Saturday Of The Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

These are tiring and treacherous times, Jesus.  Your Church seems split on so many issues.  It would be so much easier if you stayed here and told us directly what you wanted.  We are trying to remain faithful to you and your mission.  We want to transform the world in the power of Your Spirit and on the values of Your reign.  Like the religious leaders you confronted, we get into power trips, public displays of piety and excluding religious judgments, instead of the justice of your reign.  Why do power, prestige and privilege have such a hold on us, even as your Spirit works within us?  Some people even romanticize and deify the past, in your Name, as if you were the God of ancient history rather than the Lord of the coming Reign.  Bless us all with the simplicity and generosity of the poor widow.