Welcome to this week’s Living Word!
Our Word of the Week is Communication.
Communication can take many forms in the world today. It is a way of building relationships and sharing the good news of our faith with others. This week we are called to think about the different ways we can
communicate God’s message to the world and how we can bring people together and inspire others through the message that we share.
Section 1: The Ultimate Shoutout
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.
R./ Glory to you O Lord. +
… Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
The Gospel of the Lord.
R./ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Gospel at church on Sunday, from which the above scripture is taken, we overheard Jesus talking to God the Father. It’s almost like listening in on a private call. What’s amazing is that Jesus isn’t talking about Himself; he’s talking about his friends and about you. As he prepares to leave his disciples for the last time and join his Father in heaven, he uses this moment as an opportunity of communication and to ‘tag’ us in his prayer, asking God to protect us and keep us united. Real communication isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about having someone’s back. Jesus shows us that the highest form of communication is looking out for others through prayer.
Take a moment of silent reflection to think about one person in your life who you think needs a shoutout to God today. There’s no need to share this out loud. Simply hold that person in your mind and in your heart as we pray together today.
Lord Jesus, thank you for holding me in your thoughts and prayers. Help me to use my voice today not just for my own good but for the good of others too. Help me to spread positivity and kindness with the words I speak. Amen.
Section 2: The Waiting Room
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Last Thursday, we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension; the day on which Jesus was taken into heaven, body and soul. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples were left in a weird waiting room phase. They were waiting for the special friend and helper to arrive which Jesus had promised them before he left. The problem was, they didn’t know exactly who or what was coming or when to expect them/it. In our world of smartphones and other digital technologies, we have developed an expectation of instant access to information and fast replies. We get anxious if someone leaves us on ‘read’ for too long. But the disciples used this gap to communicate differently, through silence and prayer. Sometimes, God’s best messages aren’t sent in a notification; they are found when we quiet the noise and wait for his signal.
The 60-Second “Silent Mode” Challenge:
As a form group, challenge yourselves to sit in total silence for exactly 60 seconds. No phones, no whispering, no tapping.
Afterwards, briefly discuss: Was it awkward, or was it peaceful? Why?
Challenge yourself to find one minute of “silent mode” during your day today to be with God.
Scrapbook Activity:
Prayer is a form of communication with God. What do you want to say to or ask God right now? Do you have a prayer intention that you want to offer to Him, for your own needs, for your friends or family or for the needs of the world? Write you thoughts, questions or prayers on a Post-it note and add it to your form scrapbook. Listen to the instrumental music as you reflect and write.
Prayer: Let us pray.
Holy Spirit, as we wait for the celebration of Pentecost, calm my restless mind. Help me to find moments of silence today so I can concentrate on what is most important. Amen.
Section 3: The Vibe Check
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
A reading from the First Letter of Saint Peter.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
The Word of the Lord
R./ Thanks be to God.
Saint Peter tells the early Christians that how they react to ‘haters’ or people who mock their faith is a form of communication.
Today, most of our communication happens on a screen. Our group chats, TikTok comments, and Snapchat stories are our digital footprint. The vibe check for a Christian is: “Does our online presence bring light, or does it add to the darkness?” Digital technology makes it easy to share a screenshot that mocks someone, or to leave a hurtful comment on social media, but Saint Peter says that when we stay respectful, even when others are being toxic, the “Spirit of glory” rests on us.
Think about the last 5 messages you sent or the last few things that you posted. If Jesus were in that group chat, would you have sent it? This week, your mission is to apply a ‘Christian filter’ to your phone.
Think:
Is it true? (No fake news or rumours.)
Is it necessary? (Does it actually need to be said?)
Is it kind? (Would you say it to their face?)
Challenge:
Send one unprompted positive message to someone today, a genuine compliment, ‘thank you’ or a just message of positivity, just to shift the vibe of your digital space.
Father, give me the courage to be the same person online as I am in real life. When I’m tempted to fire back a mean comment or share gossip in the group chat, help me to pause. Let my digital footprint be one of kindness and peace. Amen.
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