Introduction
Fall is a season of transition—of harvest and letting go, of preparation for what lies ahead, and perhaps most importantly a time for gratitude. Today we’ll use the see–judge–act method to reflect on how transitions are shaping our lives as missionary disciples.
-
Opening (3 min)
Prayer (from Guerrillas of Grace, Ted Loder)
O Lord of the seasons and of my life,
grant me your sense of timing.
In this season of short days and long nights,
of grey and white and cold,
teach me the lessons of beginnings:
that such waiting and endings
may be a starting place,
a planting of seeds
which bring to birth
what is ready to be born—
something right and just and different,
a new song, a deeper relationship,
a fuller love—
in the fullness of your time.
2. See (5–6 min)
Personal Sharing
Think of a change or transition you’ve experienced recently—personal, in your community, or in our wider world. What does it look and feel like? What images of fall—leaves turning, harvest, shorter days—might capture this moment?”
Invite 2–3 brief sharings (or pairs if large group).Name the mix of beauty, grief, and preparation that comes with transition.
3. Judge (6 min)
Read and Reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1 — ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.’
Faith Sharing
What might God be showing us in this transition time?
How is this an invitation to be more grateful?
What do the Gospel values of accompaniment, justice, and solidarity say to the transitions we’re facing?
4. Act (4 min)
Reflection
When we think about our call as missionary disciples—going forth to encounter and accompany others on the margins—how do we hear the Spirit calling us to respond in these in-between spaces?
What is one small, concrete action—personal or as a community—that we could take this week to honor the gift of transition? Something that helps us let go of what needs to fall away, and prepare the ground for what’s coming.”5. Closing Prayer (2 min)
God of the harvest and the turning leaves, thank you for being with us in change. Teach us the lessons of beginnings—so that our endings become seeds of new life. Give us courage to let go, wisdom to discern, and joy to embrace what you are growing in us. Amen.
