L: Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
P1: Saying, the time is fulfilled.
P2: The kingdom of God has come near.
P1: Seek first the kingdom of God.
P2: We pray: Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
L: The kingdom may surely come in the future, but it is also in the present.
P1: The kingdom of God is all around you.
P2: The kingdom of God is right there in your presence.
L: The kingdom of God is a vision of a community committed to a distinctive way of life.
P1: The first followers of Jesus became known as the “followers of the Way.”
P2: As they listened to his teachings, they put them into practice.
L: Following Jesus means practicing radical love.
P1: Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength.
P2: Love your neighbor as yourself.
P1: Treat others as you would have them treat you.
P2: Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.
L: Following Jesus means practicing lavish generosity.
P1: Give to everyone who begs from you.
P2: Do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
P1: Lend, expecting nothing in return.
P2: Sell your possessions, and give money to the poor.
L: Following Jesus means practicing extravagant forgiveness.
P1: Forgive and you will be forgiven.
P2: Pray for those who mistreat you.
P1: Bless those who curse you.
P2: Forgive seventy times seven times.
L: Following Jesus means practicing inclusive hospitality.
P1: He welcomed the rejected and outcasts.
P2: He touched and healed the unclean and diseased.
P1: He shared meals with the despised and marginalized.
P2: He blessed the destitute, the hungry, and the weeping.
L: Following Jesus means practicing compassionate action.
P1: Jesus was moved with compassion to heal the sick.
P2: Jesus was moved with compassion to feed the hungry crowds.
P1: The Samaritan was moved by compassion for the man by the side of road.
P2: The father was moved by compassion for his prodigal son.
L: Following Jesus means practicing selfless service.
P1: Feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty.
P1: Clothe the naked and care for the sick.
P1: Visit the imprisoned.
P2: Welcome the stranger and immigrant.
L: Following Jesus means practicing a passion for justice.
P1: Bring good news to the poor and oppressed.
P2: Strive first for God’s justice.
P1: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice.
P2: Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice.
L: Following Jesus means practicing creative nonviolence.
P1: If anyone hits you on your right cheek, offer him your left cheek too.
P2: If anyone forces you to go one mile, then go two miles.
P1: If anyone takes your coat, give him the shirt off your back too.
P2: If anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.
L: Following Jesus means practicing simple living.
P1: One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.
P2: Do not worry about what you will eat.
P1: Do not worry about what you will drink.
P2: Do not worry about what you will wear.
L: Jesus taught a way of costly commitment which led to the cross.
P1: Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus.
P2: To give up self-centered ambition.
P1: To take up our crosses.
P2: And to follow Jesus.
Excellent. Thanks.