28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11 Oct 2020: Isa 25:1-9, Matt 22:1-14 ~ many are called, but few are chosen

The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11 Oct Sep 2020

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

Opening:

God of goodness and kindness, you invite all peoples to the banquet and offer them a feast beyond compare. Give us your saving grace to keep unstained the robe of our baptism until that day when you welcome us to heaven’s joyful table. 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. Amen.

“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 22:14)

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“This is our God” – Hillsong

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 25:1-9 (NLT)

1 O Lord, I will honor and praise your name,
for you are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago,
and now you have accomplished them.
2 You turn mighty cities into heaps of ruins.
Cities with strong walls are turned to rubble.
Beautiful palaces in distant lands disappear
and will never be rebuilt.
3 Therefore, strong nations will declare your glory;
ruthless nations will fear you.

4 But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord,
a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
You are a refuge from the storm
and a shelter from the heat.
For the oppressive acts of ruthless people
are like a storm beating against a wall,
5 or like the relentless heat of the desert.
But you silence the roar of foreign nations.
As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat,
so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.

6 In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will spread a wonderful feast
for all the people of the world.
It will be a delicious banquet
with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat.
7 There he will remove the cloud of gloom,
the shadow of death that hangs over the earth.
8 He will swallow up death forever!
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.
He will remove forever all insults and mockery
against his land and people.
The Lord has spoken!

9 In that day the people will proclaim,
“This is our God!
We trusted in him, and he saved us!
This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.
Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”

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Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness & Mercy) – Shane & Shane ft Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 22:1-14 (NLT)

Parable of the Great Feast

Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!

“So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.

“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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“Come To The Table” – Sidewalk Prophets

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Prayer:

+ For your Church (William Laud)

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

+ For your People

O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful: Sanctify us by your abiding presence. Bless those who minister in holy things. Enlighten the minds of your people more and more with the light of the everlasting Gospel. Bring erring souls to the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ; and those who are walking in the way of life, keep steadfast to the end. Give patience to the sick and afflicted, and renew them in body and soul. Guard those who are strong and prosperous from forgetting you. Increase in us your many gifts of grace, and make us all fruitful in good works. This we ask, O blessed Spirit, whom with the Father and the Son we worship and glorify, one God, world without end. Amen

+ For the Unrepentant

Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For your Coming Kingdom

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen

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“This Kingdom” – Sydney Opera House
During the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, David Evans was asked to sing this song as a finale on the BBC program “Songs of Praise,” which was broadcast from the world famous Sydney Opera House.

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Closing – Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

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

Sunday, 11 October: Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30 ~ the wisdom to follow Jesus

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Remember God’s goodness and ask for God’s wisdom as we continue to our journey towards the Kingdom.
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God of wisdom, whose word probes the motives of our hearts, with You all things are possible. Let worldly possessions not keep us from Jesus, who looks on us with love. Free us to leave all things and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “Immortal Invisible God Only Wise; Great are You Lord”

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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Wisdom 7:7-11 (NRSVACE)
[A reflection on the gift of wisdom, presented as the greatest gift anyone could receive.]

I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her. I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases.

All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 90:12-17 (NLT)

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
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“Psalm 90” – James Block (Selah Vol.1)

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
[God’s word is powerful, it cuts through us and exposes what is wrong]

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 10:17-30 (NLT)
[The rich young seeks a simple way of entering heaven, since money is no problem to him. Jesus tells him money itself is a problem, but then reassures that God can save all, whatever their wealth.]

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler 1888, Heinrich Hofmann BYU, Museum of Art — Christ and the Rich Young Ruler
1888, Heinrich Hofmann
BYU, Museum of Art

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.

“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property — along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.
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“Word of God Speak” by Mercyme

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Intercessions:

The Lord is merciful to all who serve Him, therefore we can ask for help and guidance, and present our needs.

+ For church leaders who deliberate on behalf of God’s people – that the Holy Spirit may guide them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers – that they may have God’s gifts of wisdom and sound judgement…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have left everything to follow Christ – that their promised reward may keep them going in difficult times…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have been blessed with wealth – that they may faithfully serve God through their cheerful and generous giving…. Lord, hear us.
+ For refugees and migrants – that wealthy nations may exercise wisdom and sound judgement in support of those who are truly needy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believing young people – that following Christ at an early age may shape their life choices and decisions…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died, especially those martyred because of their Christian faith – that the light of God’s glory may shine on them…. Lord, hear us.

Lord, Your favor shines out upon us, You give success to the work of our hands: help us according to our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “With God, All Things Are Possible” – by Christine Coleman

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Benediction:

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:5b-6)

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

28th Ordinary Sunday: Is 25:6-10; Ps 23:1-6; Phil 4:12-14, 19-20; Mt 22:1-14 ~ Come to the banquet!

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening prayer:

God of goodness and kindness – You invite all people to the banquet and offer them a feast beyond compare. Give us Your saving grace to keep unstained the white robe of our baptism until that day when You welcome us to heaven’s joyful table. 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: Isaiah 25:6-10 (NLT)

In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!

In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!” For the Lord’s hand of blessing will rest on Jerusalem.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 (NLT)

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
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And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 22:1-14 (NLT)

Chalice on the altar with crucifix in background. Lower chapel of Our Lady of Mercy church, Hicksville, New York. Reference image 2142 taken January 15, 2006 by John Archer. — Chalice on the altar with crucifix in background. Lower chapel of Our Lady of Mercy church, Hicksville, New York. Image taken January 15, 2006 by John Archer.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
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Intercessions:

Gracious God, who gently shepherds all the flock, hear our prayers –

+ For Christians everywhere — that our belief in life after death may sustain us in difficult times…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those who care for the bereaved — that their own faith in the resurrection may sustain them…. Lord, hear us.

+ For people who live with violence — that the Lord may grant peace to those parts of the world most battered by war…. Lord, hear us.

+ For each one of us in our everyday lives — that we may encourage one another and reflect Your peace and joy…. Lord, hear us.

+ For couples preparing for marriage — that the gentle shepherd may lead them along right paths…. Lord, hear us.

+ For Christian families everywhere – that the peace of Christ and the love of Christ might be a daily reality…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have died – that a place at the heavenly banquet may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.

God our shepherd, You invite us to Your table in heaven: give us the grace we need on our journey there, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

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

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