1. The Patient Face of Mercy 1 Week 1

2. 2 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Father AllWhose patience is made known over thousands of years of preparation for the coming of the Son into history.

3. 3 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Son AllWhose patience with his disciples allowed them to question to be confused— to get things completely wrong— but always to know that the Lord was their teacher and their friend.

4. 4 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Holy Spirit AllWho unfolds the work of Creation in the births of stars and the movement of tectonic plates; in the gestation of human children and in their slow maturing to adulthood.

5. 5 ReaderWe gather… All(making the Sign of the Cross) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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7. 7  When have you found yourself watching something that, at one level, has had little happening but which drew you in—a kind of fascination?  What is the value of watching—waiting— trying things— giving things time?

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9. 9  What is the message in this Gospel for us—in terms of patience with ourselves and with others?  If there is a gardener in the group—what is happening in the garden at the moment that echoes what the gardener in the Gospel is doing?  Why does Jesus use everyday things to explain spiritual ones?

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11.  What incidents or events in the Bible can people think of that speak of God’s patience and mercy for his people?  Why is God’s patience important?  Is patience a sign of weakness or of strength—or…? 11

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13.  How might I clothe the naked—in my own family—and in the wider world?  Is there someone whose behaviour I need to challenge? And what stops me? Or stops me doing it in a way that helps? 13

14. 14 Lord Jesus Christ, you bore patiently with your disciples and with their inability to understand the mission you were preparing them for. We thank you for your patience with us— and pray for some of that patience with ourselves and others— as well as openness to the feeding and pruning we may need to become fruitful disciples in your Kingdom. We ask this in your name. Amen.

15. 15 © 2016 Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Image: Contributor Sanai Aksoy © 123rf.com Department for Spirituality Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, St Vincent’s Offices, St Cuthbert’s House, West Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 7PY Telephone: 0191 243 3302 Email: spirituality@diocesehn.org.uk