Welcome and Opening Prayer:
Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: Gospel – Matthew 4:1-11
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply,
“It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.
For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan!
It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
The first [temptation of Christ] had to do with knowing what is most important in life – obeying the word of God and not living only to satisfy the flesh, or making a living, or using spiritual resources just to meet physical needs. Living by obedience to God has fallen on hard times today when so many are only interested in security of life through investments and entitlements, or indulging themselves in the good things of life. Seeking the good life can truly crowd out the spiritual things.
The second temptation had to do with trusting God. Those who truly know God and experience the reality of their faith daily do not need to find something spectacular to convince themselves and others. Today there is a growing pre-occupation with miraculous signs. Now God will do miraculous things – when He chooses to do them. But if people seek the spectacular in order to believe, or to convince themselves of the faith, it betrays a week faith. Remember how in the vision of the rich man and the poor man Lazarus in their rewards, and the rich man asked Abraham for Lazarus to be sent to his family to warn them, thinking that they would believe if one came back from the dead? The answer was, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets [Scripture], they will not be convinced even if one rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31).
The third temptation had to do with fulfilling the commission or plan of God with a shortcut, not doing God’s way. This is the common temptation to avoid the means to get to the ends, or as is said, the end justifies the means. But with God there is a way to accomplish His plan for your life, and it calls for absolute devotion and obedience to Him. But Satan always offers shortcuts, that if looked at carefully, will ruin your life.
So there are a number of very useful lessons that can be drawn from this account. These should start your thinking. You can probably meditate on these for a while and find other examples of how the temptations would work in life, and how knowing what God wants would prevent them. The bottom line is that Jesus demonstrated for us how to achieve victory over temptation. In other words, we do not have to sin. There are ways to spiritual success, if we are willing to take them. (Allen Ross – Bible.org)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any 4/5 of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. We pray for the Archdiocese of Armagh as we journey through this Year of Reflection and Prayer together. May our prayer help and guide us as we begin our process of planning for the difficult and challenging years ahead and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us on how we should move forward. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with you, with others and with our environment. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions in our homes, our communities and in this diocese. Grant us the strength to practice in our lives what your Word has revealed to us. Through you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, 20 February 2020
Sunday, 16 February 2020
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 23/2/20
Welcome and Opening Prayer:
Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: Gospel – Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus said to his disciples:'You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.
'You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors[* do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
According to Jesus, if we are kind to our friends and hate our enemies, or even if, not hating them, we refuse to be charitable towards them, we are doing no more than the pagans do. There is no merit in that. If we want to please God, then we are obliged to do more. We are challenged by the gospel to behave decently towards those to whom we are not naturally attracted. In short, we must love our enemies.
This teaching, which is unique to Christianity, is a reflection of God’s perfection. We know this because Jesus concluded this part of his sermon by exhorting his listeners to ‘be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Mt 5:48).
When we next receive a request for help, or when our opinion is sought from a neighbour or work colleague to whom we are not naturally drawn, let us remember Jesus’ exhortation and respond with kindness and generosity. There is always someone, in every social context, who is not popular, or who is difficult and unattractive. It is to these people that we are asked to respond in true charity with a kind word, a small gift, perhaps, or an offer of friendship. That will reflect, somewhat, the perfection of God in a world full of selfishness and conflict.
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any 4/5 of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. We pray for the Archdiocese of Armagh as we journey through this Year of Reflection and Prayer together. May our prayer help and guide us as we begin our process of planning for the difficult and challenging years ahead and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us on how we should move forward. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with you, with others and with our environment. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions in our homes, our communities and in this diocese. Grant us the strength to practice in our lives what your Word has revealed to us. Through you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: Gospel – Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus said to his disciples:'You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.
'You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors[* do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
According to Jesus, if we are kind to our friends and hate our enemies, or even if, not hating them, we refuse to be charitable towards them, we are doing no more than the pagans do. There is no merit in that. If we want to please God, then we are obliged to do more. We are challenged by the gospel to behave decently towards those to whom we are not naturally attracted. In short, we must love our enemies.
This teaching, which is unique to Christianity, is a reflection of God’s perfection. We know this because Jesus concluded this part of his sermon by exhorting his listeners to ‘be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Mt 5:48).
When we next receive a request for help, or when our opinion is sought from a neighbour or work colleague to whom we are not naturally drawn, let us remember Jesus’ exhortation and respond with kindness and generosity. There is always someone, in every social context, who is not popular, or who is difficult and unattractive. It is to these people that we are asked to respond in true charity with a kind word, a small gift, perhaps, or an offer of friendship. That will reflect, somewhat, the perfection of God in a world full of selfishness and conflict.
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any 4/5 of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. We pray for the Archdiocese of Armagh as we journey through this Year of Reflection and Prayer together. May our prayer help and guide us as we begin our process of planning for the difficult and challenging years ahead and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us on how we should move forward. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with you, with others and with our environment. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions in our homes, our communities and in this diocese. Grant us the strength to practice in our lives what your Word has revealed to us. Through you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Monday, 13 January 2020
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 26/1/20 Year A
Welcome and Opening Prayer:
Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: Gospel – Matthew 4:12-23
Jesus calls his the fishermen to leave everything to follow himNow when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles- the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John , in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
In this month of January we find ourselves deep in an ordinary season; away from the warm glow of Christmas and some months from the drama of Easter. The days are short, the nights long and cold. We go about our daily tasks. Yet in the very ordinariness of our days and lives God is calling us to be light for others. When Jesus called Simon and his brother Andrew ... and James, Zebedee's son and his brother John and asked him to follow they did just that. They were free enough and mature enough to respond positively to his call.
God calls all of us to live as men and women of the light. As such we need the Holy Spirit to be able to see beyond the deceptions disguised in the world's values. We need to focus once more on what's really important and the scripture readings today help us to do that. Jesus calls us to be people who shine a light into the dark corners of our world and expose what hinders us from growing to true maturity.
So we will try to live this ordinary week, in the midst of this dark season, as children of the light. We will look for the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment as we strive to respond to God's call; a call that will come to us many times in our lives.Will we be free and mature enough to respond?
(Fr. Michael Router, The Furrow, December 2013)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any 4/5 of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. We pray for the Archdiocese of Armagh as we journey through this Year of Reflection and Prayer together. May our prayer help and guide us as we begin our process of planning for the difficult and challenging years ahead and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us on how we should move forward. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with you, with others and with our environment. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions in our homes, our communities and in this diocese. Grant us the strength to practice in our lives what your Word has revealed to us. Through you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: Gospel – Matthew 4:12-23
Jesus calls his the fishermen to leave everything to follow himNow when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles- the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John , in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
In this month of January we find ourselves deep in an ordinary season; away from the warm glow of Christmas and some months from the drama of Easter. The days are short, the nights long and cold. We go about our daily tasks. Yet in the very ordinariness of our days and lives God is calling us to be light for others. When Jesus called Simon and his brother Andrew ... and James, Zebedee's son and his brother John and asked him to follow they did just that. They were free enough and mature enough to respond positively to his call.
God calls all of us to live as men and women of the light. As such we need the Holy Spirit to be able to see beyond the deceptions disguised in the world's values. We need to focus once more on what's really important and the scripture readings today help us to do that. Jesus calls us to be people who shine a light into the dark corners of our world and expose what hinders us from growing to true maturity.
So we will try to live this ordinary week, in the midst of this dark season, as children of the light. We will look for the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment as we strive to respond to God's call; a call that will come to us many times in our lives.Will we be free and mature enough to respond?
(Fr. Michael Router, The Furrow, December 2013)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any 4/5 of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. We pray for the Archdiocese of Armagh as we journey through this Year of Reflection and Prayer together. May our prayer help and guide us as we begin our process of planning for the difficult and challenging years ahead and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us on how we should move forward. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with you, with others and with our environment. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions in our homes, our communities and in this diocese. Grant us the strength to practice in our lives what your Word has revealed to us. Through you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 19/1/20 Year A
Welcome and Opening Prayer:
Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: Gospel – John 1:29-34
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” John also testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
Why, we might ask, is John the Baptist so content in today’s gospel to step aside and hand over to Jesus? Up until this encounter on the shores of the Jordan it was John who had been pulling in the crowds and getting all the attention. He was an important man who even had the king’s attention and respect so we would have expected him to be somewhat reluctant to retreat into the background. But John knew exactly what his role was: “I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water” (John 1:30). Because he knew very clearly what his purpose was, John could tell when he had accomplished his mission.
I wonder do we ever think about why we were put on this earth. Or about what God’s plan is for our lives? If we do not have a satisfactory answer to this question, chances are that we will spend our lives chasing after everything and nothing and that we will find ourselves in a rat-race of envy and jealousy with those who we think are better off. Those who do not have some understanding of the reason for their being find it hard to be ever truly happy.
There is much angst and worry in our country at the moment about the problem of suicide, particularly among young men. Many answers are put out there for why such tragedies happen. But one reason that rarely gets mentioned is the crises of faith that exists in our society. Young people are offered everything except the comfort and strength afforded by religious faith. They are promised the world if they become compliant consumers and devoted capitalists but are not given the one thing that can give them true purpose and a sense of direction – knowledge of the love of God made visible in the person of Jesus.
God has put us here for a reason. Finding that purpose and being contented with it is one of the true treasures of life, a treasure that can eradicate a lot of resentment and bitterness within us. John the Baptist is a great example of the fact that there is much greatness to be found in doing the ordinary things humbly and well and in pointing the way to God so that others may find him. (Fr. Michael Router, The Furrow, December 2015)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any 4/5 of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. We pray for the Archdiocese of Armagh as we journey through this Year of Reflection and Prayer together. May our prayer help and guide us as we begin our process of planning for the difficult and challenging years ahead and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us on how we should move forward. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with you, with others and with our environment. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions in our homes, our communities and in this diocese. Grant us the strength to practice in our lives what your Word has revealed to us. Through you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: Gospel – John 1:29-34
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” John also testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
Why, we might ask, is John the Baptist so content in today’s gospel to step aside and hand over to Jesus? Up until this encounter on the shores of the Jordan it was John who had been pulling in the crowds and getting all the attention. He was an important man who even had the king’s attention and respect so we would have expected him to be somewhat reluctant to retreat into the background. But John knew exactly what his role was: “I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water” (John 1:30). Because he knew very clearly what his purpose was, John could tell when he had accomplished his mission.
I wonder do we ever think about why we were put on this earth. Or about what God’s plan is for our lives? If we do not have a satisfactory answer to this question, chances are that we will spend our lives chasing after everything and nothing and that we will find ourselves in a rat-race of envy and jealousy with those who we think are better off. Those who do not have some understanding of the reason for their being find it hard to be ever truly happy.
There is much angst and worry in our country at the moment about the problem of suicide, particularly among young men. Many answers are put out there for why such tragedies happen. But one reason that rarely gets mentioned is the crises of faith that exists in our society. Young people are offered everything except the comfort and strength afforded by religious faith. They are promised the world if they become compliant consumers and devoted capitalists but are not given the one thing that can give them true purpose and a sense of direction – knowledge of the love of God made visible in the person of Jesus.
God has put us here for a reason. Finding that purpose and being contented with it is one of the true treasures of life, a treasure that can eradicate a lot of resentment and bitterness within us. John the Baptist is a great example of the fact that there is much greatness to be found in doing the ordinary things humbly and well and in pointing the way to God so that others may find him. (Fr. Michael Router, The Furrow, December 2015)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any 4/5 of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. We pray for the Archdiocese of Armagh as we journey through this Year of Reflection and Prayer together. May our prayer help and guide us as we begin our process of planning for the difficult and challenging years ahead and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us on how we should move forward. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with you, with others and with our environment. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions in our homes, our communities and in this diocese. Grant us the strength to practice in our lives what your Word has revealed to us. Through you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Monday, 16 December 2019
4th Sunday of Advent (22nd December, 2019): Prayer and Reflection on the Gospel.
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 1:18-24
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
“Because of Joseph’s great courage and faith, he, like Mary, opened the way for God’s plan of salvation to be enacted. He, too, played an important part in shaping Jesus of Nazareth from his youth and helped him prepare for his mission. Turning to God for guidance when difficult decisions have to be made and accepting full responsibility for those decisions are not popular concepts today. Even though most of us consider ourselves to be free and open-minded, we can very easily become slaves to opinions and fashions that are promoted by vested interests in both the market place and the media. It is also true that we are sometimes guilty of making our decisions based purely on self interest or greed. It seems that fewer and fewer people are willing to act in a selfless way, to simply do what is morally right or of benefit to others. Anything that demands commitment or sacrifice is too often viewed by our media as unfashionable, a relic of an unenlightened past.
As a result of this attitude a lot of good and necessary work is being left undone because it is difficult or financially unrewarding. Joseph was a man who made personal sacrifices simply because it was the right thing to do. It would seem that he was a practical man and we presume that he would have examined his options carefully. His life would probably have been easier if he had abandoned Mary and her unborn child, yet he showed great faith and generosity when he responded positively to the message he received in his dream. His decision was a leap into the unknown for him, but he managed to put aside his fear and confusion in order to do what was right and generous.
Joseph is an inspiration to all of us who feel that our faith is inviting us to greater trust in the Lord and to a deeper awareness of how we are called to serve the Lord in terms of family, neighbourhood and community. Maybe our impulse to share the divine love we have received will bring us little tangible reward in the short term. Perhaps we will never know what effect our words and actions will have on the world. Joseph probably never realised in his lifetime the full implications of the decision he made, yet after more than 2000 years we still honour and cherish his faith and generosity.”(Michael Router, ‘The Furrow’, November 2010)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. Lord you sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people - sustain those who proclaim your word. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with others. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate particularly as we prepare for Christmas - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the sick and the suffering (pause to remember those we have been asked to pray for). May they receive healing and strenght this day through their faith in Jesus and through our prayers. Lord, hear us.
10. Through the birth of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for this time together which has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice your commands. May we, like Mary, your mother, be open to your will in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 1:18-24
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
“Because of Joseph’s great courage and faith, he, like Mary, opened the way for God’s plan of salvation to be enacted. He, too, played an important part in shaping Jesus of Nazareth from his youth and helped him prepare for his mission. Turning to God for guidance when difficult decisions have to be made and accepting full responsibility for those decisions are not popular concepts today. Even though most of us consider ourselves to be free and open-minded, we can very easily become slaves to opinions and fashions that are promoted by vested interests in both the market place and the media. It is also true that we are sometimes guilty of making our decisions based purely on self interest or greed. It seems that fewer and fewer people are willing to act in a selfless way, to simply do what is morally right or of benefit to others. Anything that demands commitment or sacrifice is too often viewed by our media as unfashionable, a relic of an unenlightened past.
As a result of this attitude a lot of good and necessary work is being left undone because it is difficult or financially unrewarding. Joseph was a man who made personal sacrifices simply because it was the right thing to do. It would seem that he was a practical man and we presume that he would have examined his options carefully. His life would probably have been easier if he had abandoned Mary and her unborn child, yet he showed great faith and generosity when he responded positively to the message he received in his dream. His decision was a leap into the unknown for him, but he managed to put aside his fear and confusion in order to do what was right and generous.
Joseph is an inspiration to all of us who feel that our faith is inviting us to greater trust in the Lord and to a deeper awareness of how we are called to serve the Lord in terms of family, neighbourhood and community. Maybe our impulse to share the divine love we have received will bring us little tangible reward in the short term. Perhaps we will never know what effect our words and actions will have on the world. Joseph probably never realised in his lifetime the full implications of the decision he made, yet after more than 2000 years we still honour and cherish his faith and generosity.”(Michael Router, ‘The Furrow’, November 2010)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. Lord you sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people - sustain those who proclaim your word. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with others. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate particularly as we prepare for Christmas - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the sick and the suffering (pause to remember those we have been asked to pray for). May they receive healing and strenght this day through their faith in Jesus and through our prayers. Lord, hear us.
10. Through the birth of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for this time together which has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice your commands. May we, like Mary, your mother, be open to your will in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, 5 December 2019
3rd Sunday of Advent (15th December, 2019): Prayer and Reflection on the Gospel
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Welcome and Opening Prayer: Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 11:2-11
“Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.”
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings’ houses. Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,
‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
who shall prepare thy way before thee.’
Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
“John the Baptist is presented by Jesus as one of the greatest persons ever born. Yet he missed the privilege being born into the age of Christ, a privilege that has been made available to us. We could do well to emulate John in preparing ourselves for Jesus to become really part of our lives.
John was strong. He was a man of integrity. He was not one of the rich and famous. He was no pop star – all sound and no substance. He would never have made a glamorous icon for Hello magazine. Yet many people went out to hear him, to be challenged by him, to have their lives radically changed by his words.
Actually, our Christian vocation is similar to his. We are called to prepare the way for Jesus to come into our own hearts but also to prepare other people’s hearts so that they, too, may “experience the joy of salvation”, that healing, wholeness and holiness we all long for and which alone gives real meaning to our lives. Christmas is a time of gifts – both giving and receiving. Let us make sure that among the gifts we offer to others is some of the Christian joy which we ourselves have received. ( Sacred Space)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. Lord you sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people - sustain those who proclaim your word. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with others. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate particularly as we prepare for Christmas - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the sick and the suffering (pause to remember those we have been asked to pray for). May they receive healing and strenght this day through their faith in Jesus and through our prayers. Lord, hear us.
10. Through the birth of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for this time together which has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice your commands. May we, like Mary, your mother, be open to your will in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 11:2-11
“Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.”
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings’ houses. Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,
‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
who shall prepare thy way before thee.’
Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
“John the Baptist is presented by Jesus as one of the greatest persons ever born. Yet he missed the privilege being born into the age of Christ, a privilege that has been made available to us. We could do well to emulate John in preparing ourselves for Jesus to become really part of our lives.
John was strong. He was a man of integrity. He was not one of the rich and famous. He was no pop star – all sound and no substance. He would never have made a glamorous icon for Hello magazine. Yet many people went out to hear him, to be challenged by him, to have their lives radically changed by his words.
Actually, our Christian vocation is similar to his. We are called to prepare the way for Jesus to come into our own hearts but also to prepare other people’s hearts so that they, too, may “experience the joy of salvation”, that healing, wholeness and holiness we all long for and which alone gives real meaning to our lives. Christmas is a time of gifts – both giving and receiving. Let us make sure that among the gifts we offer to others is some of the Christian joy which we ourselves have received. ( Sacred Space)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. Lord you sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people - sustain those who proclaim your word. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with others. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate particularly as we prepare for Christmas - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the sick and the suffering (pause to remember those we have been asked to pray for). May they receive healing and strenght this day through their faith in Jesus and through our prayers. Lord, hear us.
10. Through the birth of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for this time together which has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice your commands. May we, like Mary, your mother, be open to your will in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, 28 November 2019
2nd Sunday of Advent (December 8th, 2019): Prayer and Reflection on the Gospel
Prayer and Reflection Based on the Gospel of the Second Sunday in Advent A
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 3:1-12
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
“Two kinds of people were coming out to see John. There were ordinary people, genuine penitents, looking for reconciliation with God. There were also Pharisees and Sadducees. However, these came out, not to express sorrow for sin, but to test John’s orthodoxy and observance of the Law. John has little time for them. It is not birth, race, religious affiliation, education, social status, or financial clout that makes us friends of God but our awareness of our total dependence on him for everything we need. Matthew is not just lashing out at some Jewish leaders. The words of John today are primarily directed to ourselves, to the Pharisee and Sadducee in each one of us. Our most dangerous enemy is complacency: “I’m a good enough Catholic. I’m not perfect, of course, I’m not a religious fanatic but I keep the basics of my religion. I’m OK.” Where our relationships with God are concerned, to stay in the same place is to go backwards.
If John the Baptist were to come among us today, what would he tell us? What would he warn us against? As we come to the end of another calendar year where do we need conversion and change in our lives? How can we and our families give better witness to the Christian message? What changes are called for in the way our parish gives corporate witness to the Gospel? The celebration of Advent calls for a serious consideration of these questions.
We are probably well into preparations for the celebration of Christmas. But what preparations have I made for the time afterwards, for the year that is ahead? Will Jesus be really part of my life? Will he really be entering my life in a special way at this time? Are his concerns my concerns? Namely, a desire that I be of service to others that I work with others to build a better society founded on love and justice and an equitable sharing of resources.
“Peace (and justice) on earth to those who are God’s friends” needs to become not just the song of the angels but a programme for me and my community.” ( Sacred Space.ie)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. Lord you sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people - sustain those who proclaim your word. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with others. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate particularly as we prepare for Christmas - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the sick and the suffering (pause to remember those we have been asked to pray for). May they receive healing and strenght this day through their faith in Jesus and through our prayers. Lord, hear us.
10. Through the birth of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for this time together which has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice your commands. May we, like Mary, your mother, be open to your will in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Lord, we place ourselves in your presence. Send us your Spirit to enlighten our minds and open our hearts to your word. We know Jesus is with us, because we are gathered in his name, and he tells us “…where two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them.”
We invite our holy mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom to be part of our sharing as we say … ‘Hail Mary ….’
We invoke the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all that we do as we say … ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.’
1st Reading of Scripture Passage: A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 3:1-12
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Silence (3 minutes)
2nd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 minutes) then sharing of word, phrase or image that left an impression on you.
3rd Reading of Scripture Passage
Silence (3 Minutes) followed by short and voluntary sharing of what stood out for you personally in the reading
Reading of Short Commentary:
“Two kinds of people were coming out to see John. There were ordinary people, genuine penitents, looking for reconciliation with God. There were also Pharisees and Sadducees. However, these came out, not to express sorrow for sin, but to test John’s orthodoxy and observance of the Law. John has little time for them. It is not birth, race, religious affiliation, education, social status, or financial clout that makes us friends of God but our awareness of our total dependence on him for everything we need. Matthew is not just lashing out at some Jewish leaders. The words of John today are primarily directed to ourselves, to the Pharisee and Sadducee in each one of us. Our most dangerous enemy is complacency: “I’m a good enough Catholic. I’m not perfect, of course, I’m not a religious fanatic but I keep the basics of my religion. I’m OK.” Where our relationships with God are concerned, to stay in the same place is to go backwards.
If John the Baptist were to come among us today, what would he tell us? What would he warn us against? As we come to the end of another calendar year where do we need conversion and change in our lives? How can we and our families give better witness to the Christian message? What changes are called for in the way our parish gives corporate witness to the Gospel? The celebration of Advent calls for a serious consideration of these questions.
We are probably well into preparations for the celebration of Christmas. But what preparations have I made for the time afterwards, for the year that is ahead? Will Jesus be really part of my life? Will he really be entering my life in a special way at this time? Are his concerns my concerns? Namely, a desire that I be of service to others that I work with others to build a better society founded on love and justice and an equitable sharing of resources.
“Peace (and justice) on earth to those who are God’s friends” needs to become not just the song of the angels but a programme for me and my community.” ( Sacred Space.ie)
Discussion: Discuss for a few minutes any point that struck you from the commentary? How do we put the word of God that we have heard into practice? Is there something we can do individually or collectively? Are we doing something that could be done better? Are there attitudes that need to change?
Prayers of Intercession – Choose any of the following prayers and, if possible, include your own prayers and petitions:
1. Lord you sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people - sustain those who proclaim your word. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for those who carry a cross of pain and anguish today – Lord, grant them patience and courage. Lord, hear us.
3. God of all kindness, bless your church - make your people faithful to you. Lord, hear us.
4. Judge of the living and the dead, be merciful to all our deceased family, friends and neighbours; especially N. and N., and receive them into eternal joy. Lord, hear us.
5. Lord remember us as we begin our work, that we work in harmony with others. Lord, hear us.
6. May we always do what is right for our brothers and sisters - and together build a world that is pleasing to you. Lord, hear us.
7. Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the conclusion of this day - teach us to praise you always. Lord, hear us.
8. Lord help us to remember the poor and unfortunate particularly as we prepare for Christmas - may we do what we can to ease their burden. Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the sick and the suffering (pause to remember those we have been asked to pray for). May they receive healing and strenght this day through their faith in Jesus and through our prayers. Lord, hear us.
10. Through the birth of your Son, you have enlightened the world - give us new hope this day. Lord, hear us.
Now we offer all our prayers to God our Father as we pray in the Words that Jesus Gave us … ‘Our Father…’
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank for this time together which has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice your commands. May we, like Mary, your mother, be open to your will in our lives. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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