Christ Jesus,
who gave yourself for the good of all,
we come before you
as brothers and sisters
but we are divided
and at times, even hostile--
tearing one another down.
We approach the altar unworthily
and ask for your forgiveness.
Move us, instead, towards
Encounter
listening
dialogue
reconciliation, and
a commitment to build your kingdom
for the good of all.
Heal us, restore us,
unite your divided family, Lord.
Through the power of the Eucharist, overcome our divisions.
Give us sincere hearts that
make us open, not closed,
and willing to encounter,
ready to listen.
In your broken body, given for all, may we find unity
and peace in you.
Amen.
Inspired by the reflections of Pope Benedict XVI in Sacramentum Caritatis (The Sacrament of Charity), no. 89.
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