Reflect:
St Peter's recognised Jesus as the Christ and Son of God. Jesus then gave Peter the gift of being the leader of the Church on Earth.
Act:
Through our Baptism and the life of faith we are united into one body, the Church, with Christ as our head and with Peter’s successor as our leader here on Earth. Do we see ourselves as part of the community of the Body of Christ, responsible for each other in our lives of faith. Or do we put ourselves and our own needs and wants first? There are many ways we can express our unity with each other, in our faith community - for example, take an active part in the celebration of Mass; join with the community by accepting the life-giving food before us - the Body of Christ.
Pray:
Lord, I pray for my church family.
We come from different backgrounds and see things through different lenses, but we are all called to follow You.
When disagreements arise between us, help us remember that we are on the same team.
Fill us with Your Spirit so that love becomes our first response.
Help us focus on what unites us rather than what divides us, so that our church may be known not for our arguments but for the way we care for one another and reflect Your love to those watching from the outside.
Amen
(Adapted from '20 Prayers for Unity' https://prayerorigin.com/prayers/prayers-for-unity#prayer-for-unity-in-your-church-community)
Challenge
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- It's easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of the multiple climate emergencies the world is currently facing. Don't Give Up - what YOU do, the efforts each of us make gradually combine into something much bigger than ones own individual action.
- Look for ways in which you can reach out and help someone who is struggling this week.
- Be aware of the needs of others during our climate crisis. What steps can YOU take to reduce the impact in our daily lives?
- As we travel during the summer holiday be aware of the lives of others, in particular those who live in the places we visit. Treat their homes with the respect and care that your treat your own.
- As the heatwave continues be aware of how much water you are consuming. Be mindful of how dry everything is and be sensible regarding barbecues and fires.
- CAFOD have a petition running at present to address the issues surrounding world debt. Have a look at the links on the CAFOD page to find ways in which you can inform yourself and act to support this action.
- In an attempt to live more sustainably, why not opt to make sustainable wardrobe choices by buying fewer, better-quality items that last longer.
- As we spend more time outside, be mindful of the impact of rubbish in our environment. Find a bin rather than dropping rubbish on the floor!
- Be mindful of creation. Take time this week to stop and appreciate all those we share our world with - plants, birds, insects, trees, creatures - and other humans! Treat all with respect and consideration.
- Save water, whatever the weather! Don't use a power washer, get a water butt, use a watering can, don't water the lawn - it soon recovers from drought conditions. Think of other ways you can save water in the home.....
- There has been a lot in the news lately about the effect of mass tourism in areas throughout the UK. If you visit anywhere be considerate and respectful. Leave no sign that you have been there, taking rubbish away with you.
- Take steps to reduce meat and dairy consumption in an effort to aid a cut in carbon emissions.
- Hedgehog Highways are aimed at facilitating the path of hedgehogs through our gardens on their daily search for food. Can you help?
- May is a chance to take part in 'No Mow May' in which we leave our grass or a portion of our grass unmown for the month. This allows flowers to grow, providing food for insects and wildlife.
- The Pope's prayer for May is that all humanity has access to food. How can you facilitate this? Give to a charity, share food with others, shop wisely with care and thought for those in more deprived countries?
- Have a look at your garden - how can you make it more wildlife friendly? Have a look at websites such as the RSPB, the RHS and Wildlife Trusts for ideas.
- Share something of what you have with others this week.
- Many are struggling with the cost of living. Can you donate to your local food bank? Collections take place at some of our churches and at many local supermarkets.
- People are struggling in our world today. This week do at least ONE thing to alleviate someone's distress.
- The SVP would like donations of Easter Eggs for the local food banks. Can you help?
- Do we appreciate what we have? Take time this week to give thanks for all that is in your world.
- We are shown the importance of water in a theological sense in today's Gospel. Many people throughout the world suffer from a shortage of water. This week use the water which we have such easy access to wisely and without waste.
- Friday's Family Fast Day gave us a chance to affect the lives of others through our self-denial. Please ensure you give generously to the Family Fast Day collection
- Take the opportunities offered by your Lenten practices to conserve and recycle the things you use.
- As the earth starts to warm up after the winter, sow seeds in trays and keep them in a warm place to germinate.
- Now is a good time to collect rainwater in water butts for use during the drier months.
- The earth is coming back to life as Spring approaches. Take time to seek out, rejoice and give thanks for all that you see.
- In the turmoil that exists in our world today, commit to bringing peace into the world by creating small acts of peace in your own life
- Can you commit to the Big Lent Walk and raise funds for life saving water in areas of the world where such a luxury is scarce.?
- Check your insulation is sufficient during this cold spell ensuring that heat is not wasted.
- Now is the time to recycle!! Don't just throw stuff away, but look at how it may be repurposed, regifted. Find out where cards and trees can be recycled, rather than them becoming part of a land fill site.