July 4, 2010 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
In today’s Gospel Jesus sends out 72 disciples on a mission. His instructions to the disciples concerning how they are to travel is good advice for all of us as we journey through this life. Let us pray for the gift to be attentive to today’s message: to seek and accept the freedom offered to us in the Gospel.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you are the Word that leads to freedom: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you are the Word that gives us new life: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the Word that restores us to wholeness: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Isa 66:10-14c God will comfort us.
Gal 6:14-18 We boast in the cross of Christ.
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 Jesus instructs the disciples about how they are to travel.
Prayers of the Faithful
PresiderMy friends, [as we celebrate this Independence Day,] we have heard that to travel light is to be free. Let us pray for the true freedom that comes from heeding the Gospel, and exercise that unique freedom of a disciple — to pray for those who most need our prayers.
MinisterLet us pray for the church. For renewed enthusiasm for the Gospel and the courage to live by it and preach it in all that we do … we pray,
Let us pray for our country. For all who call this nation their home: for citizens and immigrants and refugees seeking asylum … we pray,
For the beneficial use of our taxes: for education and medical care for everyone; for the care of the environment and attention to our cities; for public transportation, free libraries and support of the arts … we pray,
For all the poor of our nation and those around the world who are dependent on thewealthier nations for their survival … we pray,
For a good summer: for fertile fields and bountiful gardens; for safe travel and happy reunions with family and friends; for rest and time to enjoy those we love … we pray,
We remember those who have died …(names). For those who have died in war and for all those who mourn the loss of a loved one … we pray,
PresiderGod of peace and goodness, watch over and protect us and all the people of our land. Strengthen the love that unites communities in peace and joy and grant that our community may know the unity that is a sign of your presence. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
July 11, 2010 - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Today we are going to be challenged — really challenged — if we listen. If we listen with hearts and minds open to the Gospel message that is meant just for us. It’s dangerous business, this listening. It might change our lives. Let’s pray for the courage and the grace to listen … to allow ourselves to be quiet inside and make room for the Word.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you came to show us how to live: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you came to show us how to love: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came to show us how to be holy: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Deut 30:10-14 The word is in our hearts; we have only to carry it out.
Col 1:15-20 Jesus is the image of the invisible God.
Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan — Who is my neighbor?
Prayers of the Faithful
PresiderWe have heard this challenging teaching — that we are called to love. Let us pray for open eyes to those whom God places on our path, open hearts to those God gives us to love.
MinisterWe pray for the church, that as a community of faith we might reach out to the guest, the foreigner, the stranger in our midst: for the grace of hospitality … we pray,
We pray for those who are most in need, that they may be met with open arms and understanding hearts: for the grace of generosity … we pray,
We pray for those we take for granted, those too often invisible to us, that we may recognize in each person we meet the face of a brother or sister … we pray,
We pray for those we love deeply, for those with whom we live and for whom we would give our lives, that we may take notice today of how much they mean to us … we pray,
We pray for those we find difficult to love, that we may imitate our Lord, who prayed for his enemies even from the cross. For those who have hurt us … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For those who died by violence and those who died alone with no one to pray for them … we pray,
PresiderLoving and generous God, we pray today for the grace to love and live as Jesus asked us to live. Give us what we need this day and every day to be the holy men and women you call us to be. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
July 18, 2010 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Last week in the Gospel of the Good Samaritan, we were challenged to an active, self-sacrificing love. In today’s Gospel we are challenged to be quiet, to slow down, to listen. Together these messages encourage a balanced life. Let us pray today for wisdom as we seek balance in our own lives.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you call us to listen: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you call us to serve: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you call us to love: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Gen 18:1-10a Abraham is hospitable to three strangers.
Col 1:24-28 Christ has been revealed to all who will receive him.
Luke 10:38-42 The story of Martha and Mary with Jesus
Prayers of the Faithful
Presider Whether we find ourselves more disposed to be like Martha or like Mary, we are all called to intercede for those who need our prayers. Let us pray.
Minister For the church: for those called to a life of mission and ministry and for those called to the contemplative life and who support us by their prayers; for all who answer God’s particular call to them … we pray,
For a peaceful world: for places where anger and greed give way to patience and generosity, where families have time to be together, where children have the freedom to learn and grow … we pray,
For those who are anxious or worried or too busy; for those who are dissatisfied with their life and long for a different, better way to live; for the world we imagine when we dream good dreams … we pray,
For those who are sick or suffering in any way … for those living with cancer, heart disease, depression, arthritis, diabetes and other illnesses that make life difficult … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For those who died unappreciated or with no one to pray for them … we pray,
PresiderLoving God, you created this world and each one of us to reflect your love. Help us to hear your call to love and to be mindful of your presence in the midst of daily life. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
July 25, 2010 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Today’s readings are about prayer. In the first reading we hear Abraham negotiating with God and in the Gospel the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus responds by teaching the prayer we know as the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father. In both cases we are encouraged to be confident about approaching our God in prayer. So let us be confident and join together in prayer.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you taught us to pray: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you promised that our prayers are heard: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are present whenever we pray in your name: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Gen 18:20-32Abraham pleads for God to spare the righteous.
Col 2:12-14 Jesus brings us to life and forgives our transgressions.
Luke 11:1-13 Jesus teaches the disciples to pray.
Prayers of the Faithful
Presider Brothers and sisters, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray for what they need and to be persistent in prayer. Let us accept the invitation and dare to pray for what may seem impossible.
MinisterWe pray for a better world: for peace among the nations, for unity among believers, for the elimination of poverty, famine and disease, for the conversion of those who do harm to others, for the salvation of every person … we pray,
We pray for more saints: for leaders who put aside self-interest and guide us to do good; for inspiring examples and role models for our young people; for the courage to dare to be saints ourselves … we pray,
We pray for more love: for forgiveness within families and communities; for gentleness in speech and in deed; for patience with the young and the elderly; for kindness to the stranger and the ones we take for granted … we pray,
We pray for those who most need our prayers: for those suffering unimaginable losses; for those whose lives are threatened; for those who do not know God or do not know how to pray; for those with no one to pray for them … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names).For a happy, peaceful, timely death for each one of us. And for all who are mourning the loss of a loved one … we pray,
PresiderGood and gracious God, hear the prayers of your people this day and fill us with faith in your love for us and confidence in your power to provide what we need. Give us this day and every day the joy of your presence. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.