August 1, 2010 – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel challenges us to consider what is important to us. Sometimes what we say is important is not where we put our time and energy. Let’s pray today for insight and wisdom so that we can direct our efforts toward what we truly believe to be precious.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you came to show us the way: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you came to teach us the truth: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came that we might have life to the full: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23 What profit comes to us from all our toil?
Col 3:1-5, 9-11 How to live like a Christian
Luke 12:13-21 Be rich in what matters to God.
Prayers of the Faithful
Presider Let us pray today for the needs of the world and all that we require to be the men and women God calls us to be.
Minister We pray for the poor: for those who do not have enough to eat, clean water, adequate shelter, access to health care, good schools. For those who will die today in poverty … we pray,
We pray for the rich: for those who have too much, who eat and drink more than is healthy, who have become weary of possessions. For those who find ways to share the bounty … we pray,
We pray for the church: for those who live a vow of poverty; for the faithful who share their blessings with others; for those within the church who are inspiring witnesses to the simple life … we pray,
For those who are seeking their vocation: for young people with energy to make a difference; for working people who want their work to be meaningful; for retired people who seek to serve … we pray,
For the weather we need to benefit our gardens and our fields … we pray,
For the sick and those who are suffering in any way, and for those who minister to them … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For them and for all who mourn the loss of someone they love … we pray,
Presider Good and gracious God, increase our faith in your care for us and in your power to provide what we need. Answer our prayers and bring each one of us and all our concerns to the fulfillment your love intends. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
August 8, 2010 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Like last Sunday, today’s Gospel challenges us to identify our treasure and make it the center of our lives. Too often we treat as central those things that really don’t matter so much. What do we love? What is precious to us? Let’s ask God for wisdom and insight to recognize our treasure and hold on to it.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you are our wisdom and our guide: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you are our light and our life: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are our strength and our sustenance: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Wis 18:6-9 God glorifies those who are summoned.
Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 An inspiring description of faith
Luke 12:32-48 Make your treasure that which is important to God.
Prayers of the Faithful
Presider In the Gospel today we heard that “much will be required of the person entrusted with much.” As a people who have been given much, let us pray for those in need, and for our needs as well.
Minister We pray for the church: for wise minds and compassionate hearts; for dedication to the good and perseverance in ministry and mission … we pray,
We pray for those throughout the world who most need our prayers: for the very poor, those in the path of war, those who are sick or dying without someone to care for them. For those we do not know but whose suffering is shown to us in the newspapers and on television … we pray,
We pray for those who live hectic, busy lives; for those who are stressed and racing from activity to activity; for those who never slow down, turn off the noise, listen to the voice of God within … we pray,
For students returning to their college or university and for those who are leaving home for the first time: for opportunities to seek after wisdom and for the safety and well-being of all young people … we pray,
For farmers and gardeners who depend on beneficial weather for their crops… we pray,
We remember those whose lives are affected by the summer heat: for those who live with asthma, emphysema or heart disease; for all the sick and those who care for them … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For them and for all who mourn their passing … we pray,
Presider God of all people, hear our prayers and the prayers of all believers this day. Give us the grace to pray always and to listen for your word in each of us. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
August 15, 2010 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Introduction
Today we celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. But this day is more than a celebration of what happened to Mary. Recall the words of Jesus on the cross to his mother and St. John: “Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother.” These words forever identify Mary as one with Christ’s body, the church — with us here and now. Today we celebrate not only what happened to Mary, but what will happen to us. With faith in Mary’s son and our savior, we pray …
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and son of Mary: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you are God’s Word made flesh: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came to show us the way to holiness: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab A woman clothed with the sun
1 Cor 15:20-27 Death came through a human being, and also new life.
Luke 1:39-56 Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and her hymn of praise
Prayers of the Faithful
Presider As Mary was received into heaven, so we hope for heaven. As Mary put her faith in her son Jesus, so do we put our faith in him. As Mary said “Yes” to God’s plan for her, so do we pray for the grace to say “Yes” to God’s plan for us.
