Session 1

Session 1The Multicultural Face of God

OPENING PRAYERAll-inclusive God, you call us to be in relationship with one another and promise to dwell wherever two or three are gathered in your name. In our Society of St. Vincent de Paul we are many different people; we come from many different places, have many different cultures. Open our heart that we may be bold participants in finding the treasures of diversity among us. Let us see through the eyes of a child. We pray in faith. Amen.

The six blind men of Hindustan

Share insights / lessons learnt

We discover that many of our initial observations are based on false assumptions

We are all part of a universal puzzle, we need to put all the pieces together

This guide is a tool to help see diversity as a genuine blessing

Opening our eyes to the incredible Multicultural Face of God!

The Multicultural Face of God

THE MULTICULTURAL FACE OF GODLeader: In the Name of the Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit, All: AmenLeader: Let us bless the name of GodAll: Who invites us to a life of wholeness.Leader: Let us bless the name of GodAll: Who invites us to discover the unfinished

self.Leader: Let us bless the name of GodAll: Who mediates the spirituality of

transformation.

Reading: (Matthew 19: 13-15)

REFLECT AND SHARE:

How can I be more childlike in accepting those who are different from me?

Why do we assume that everyone else in the world is or should be “just like us”?

CLOSING PRAYER:Great and generous God,

We thank you as we remember your favor to us over ages past; your promise of new life encourages us to look to the future with hope in our hearts. We face the future as your trusting children, knowing that you will continue to nourish and sustain us.

Strengthen us as we embrace your world with a childlike openness. May we see through the eyes of a child, Lord, so that we will always respect the integrity of creation and appreciate and protect the fragility of every life form.

(continued)

May we see through the eyes of a child, Lord, so that we will grow in justice and truth, fostering love and forgiveness to diminish the strife among your people. As your children, we ask Lord that you help us to embrace unconditionally the differences among us and to see the beauty of your multicultural face.

We commit ourselves to building up your creation, so that all can live in true peace, and bring to fruition your own reign of justice and love in our world.

Amen.

End of Session 1