Prayer

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge and pay respect to the original and ongoing custodians of the land upon which our offices are situated.  We commit to actively working alongside First Nations people for healing, reconciliation and justice.

The Catholic education faith community is inclusive and acknowledges that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and we are created in love. People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures are therefore respected equally in the Sandhurst Catholic community.  

We acknowledge the pain and suffering of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who have betrayed the trust placed in them.

May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one. 

Celebrating The Word of God

A Reading from the Gospel of John 20:19-23

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

The Gospel of the Lord 

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Spiritual Reflection

One can only imagine the fear felt by Jesus’s disciples in his absence. As they gathered behind locked doors, he suddenly appears and comforts them with the words ‘peace be with you!’ 

Today Jesus meets us where we are, reassuring us with the words ‘peace be with you.’ Like the disciples we are constantly guided and assisted by the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are not guaranteed a painless journey because even Jesus rose from the dead with his wounds in full view. But we take comfort in knowing that we will never be alone on our mission of being Christ in the world. 

How does it feel to hear Jesus’ words ‘Peace be with you! What is God commissioning you to do to make this world a better place?

Can you recall a moment when you really felt the presence of the Holy Spirit?

Concluding Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus Christ,  Right before your Ascension into heaven you told your apostles to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth upon receiving the Holy Spirit. May I be similarly inspired to spread your Gospel message in word and deed, according to your will for me. And may I do so prudently and joyfully, with your help, your guidance, and your grace! And remembering this glorious event, help me to seek what is above, Heaven, where you are seated at the right hand of God the Father! 

Amen 

 https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/ascension-day-prayer.html