13

   PSALM 69: 8-10, 14 and 17, 33-35
 
  Antiphon :  Lord, in your great love, answer me.

 1.  It is for you that I suffer taunts, that shame has covered my face. To my
      own kin I have become an outcast a stranger to the children of my
      mother. Zeal for your house consumes me, and taunts against you fall
       on me.
 
 Antiphon:  Lord, in your great love, answer me.
 
2.  But I pray to you, O Lord, for a time of your favor.  In your great mercy,
      answer me, O God,with your salvation that never fails.  Lord, answer,
      for your mercy is kind in your great compassion, turn toward me.
 
Antiphon:  Lord, in your great love, answer me.
 
 
   SECOND READING: Romans 5: 12-15
 
   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
 
   GOSPEL READING: Matthew 10: 26-33
 
 
MEDITATION: Shelter Me
1. Shepherd and sheep, my God and I: 
     to fresh green fields you led my steps in days gone by.
     You gave me rest by quiet springs
     And filled my soul with peace your loving presence brings.

 Refrain: O shelter me, O shelter me:
               the way ahead is dark and difficult to see.
               O shelter me, O shelter me:
               all will be well if only you will shelter me.
 
2.  Yet now I tread a different way:
      Death dogs my path with stealthy steps from day to day.
      I cannot find your peaceful place,
      but dwell in dreary darkness longing for your face.
 
Refrain: O shelter me, O shelter me:
               the way ahead is dark and difficult to see.
               O shelter me, O shelter me:
               all will be well if only you will shelter me.

3.  I will look back in days to come,
     and realize your faithfulness has led me home.
     Within your house I’ll find my peace,
     trusting that in your mercy you have sheltered me.

Refrain: O shelter me, O shelter me:
               the way ahead is dark and difficult to see.
               O shelter me, O shelter me:
               all will be well if only you will shelter me.

  UNIVERSAL PRAYER
1.  For God’s holy church: in justice and mercy may it preach God’s  love
     and hope in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.   
        Let us pray to the Lord.
2.  For civil authorities and those in elected office: may they exercise their
      power with humility and dedicate themselves to service of the vulnerable.     
         Let us pray to the Lord.
3.  For all fathers: may they have the strength and courage to share the 
      blessings of God in their lives with those in their care.  
         Let us pray to the Lord.
4.  For those who feel paralyzed by fear or anxiety, abuse or neglect: may
     the reassurance of God’s love and support of community bring them
     courage and peace, and an experience of human dignity.    
         Let us pray to the Lord.
5.  For all who have given their lives to the service and well-being of others,
     regardless of race, creed, gender, education, or economic condition: 
     may  they know the strength of God within them.
         Let us pray to the Lord.
6.  For the sick and suffering members of our families and communities, 
       especially [your intentions]: may they be brought to full health and healing.
         Let us pray to the Lord.
7.  For those who have died (especially [your intentions]): may they know the
        fullness of eternal life.
         Let us pray to the Lord.

LORD’S PRAYER
 
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Loving God, please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart.  Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path You have laid out for me. I trust your love God, and know that you will heal this stress. Just as the sun rises each day against the dark of night may hope rise against anxiety and worry. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
 
BLESSING
  May God bless our days and our deeds with peace, in the name of the
  Father, +  and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 
SONG : The Summons
Will you come and follow me, if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,
Will you let my life be grown in you, and you in me?
 
Lord, your summons echoes true, when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you, and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go, where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you, and you in me.
 
 
 
C OPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-704119.  All rights reserved.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000, © 1972, Hope Publishing Company.  Tune: O WALY WALY, LM; English; harm. by Martin West, b. 1929, © 1983, Hope Publishing Company.   PSALM 69: Text: Psalm 69: 8-10, 14 and 17, 33-35; Michel Guimont, © 1998, GIA Publications, Inc.  Music: Michel Guimont, © 1998, GIA Publications, Inc.  SHELTER ME.  Text: Based on Psalm 23, Michael Joncas, 2020. Used with permission of the composer and GIA Publications. THE SUMMONS.  Text:  John L. Bell, b. 1949, © 1987, Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc.; agent.  Tune:  KELVINGROVE, 7 6 7 6 777 6; Scottish traditional; arr. by John L. Bell, b. 1949, © 1987, Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc.; agent.