July Adoration: Jesus, a Man for Others

Jesus is a man who is free to love. A man who always gives love the final say. Love is the true criterion for his actions. His entire life is one of self-sacrifice for others, especially for those most in need and the excluded. What drives his entire life is a passionate love for the people he considers his brothers and sisters. He always stands with those who need the most help to become free people. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37), he teaches us that our lives have meaning only to the extent that we serve those in need, regardless of their race or creed.

- O God, come to my aid.

- Lord, make haste to help me.

 

- Glory be to the Father...

- As it was in the beginning. ...

Poem.

Charity and understanding, alleluia,

and truth in love, alleluia.

Enthusiasm in action, alleluia,

joy in unity, alleluia.

That is where we want to go, alleluia,

to love and love even more, alleluia,

Our devotion must be, alleluia,

a song from the heart, alleluia.

In our devotion there must be, alleluia,

joy, gladness, and peace, alleluia.

Silence for adoration.

 

Psalm.

You know that you know God

if you feel your soul burning,

if your face lights up when you speak His Name.

God is a passionate fire, passion turned into a blaze in His pierced Heart.

He drew near to us with His fire, and the earth is already ablaze.

 

You will know that you know God,

if you feel your soul aching,

if you know how to listen to the weakest,

if you are moved by humanity’s suffering,

if you weep with those who weep.

 

You will know that you know God,

if you rebel against injustice,

if you practice mercy,

if you fill your heart with names,

if you help others to live,

even if you die,

you will know that the Name of God

is the Merciful One, the Source of Mercy.

Silence for meditation.

 

Reading.

“We will never know just how much good a simple smile can do. We speak of a good, merciful, and compassionate God. Are we living proof of that? Can those who suffer perceive this goodness, this living compassion, in us? Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Everyone should see goodness in your presence, in your eyes, in your smile."  (St. T. of Calcutta)

Silence for reflection.

 

Petitions.

- For priests and men and women religious, that through their lives and words they may proclaim the God of love...

- For catechists, that they may present Jesus as the one who loves, chooses, and dies for humanity...

- For the men and women who are on the front lines of suffering, poverty, and loneliness...

- Add your own intentions…

Our Father.

 

Prayer.

God of goodness and mercy, grant us a heart like that of your Son, so that, like Him, we may know how to love and serve you through our brothers and sisters, through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.