March 2, 2014 — Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
My friends, the message in today’s Gospel is clear. Jesus tells us, “Don’t worry!” Worry is kind of like running in place — spending a lot of energy without getting anywhere and leaving us too exhausted to effectively move forward and address the problem. Lent begins this week with Ash Wednesday. Perhaps today we might ask God to help us consider what would be a good Lenten discipline. Would it be helpful as part of our Lenten discipline to fast from worry?
Penitential Act
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of creation: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you are the Lord of all nations: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of our hearts: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Isa 49:14-15 God will never forget us.
Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9 Only in God is my soul at rest.
1 Cor 4:1-5 Let God be the judge.
Matt 6:24-34 Don’t worry.
Prayer of the Faithful
PresiderMy friends, a necessary part of living a worry-free life is prayer. Let us acknowledge our worries and turn them into prayer, laying them before God, who promised to hear us and be with us.
Minister For the inspiration to address the world’s problems that seem outside our influence: for peace among the nations, food for the hungry, medical care for the suffering, economic justice for all. For a world where everyone is safe, valued, and recognized as a child of God … we pray,
For the church: for the grace to do as Jesus would do and thereby witness to the Gospel and God’s love for our world … we pray,
For those who serve our local community: for those elected to public office, those who keep us safe, those who teach in our schools, those who care for the very young and the very old, those who tend the sick and comfort the dying. For all whose service makes life better for all … we pray,
For those for whom life is difficult: for those living with addiction, anxiety or disease; for those struggling financially; for those grieving the loss of someone dear to them. For all who suffer … we pray,
For those who have died (names). For our ancestors who have gone before us, our friends and family members for whom we long, and for those who have died without anyone to pray for them … we pray,
PresiderLoving God, hear our prayers this day and grant us what we need to live according to the Gospel and be the people you call us to be. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
March 5, 2014 – Ash Wednesday
Introduction
Today’s liturgy begins simply with the sign of the cross and the opening prayer. The Penitential Act is omitted.
Scripture Readings
Joel 2:12-18Gather the people; proclaim a fast.
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17 Be merciful, O Lord.
2 Cor 5:20–6:2Be reconciled; now is the acceptable time.
Matt 6:1-6, 16-18Give alms. Pray. Fast.
Prayer of the Faithful
The Blessing and Marking with Ashes takes place after the homily and concludes with the Prayer of the Faithful.
PresiderBrothers and sisters in Christ, we have been marked with the sign of our repentance. May these ashes be an outward symbol of our inward desire for forgiveness and resolve to continue on the path to holiness. Confident that God hears our prayers, let us pray, God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
MinisterLent is a season of fasting. As Jesus fasted in the desert, let us pray for the grace to consume less and surrender what is not part of the holy life; and, with the time, money and energy we gain, may we contribute more to the common good. For the grace to fast, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lent is a season to give alms. As Jesus sacrificed his life for us, let us renew our intention to offer meaningful sacrifice: to extend a kind word, a helping hand, and material assistance to those whom God places on our path during this Lenten season. For the grace of generosity, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lent is a season of prayer. As Jesus was a man of prayer, let us resolve to spend time alone with God each day, time praying simple prayers with our families, and time worshiping with our church community. For the grace to surrender to prayer, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us take a few moments and ask God quietly: How shall I observe Lent this year? From what should I fast? Can I give more to the poor? How should I pray? (Signficant pause.) For a grace-filled, holy Lent, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
PresiderMerciful and loving God, hear the prayers of your people as we begin this holy season of Lent. Strengthen our resolve and encourage us with the promise of drawing closer to you during these six weeks and rejoicing with when we celebrate Easter. We pray always in Jesus’ name. Amen.
March 9, 2014 – First Sunday of Lent
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, Lent has begun. If you haven’t yet chosen a Lenten discipline, it’s not too late. As we listen today to the familiar stories of Adam and Eve in the Garden and the introduction of sin into the world; and the story of Jesus facing temptation in the desert, let us ask for the gift of an honest and holy Lenten season.
Penitential Act
Lord Jesus, you call us to live generously: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you call us to live lovingly: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you call us to live as your disciple: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Gen 2:7-9, 3:1-7The introduction of sin into the world.
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17 Be merciful, O Lord.
Rom 5:12-19or5:12, 17-19Through the obedience of One, all will be made holy.
Matt 4:1-11Jesus fasted and was tempted in the desert.
Prayer of the Faithful
PresiderBrothers and sisters, as Jesus entered the desert, so we are invited to follow him into the desert of Lent. Let us pray, God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
MinisterWe pray for the church — for those who are preparing for the sacraments at Easter and for those preparing for marriage, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who encourage us to grow in holiness: for pastors, confessors and spiritual directors; for catechists, counselors and all who inspire us to be good, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are influential in the lives of others: for leaders in government, business and the media; for teachers and coaches; for writers, actors, and celebrities. For all with famous names who can make a difference, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our families: for time together without distraction; for kind acts and gentle speech; for families who are struggling with painful circumstances, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the very sick, the very old, those who are dying and those who are mourning the passing of someone dear to them. For those who most need our prayers, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We remember those who have died … (names). And for those who have no one to pray for them, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Presider Merciful God, hear our prayers this day. Grant us the grace of this season, to grow in holiness and become more like your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
March 16, 2014 – Second Sunday of Lent
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we hear a familiar story that illustrates how confusing it must have been to be a friend and follower of Jesus. It is the story of the Transfiguration, when Jesus invites three of his friends to come to the mountain with him. While they are there, strange things happen that leave the disciples afraid and wondering just who this Jesus is. Sometimes we must wonder the same — who is this Jesus?
Penitential Act
Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you are Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end: Christ have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are humble and majestic, friend and Lord of all: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Gen 12:1-4The call of Abraham
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 Lord, we trust in your mercy.
2 Tim 1:8-10God calls us to live a holy life.
Matt 17:1-9Jesus is transfigured; God says, “Listen.”
Prayer of the Faithful
PresiderUp on the mountain with Jesus, the disciples were shown a Jesus they hadn’t seen before and heard a voice from the clouds telling them to listen. Let us pray for our world, our church and ourselves, that we may see Jesus wherever he is and listen for the divine voice wherever we are.
MinisterFor the leaders of nations: for recognition that theirs is a holy calling to inspire, guide and serve the needs of all citizens, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the church: for attention to the Gospel mandate to cherish life, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, welcome the refugee and care for all those who are most in need, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For writers, musicians, artists and all who create beauty: for open minds and hearts to the divine voice within them as they work so that they may do their part in the transfiguration of the world, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who tend to the sick, the elderly, the infirm: for respect for the divine spark within each person charged to their care, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who have died … (names). For faith in the promises of Jesus as we mourn those who have gone before us, we pray …God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
PresiderEver-present God, be the light of our lives, the voice in our hearts, the thought in our minds as we turn to you in prayer. We pray always in Jesus’ name. Amen.
March 23, 2014 – Third Sunday of Lent
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today and for the next two Sundays we will hear three of the most beautiful stories in the Gospels. They are all written in the Gospel of John. Today we hear about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman. Their dialogue is surprising, touching and enlightening. Let us try to imagine what it is to meet Jesus for the first time.
Penitential Act
Lord Jesus, you welcome saints and sinners to walk with you: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you welcome the weary and the burdened to rest in you: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you welcome all of us to dine with you: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Exod 17:3-7God told Moses to strike the rock for water.
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.
Rom 5:1-2, 5-8The love of God has been poured into our hearts.
John 4:5-42Jesus encounters the woman at the well.
Prayer of the Faithful
PresiderAs Jesus heard the deepest longing of the Samaritan woman’s heart, so he hears our longings. Let us pray today for what we need in order to know Jesus. We pray especially for those men and women who are preparing for baptism and to enter the church on Holy Saturday.
MinisterFor those who are preparing for the sacraments: for these last weeks of preparation and prayer, that it might be a time of grace, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those struggling to live a good life: for those who are looking for a church home, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For families who are hurting: for a renewed commitment to gentleness, patience, attentiveness and simple acts of kindness within our homes, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who are lonely: for the sick and the elderly whose condition separates them from the community; for those who have no one to talk with; for those who are mourning the loss of someone dear to them, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who have died (names). For those who died alone with no one to pray for them, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
PresiderLoving and gracious God, hear our prayers, satisfy the longings of our hearts, and be with us this day and every day. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
March 30, 2014 ─ Fourth Sunday of Lent
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we hear the second of three lovely stories from John’s Gospel. Today it’s the story of the healing of the young man born blind, and we are invited to think about what it is to be spiritually blind. We all have times when we are unable to see clearly, when our actions hurt ourselves and others. Let us ask God today for the gift of clear vision.
Penitential Act
Lord Jesus, you came to show us how to live: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you came to reveal a loving God: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came to show us how to love: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
1 Sam 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a God sees into our hearts.
Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd.
Eph 5:8-14 Live as children of light.
John 9:1-41 The healing of the man born blind
Prayer of the Faithful
PresiderMy friends, let us pray today and every day that we might keep our eyes on Jesus and our feet on his path.
MinisterFor the church: for bishops and pastors and deacons; for ministers of worship and ministers to the poor; for missionaries and those who support the work of the church by their financial generosity and their prayers, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who are preparing to enter the church at Easter: for their continued formation in the faith and for a warm welcome from the community, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the very poor and for those who have too much. For wisdom as we seek a just world where all are valued as children of God, we pray … God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those in pain: for those suffering with chronic illnesses, for those living with depression, anxiety or schizophrenia; for those with cancer; for those who must witness the suffering of someone they love, we pray … God in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who have died … (names). And for those who are living in the darkness of grief: for comfort, healing and hope, we pray … God in your mercy, hear our prayer.
PresiderO God, you are the light in our darkness. Shine on us today and hear our sincere prayers for your world. Give us the eyes to see your presence among us and hearts to welcome you in each person we meet. We pray always in Jesus’ name. Amen.