REJOICE

We come to the end of our week Celebrating Catholic Education Week. We remember the themes of this year's celebration is entitled, "Catholic Education: Rebuild, Restore, Renew Together" The theme for today is Rejoice

What gives us a deep, spiritual joy is knowing how much God loves each and every one of us, and knowing that Jesus is more powerful than any struggle or pain—more powerful than death itself. As Jesus' disciples, we want to share that joy, especially with those who may be carrying heavy burdens, or who need to be reminded of how much God loves them. Every day, each one of us can be a messenger of joy in a world that badly needs it.

Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us Pray:

Loving God,

As we come to the end of Catholic Education Week, we rejoice to be your children, to be part of your family, entrusted with the building of your kingdom. Fill us with joy that no difficulties can take from us and help us to share our joy with those who may be struggling, worried, lonely or afraid. May the joy of Jesus' Gospel radiate out from us to bring hope and renewal and healing.

Praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Listen again: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 15: 10-11) Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to the apostles: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

We pray:

O God,

Source of true and lasting joy, we thank you for loving us so much, and pouring your joy into our hearts. May we live the quiet joy of being your beloved children, and may our joy burst forth daily in gratitude and prayer, in works of goodness and Kingdom-building, that all may rejoice in your blessings, in justice and in peace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.