Prayers for the week 9 – 13 July 2018

1. Prayers for the week9 – 13 July 2018 There are four statues at the rear of the altar in Chapel. They depict the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark , Luke and John. They were the early followers of Jesus who wrote the Gospels. From a distance, the statues look very similar. A close-up view reveals the tell-tale signs that indicate who it is we are looking at. Our prayers this week are inspired by their lives and writings.

2. Monday 9 July St Matthew was one of the twelve apostles. Born in Galilee, he was a tax collector and as such would have been despised by his fellow Jews for what was seen as collaboration with the Roman occupation force. In art he is often depicted in the company of an angel. The Gospel of Matthew is the opening book of the New Testament of the Bible, and the first of the four Gospels. Noted especially for Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Chapters 5-7, Matthew is the source of the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer, the Our Father. Jesus states the Golden Rule in the Sermon on the Mount, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” St Matthew Father, You have placed us in a world where people push and shove to be first.  Because of their self-importance they clamour for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process.  But you have called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves.  We are to have a humble attitude that puts you first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do.  May we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us.   May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves.  Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do.  Amen.

3. Tuesday 10 July St Mark was born in Cyrene in modern day Libya, the date of his birth is not known. He travelled with St Barnabas and St Paul on many missions and founded the church of Alexandria in Egypt. He died in 68AD in Egypt. He is usually portrayed with a lion at his feet. It is in the Gospel of Mark that the mission of the twelve Apostles is carefully recorded. They are told by Jesus that they are to bring “healing, freedom and blessings” to the people. This passage forms the biblical basis of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. St Mark Lord Shield and protect those we love. We pray especially for those friends and family who are sick in mind or body. We ask that they be restored to good health. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen

4. Wednesday 11 July St Luke, also known as Luke the Evangelist, was a companion of St Paul and the most gifted of the New Testament writers. He is described as a “beloved physician” by St Paul. In addition to the third Gospel, Luke is also regarded as the most likely author of the Acts of the Apostles. His symbol is the ox, a figure of sacrifice, service and strength. Luke directed his writings at the Gentiles, the non-believers, to persuade them that the Christian story was true. He filled his Gospel with accounts of Christ’s openness and mercy. St Luke Almighty God You inspired your servant St Luke to set forth in his writings, the love and mercy of your son, Jesus. May we try to embody the same love and mercy in our own lives. Let us show a Christ-like compassion for all human beings, especially those who live at the edges - the poor, the hungry and the dispossessed. Teach us to lead lives of sacrifice and service with strength. Amen

5. Thursday 12 July St John was one of the twelve Apostles and the only one thought to have lived to an old age and not to be killed for his faith. He was from a family of fishermen in Galilee and was called, with his brother James, to follow Christ. The Gospel of John is a deep and mystical reflection on the life and death of Jesus. John is usually portrayed with an eagle, a symbol of his lofty and ‘soaring’ Gospel. John refers to himself as “the disciple that Jesus loved”. John was at the foot of the cross as Jesus breathed his last, imploring John to look after Mary, his mother. St John St John We ask you to intercede for us with God so that we may all be blessed with loving friendships. May we never stray from the path of goodness and always seek out friends who will help us stay true to ourselves and true to you. Amen

6. Friday 13 July Examen Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks.​ Who have you left a good memory with this week? Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences.​Give thanks for who you are. As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week and the final few days of this academic year? Ask God to help you.

7. Afternoon Prayer and Reflection Lord Thank you for the morning, for watching over me and walking with me. May I find joy and understanding this afternoon, in all I do. Grant me the zest and the strength I need to work for you until nightfall. Amen Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today………… Let us ask Mary, our Mother, to join us in our prayers as we say: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen We end our reflection with a prayer inspired by our foundress followed by the school prayer: Loving Father, life-giving spirit – Marie Madeleine believed in your power, hoped in your promises and lived for your glory. We ask her to pray for us and be with us as we carry the FCJ spirit into the 21st century. Protect and guide the pupils and staff at Upton and at all FCJ schools in this country and around the world. Amen May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen