September 7, 2008 – 23rdSunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Today each of our readings addresseshow we are to live with each other, including those uncomfortable moments when we have to correct someone else. Let us ask for guidance in our relationships with those we love and with those whom we are struggling to love.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you spoke the truth without regard for your well-being: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you spoke the truth in love: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you call us to love each other as you love us: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Ez 33:7-9 Our responsibility to correct others
Rom 13:8-10 Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matt 18:15-20 The rules of confrontation
Prayers of the Faithful
presiderToday we have heard that one of our duties as disciples of Jesus is to offer loving correction when it is needed. Let us pray for those who need guidance and those who are in a position to offer assistance.
ministerWe pray for those who lead others: for the leaders of nations and all civil authorities; for commanders in the military; for bishops and pastors; for employers, teachers and parents. For all whose actions and decisions affect the lives of others … we pray,
We pray for young people: for the courage and the wisdom to withstand the many temptations of our age … we pray,
On this Grandparents Day, we pray for older people: for gratitude for the love they offer the little ones in their lives and for the grace to let go of those activities that are no longer possible … we pray,
We pray for those who are in trouble because of their bad choices: for the humility to accept responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes and bear the consequences with dignity … we pray,
We pray for those who are sick or troubled … for those who are struggling with obesity, drug or alcohol addiction, overspending, and lifestyles that lead to ill health …we pray,
We pray silently for those for whom we are especially concerned … (pause) … for those we love … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For all who have gone before us and those who are mourning the loss of a loved one … we pray,
presiderGood and gracious God, watch over and protect us and all those we love. Encourage us in our work, calm us in our rest, and inspire us in our prayer. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
September 14, 2008 – Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Introduction
Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a day when we celebrate the mystery of the cross of Jesus by which we are saved and the crosses in our lives we carry each day. Let us pray today that we may join our crosses to the cross of our Lord, so that, by the suffering we endure, we may contribute in some small part to the salvation of the world.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you carried your cross out of love for humankind: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you hung upon the cross to save humankind: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you triumphed over the cross to release humankind from death forever: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Num 21:4b-9The Lord directed Moses to raise up a bronze serpent to save the people.
Phil 2:6-11Jesus humbled himself and God exalted him.
John 3:13-17 God so loved the world the he gave his only Son.
Prayers of the Faithful
PresiderOn this day when we celebrate the triumph of the cross, let us remember in our prayers those who live in the shadow of the cross.
MinisterFor those who live in the shadow of war: for those who areinjured, dying, frightened for their lives … we pray,
For those who live in the shadow of poverty: for those who are hungry, homeless, afraid of what tomorrow will bring … we pray,
For those who live in the shadow of illness: for those who are suffering, exhausted, afraid of dying … we pray,
For those who live in the shadow of depression: for those who are anxious, despairing,without hope … we pray,
We pray for those who live in the shadow of guilt: for those who are suffering because they have hurt others … we pray,
For those who live in the shadow of doubt: for those who live withoutknowing God, without a faith community, without the ability to pray … we pray,
For those who live in the shadow of death: for those with terminal illnesses and those sentenced to be executed … we pray,
For those who have died … (names). For all who have gone before us and for those who live in the shadow of grief … we pray,
PresiderAll-powerful God, you know each of us and the suffering we endure. Hear our prayers this day for your suffering people and raise each of us and all our concerns to the fulfillment your love intends. We pray in the name of the triumphant Jesus. Amen.
September 21, 2008 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Catechetical Sunday)
Introduction
Today’s Gospel is a story that many of us don’t like. We want to cry out, “Unfair!” The lesson is that God’s ways are not our ways. While we are too often concerned about getting our due, God is concerned with establishing the kingdom. Let us ask God for that largeness of heart and generosity of spirit that help us forget ourselves and follow Jesus.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you said that the last will be first and the first will be last: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you served others and command that we do the same: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you call us to love each other as you have loved us: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Isa 55:6-9“My ways are not your ways,” says the Lord.
Phil 1:20c-24,27aConduct yourselves in a way worthy of the Gospel.
Matt 20:1-16aThe parable of the laborers in the vineyard
Prayers of the Faithful
PresiderMy friends, with confidence in our God who loves us and knows our hearts, let us pray for what we need and the needs of the whole world.
MinisterWe pray for the church: for those charged with the responsibility of leadership; for those who have not led responsibly and for those who have been hurt by members of the church … we pray,
For peace in every part of the world: for those who live with violence and the fear of violence; for all those in harm’s way … we pray,
On this Catechetical Sunday, let us pray for teachers and catechists. For all those who are responsible for the formation of others in the faith … we pray,
For students in Catholic schools and parish schools of religion; for catechumens and candidates and all those preparing to enter the church; for all those who are seeking to know God … we pray,
For those without jobs: for the recently unemployed as they deal withtheir loss; for those who cannot find work; for those who are disabled and cannot work; for those who work hard and are still struggling financially; for the sick and those who are suffering needlessly for lack of quality health care … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). And for all who are grieving the loss of someone they hold dear … we pray,
PresiderGood and gracious God, hear the prayers of your people this day and everyday. Fill us with confidence in your love for us and your power to provide what we need. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our savior and our Lord. Amen.
September 28, 2008 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
In today’s Gospel we hear about those who appear to be righteous, but who are not humble enough to hear and obey the Lord. Let us allow ourselves to be challenged by the Gospel and ask for mercy for those times when we failed to heed the Word of God.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you proclaim salvation to the sinner: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you invite all to follow you and be saved: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, help us to hear your call and heed your word: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Ez 18:25-28God’s way is this: Turn from evil and live.
Phil 2:1-11Your attitude must be Christ’s.
Matt 21:28-32Those who first say, “No,” but then do the will of God, are saved.
Prayers of the Faithful
PresiderMy friends, our God hears every voice that is lifted in prayer. Confident of God’s love for us, let us pray.
MinisterWe pray for the church: for the holiness and humility of those who speak for the church; for each man and woman of the church who seeks to put into practice the faith they profess … we pray,
We pray for our world: for those who are most in need today; for those who will die without enough to eat or clean water to drink or medicine for their illnesses; for those who are in harm’s way … we pray,
We pray for basic human rights for every human being: for a voice in community affairs; for education and beauty and meaningful work; for a life with dignity and a death surrounded by loved ones … we pray,
We pray for those who are sick: for those in hospitals, in nursing homes, or confined to home by illness or infirmity; for those who feel forgotten … we pray,
We remember those who have died …(names). And for all who are mourning the passing of a loved one and find the autumn season an especially hard time to bear their grief … we pray,
PresiderLoving God, hear the prayers of your people gathered here this day as we unite our prayer with the prayer of believers all over the world. Inspire us and strengthen our faith and grant each of us what we need to become holy men and women. We pray always in Jesus’ name. Amen.