I found it appropriate to have this as my first post. A prayer, to keep things, and myself, grounded.
I've heard Mass a couple of times last June in the Parish of Holy Sacrifice in UP Diliman. Although I don't go there often, I've always found the priests' homilies uplifting and thought-provoking. And the Chapel itself, more than being unique, I've always found to be welcoming. The funny thing is, in the occasions I've gone there, last June was the first time I actually noticed the prayer they say before Mass ends.
Prayer of Sacrifice
Lord of the Holy Sacrifice, your saving oblation on the cross has given me new life. May I always recall your holy sacrifice on the cross and do it in remembrance of you. When tempted by selfishness, inspire me to be taken as an unworthy sacrifice. When burdened by envy, let me become an instrument of blessing for others. When afflicted by anger and pride, grant me the humility to be broken and given for others. When unsettled by anguish and troubled by worries, give me encouragement.
May your Spirit move my heart to see in your outstretched arms your loving embrace of everyone that I, too, may welcome others with the same love in an open hand. Teach my mind and direct my will to humbly endure the pain of undeserved suffering even when my intent was good and done what is right. May I understand that it is in the holy sacrifice of your wounds that my brokenness is healed. May I see in your sacrifice on the cross not only death and defeat but victory and life.
Loving Father, may the holy sacrifice of your Son cleanse my soul, strengthen my heart, pardon my past and restore me in your peace. May I always adore you by uniting myself in His holy sacrifice, the sacrament of your divine love. May I learn to sacrifice my own comfort, plans and dreams if it is not for your glory and the good of others.
With Mary, the mother of Jesus, who joined her heart with the sacrifice of her Son, may I become a holy sacrifice of love and service for others. Gathered around the altar of love, may all be united in listening to your word and sharing the one bread and cup and become one people, offering one holy sacrifice. Amen.
Fr. Raymond Arre
Parish of the Holy Sacrifice
University of the Philippines
Solemnity of Corpus Christi
June 18, 2006
I have a few prayers that I hold dear, but I think this is one of the best that I can start my day with. Esp. for the days when I am busiest going after what I want in life. It's a difficult prayer actually. Masakit sa puso. May I learn to sacrifice my own comfort, plans and dreams if it is not for your glory and the good of others.
But it's a good one, the right one, nonetheless.
too good not to share.
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For more info on the Parish of Holy Sacrifice, do visit -- http://www.holysacrifice.net
