Processions

Every year on the third Monday in January in the United States, communities come together to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The events on this federal holiday usually include prayer services and often a unity march, which echoes those in which Dr. King participated to create awareness of and bolster support for the civil rights movement. For Dr. King, the marches were a nonviolent way to tell the world of the focus of the civil rights movement. The marches demonstrated solidarity, unity, and hope.

Like these marches, the processions during the liturgy do more than move people from one part of the church to the next. Our liturgical processions reveal who we are as a people whose focus is on Christ.

The Entrance Procession is led by the cross, the symbol of the mystery of our faith. This procession also includes the Book of the Gospels, a sign that God speaks to the faithful in the Liturgy of the Word. The procession during the Gospel Acclamation with the Book of Gospels affirms our reverence for the Word of God, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. The offertory procession is a sign of the congregation’s willingness to offer their lives on the altar along with the sacrifice of Christ. The procession to the table of the Lord to eat and drink at the banquet is a sign that the faithful are in solidarity, and in communion with Christ and one another. The procession at the end of Mass reveals that the faithful now proceed from the church into their homes and communities to “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord” (Dismissal).

At times, liturgical processions mark specific life transitions. Processions to the baptismal font mark an encounter in the death and Resurrection of Christ. Processions at the beginning and end of a wedding mark the transition between being single and union with another in sacramental love. Processions with a coffin or cremated remains at a funeral symbolize the transition from death to new life.

All processions, whether civil or liturgical, acknowledge that the faithful are pilgrims on a journey who have not yet reached their final destination. Dr. King knew this as he took one step at a time, stepping out in faith, marching forward with hope.

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 19, 2023

It’s simple. 1. Read the Gospel for the following Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. 2. Reflect on the question s assigned for each day. 3. Make some resolution about how what you read can be lived that day. 4. Then thank God for speaking to you through this reflection.

Gospel Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Monday

Was there something in this reading that spoke to me? Challenged me? What was it? Why did it have this effect on me?

Tuesday

From the law handed down to Moses, an “eye for an eye” meant to enact fair justice. However, Jesus’ new revision of the old law is to confront evil acts with kind acts. Am I willing to truly consider mercy as a response to wrongdoing? Even when I am harmed? Especially when I am harmed?

Wednesday

Jesus asks us to act generously with others – even those who have offended us. Is there someone against whom I am holding a grudge? How can I forgive them, make amends, and find a way forward? Even if they are unwilling to change?

Thursday

Jesus calls us not only to love our neighbor but to love our enemy. In our increasingly divided society, whom do I consider to be an enemy? Can I see them instead as a fellow child of God worthy of kindness?

Friday

Jesus asks us to pray for those wh o persecute us - even loving those who have hurt or shamed us. How can I use my own prayer life to be more “perfect” as God is perfect? Can my own failings allow me to find mercy for others as I would ask mercy for myself?

Saturday

Social justice leaders often use no nviolent responses to violent acts. Do I truly take Jesus at His word and believe that nonviolence is the answer? How can I be more of service to my community and help social justice thrive peacefully where I live?