Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Prayer
Lord, giver of ever lasting life, satisfy our hunger through Christ, the bread of life, and quench our thirst with your gift of belief, that we may no longer work for food that perishes, but believe in the One whom you have sent. 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.
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“I Am the Bread of Life” – Toolan | Notre Dame Folk Choir
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Gospel Reading: John 6:24-35 (NLT)
So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”
Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
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Prayers of Intercession:
O God, you are our Provider and Sustainer: hear our prayers as we approach your throne of grace in this our time of need. Lord, help us. We pray –
+ for all believers – that you may sustain their hope of eternal life….
+ for every man and woman searching for meaning – that they may find Jesus….
+ for believing families – that they may teach your truths to their children…
+ for nomads and wanderers – that they may receive your protection….
+ for those who are hungry – that they may receive your sustenance….
+ for families at risk – that they may receive counsel and legal protection….
+ for those who have died in Christ – that they may enjoy eternal life….
O God, you have never failed to nourish your people in their needs: hear our cries and grant our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Panis Angelicus” – Andrea Bocelli
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Blessing – Ephesians 4:22-24
Live as children of light – “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