Minister We pray for the church: for those who say “Yes” to the call to serve the poor, care for the sick, visit those in prison, counsel the troubled, pray always. For all who minister to others … we pray,
We pray for the leaders of nations: for those who say “Yes” to the call to work for justice and seek peaceful means to resolve conflicts between nations. For all peacemakers … we pray,
For those who are struggling to say “Yes:” for women who are pregnant and are afraid of the responsibilities of motherhood; for spouses who are going through a difficult time in their relationship; for those are forced to look for work; for those who are seriously ill. For all those who find it difficult to say “Yes” to life … we pray,
For those religious orders, organizations, projects and efforts entrusted to the intercession of Mary … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For them and for those who mourn their passing; and for all of us, that we may remember God’s promise of new life … we pray,
Presider Good and gracious God, you who chose humble Mary as a fit dwelling for your son, make us also Christ-bearers to your waiting, needy world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
August 22 – Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today we are reminded that our church reaches beyond our community gathered here; that our church encompasses people of every nation, language, and race; that people in village churches and great cathedrals are gathered everywhere on earth this day to hear the same readings, profess the same faith, pray to the same God. Let us broaden our minds and open our hearts to join our prayers to the prayers of people we may never know, but with whom we share a bond — as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you call people of every nation to be your disciples: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you call people of every language to praise your name: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you call all people to be a community of love in the Kingdom: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Isa 66:18-21 I come to gather the nations of every language.
Heb 12:5-7, 11-13 God disciplines as a father disciplines his son.
Luke 13:22-30 People of every nation will enter the kingdom.
Prayer of the Faithful
Presider Let us join believers everywhere who are praying today for a better world.
Minister We pray for peace: for peace among nations; between neighbors; within families and religious communities and parishes; for peace within our hearts … we pray,
We pray for justice: for those who lack the most vital necessities; for the poor without means to care for their loved ones; for those who live with violence and the fear of violence; for those without homes, without work, without opportunities for a better life … we pray,
We pray for understanding: for tolerance when we are faced with different customs; for patience when our efforts are not enough; for compassion when we are presented with the suffering of others … we pray,
We pray for a good end to summer: for gratitude for the blessings of summer — summer food and summer sounds and time to be with family and friends … we pray,
We pray for a good beginning to the school year: for teachers and students and all who are seeking to grow in wisdom and grace … we pray,
We pray for those who are sick: for those who live with arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and all debilitating conditions that make life difficult … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For those who are deep in mourning for the loss of a dear one … we pray,
Presider God of all the nations, hear the prayers of your people everywhere this day and grant us all that we need to live holy lives. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
August 29, 2010 – Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Today’s Gospel message is hard to believe, even harder to put into practice. It’s all about letting others go first. From the time we’re little children, we try to be the best, the most, the greatest. But here is Jesus, inviting us to relax, step back, let go of that drive to get ahead of others. Let’s accept the invitation and let Jesus speak to us.
Penitential Rite
Lord Jesus, you said the first will be last: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you said the meek will inherit the earth: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you said to love others as we love ourselves: Lord, have mercy.
Scripture Readings
Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 Conduct your affairs with humility.
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a In Jesus, we draw near to God without fear.
Luke 14:1, 7-14 Don’t exalt yourself; act humbly.
Prayers of the Faithful
Presider My friends, let us pray today for those we may not notice, those we fail to remember, those who may be unimportant in the eyes of the world.
Minister We pray for the church: for the folks in the pews; for those who come to church hoping to find friendship, inspiration, hope, a miracle. For the Christian community … we pray,
We pray for the small places of the world: for people whose names we will never know; for people whose suffering we will never see; for people whose voices we will never hear. For the invisible … we pray,
We pray for those we encounter every day but fail to notice: for those who provide our food, clean for us, take away our trash, keep us safe. For those who silently serve … we pray,
We pray for children: for their concerns, their fears, their secrets, their hopes, their dreams. For the children we love and for every mother’s child … we pray,
We pray for those who suffer without complaint: those who live with pain every day, those with chronic illnesses, those who struggle with depression or anxiety. For the suffering … we pray,
We remember those who have died … (names). For those who have died with no one to pray for them … we pray,
Presider Gracious and loving God, creator of all, hear our prayers for those we may never know, and grant us, we pray, all that we need to be the holy men and women you call us to be. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.