14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

Father, Lord of heaven and earth, by whose gracious will the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed to the childlike, make us learn from Your Son humility of heart, that in shouldering His yoke we may find refreshment and rest. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Zechariah 9:9-10 (NLT)

Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey — riding on a donkey’s colt.

I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 (NLT)

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.
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The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
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All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
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For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:9, 11-13 (NLT)

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
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The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 11:25-30 (NLT)

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
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Intercessions:

The Lord is kind and full of compassion. Gracious God – hear our prayers:

+ For Christian people everywhere – that they may learn to trust in God’s gentle support….
Lord, hear us.

+ For the leaders of all the nations – that their words and actions may lead to peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who live in parts of the world where there is war and division, especially the Middle East – that reconciliation may follow conflict….
Lord, hear us.

+ For reconciliation and healing in the north of Ireland – that this year’s marching season may pass off peacefully….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who labour and are overburdened – that they may experience the rest promised by Jesus….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those enjoying holidays and family gatherings at this time of year – that relationships may grow and strengthen….
Lord, hear us

+ For our brothers and sisters whose life on earth is over – that they may be raised to eternal life with Christ….
Lord, hear us.

God of compassion and faithfulness, You raise up all who are bowed down – hear these prayers we offer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen