Two Edge Talk

Empowerment?

In our culture, it's common to see articles and self-help books about "empowerment" or helping someone to become "empowered".  In fact, it's such a common term that you might not even question it anymore.  What does it mean, though?  Is the power from within?  If so, what's the source of that power?  Or, is the power from outside of the person?  Again, what is the source?  If you've found yourself using the term (or even if you haven't), these are some important questions to ponder! 

 

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Bring Your Gifts to the Altar

In the Catholic Mass (we refer to our worship services as the "Mass"), we prepare for Communion by bringing the bread and wine forward to God, and offering prayers and song in preparation for the consecration of the gifts into the bread and body of Christ.

Pop quiz! Catholics: where were your minds the last time the offertory gifts were brought forward to the altar?  Wondering if you had enough milk for lunch?  Wondering how Betty lost all that weight? Perhaps reflecting on our humble human gathering and offering to God, with a prayer that He accept these gifts, sanctify them, change them into the Body and Blood of his Son, and give us in return the grace of Communion?

This week Cyndi and Deacon Tim give you some food for thought about the real meaning of the Offertory in the Catholic Mass.

 

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