Hospitaller Prayer 18

Hospitality Tested

In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and of Our Lady the Virgin Mary. God before and above everything in the world. Amen, Jesus

Opening Prayer

Let us pray. Lord, we live in an aggressive world, where offence is met with violent reaction. Melt away our impatience; transform our intolerance that faith, hope and love may endure in our lives. And with John’s forgiveness in our hearts, may our love be always ready to excuse. 

We ask this our prayer through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen

First Reading

A reading adapted from The Life of Saint John of God by Francisco de Castro 

There was a certain woman who, with John’s help, had left a life of prostitution. She was always in need and kept coming back to John. Indeed, no sooner would John have given her something that she would be demanding that he get her something else. 

On one occasion she came to John when he had nothing left to give anyone. In fact, he had just given away his cloak and had wrapped himself in a blanket. He suggested that she might come back on another day when he would be able to do something for her. But this wasn’t good enough for her. She became enraged and began to verbally abuse John calling him evil and telling him he was “a holy hypocrite”. “Here,” she said “take these two baskets, get yourself over to the square and start begging for me”. As she continued to scream at him, John looked her in the eye and said: “sooner or later I will have to forgive you, so I forgive you right now!” 

At John’s funeral this same woman joined all the others who lamented his passing. She willingly told everyone everything John had done for her and many people wept upon hearing her story and similar testimony from the many others whom John had helped.

Reflection (Based on 1 Cor. 13:4-8)

Love is always patient and kind. It requires great discipline. If I am to love, I must turn the other cheek on the anger, frustration and ingratitude of others. Love happens when I see in those who infuriate me what Jesus sees in me. 

Love is never jealous, boastful or conceited. It is not part of some scheme, plan or strategy designed to gain advantage. Love is not based on some ‘tit for tat’ requirement between people who choose to be nice to each other. Love is at its best when it is shown to an enemy. Love is its own reward. 

Love takes no pleasure in other people’s failure. It is not some moment of niceness in an otherwise resentful life. The lover’s life is an open book that speaks of integrity and truth. 

Love is always ready to excuse but so often I am not. To love I must learn the ways of John and be ready to forgive. To be remoulded and fashioned anew, like clay in the hands of a potter. 

Love is always ready to hope, to endure whatever comes. It hopes for the loved one, as John hoped for the woman he had helped. It displays John-like endurance come what may, for love never ends. 

Love has enormous capacity. It is the strong vessel of hospitality, willingly, warmly holding those who need to be loved. As the Samaritan reverently held the body of the victim of that Jericho road. 

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Intercessions 

Let us pray. Lord, we ask you for those gifts which we need, as we strive to practice in our times that compassion which John so faithfully lived out in his time. 

For patience, when we find people or circumstances trying. Short Period of Silence Reader 5: For a forgiveness, which does not remember the offence. 

For hospitality, that is strong enough to endure all things. 

For a healing, of those we call to mind in the quiet of this moment. 

Our Father All: who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done On earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil. Amen. 

Blessing Principal Reader: May the Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Principal Reader: Let us bow our heads and pray for God’s blessing. 

May the God of all forgiveness bless you in every way, and grant you the strength to forgive others all the days of your life. Amen. 

May he free you from all impatience and strengthen your hearts in his love. Amen. 

May he enrich you with his gifts of faith, hope and love, so that what you do in this life will speak eloquently of the eternal life he promises. Amen. 

And may almighty God bless us all, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen. Principal Reader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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