THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEYEAR A
Introduction
Our willingness to open our hearts to others is a measure of our discipleship. Even the smallest gesture of kindness or hospitality to someone in need welcomes Jesus himself; and in welcoming him we welcome the one who sent him.
Sentence
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 6.23
Collect
O God, your Son has taught us that those who give a cup of water in his name will not lose their reward: open our hearts to the needs of your children, and in all things make us obedient to your will, so that in faith we may receive your gracious gift, eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading Introductions
Genesis 22:1-14. The oldest form of the story of the testing of Abraham showed that God surrendered any claim on the life of a firstborn. In its present form the story also illustrates commitment to trust in God’s promises.
Jeremiah 28:5-9. Jeremiah’s message of God’s judgement on Israel for Israel’s unfaithfulness was very unpopular. In the contest with the prophet Hananiah it becomes a test of which of them speaks from God.
Romans 6:12-23. In his letter to the Romans, Paul emphasises that we are saved by the grace and mercy of God. That, he argues, should make us faithful slaves to God out of gratitude for what God has done for us.
Matthew 10:40-42. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ second block of teaching is found in chapter 10. Jesus gathers and trains his close disciples, teaching them about what they may expect as his followers.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it
Alleluia!
Post Communion Prayer:
Eternal Father, we thank you for nourishing us with these heavenly gifts; may our communion strengthen us in faith, build us in hope, and make us grow in love; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Blessing:
The love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself, the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen you in his service, and the joy of the Lord Jesus fill your hearts; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen
Copyright
Introduction, A Celebrant’s Guide to the New Sacramentary, Kevin W. Irwin; Pueblo Publishing Company, New York 1977
Collect, APrayer Book for Australia 1996
Reading Introductions, Ken Booth
Alleluia Verse, The Sunday Missal, 1982
Post Communion Sentence, Church House Publishing 1997.
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:(Year A)