Tag: Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland

The 4th Sunday of Epiphany – 03 Feb 2019 – Luke 4:21-32 ~ familiarity breeds contempt

Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

God of salvation: In your Son – Jesus Christ – the Word made man, you announce freedom and call us to follow him. As we marvel at his grace and beauty, strengthen us in faith, and empower us with your Spirit, that we may faithfully follow wherever he leads us. We pray in Jesus’ name, 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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“You’re Beautiful” – Phil Wickham

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Gospel Reading: Luke 4:21-32 (NLT)

Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.

“Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”

When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.

Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Almighty God: Our world is becoming increasingly hostile to the Good News of your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us your mercy, that we may be a light to the nations – a source of help, and healing, and hope. We pray especially –

+ For church leaders everywhere, that they may faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ and him crucified….
+ For believers everywhere, that our lives may reflect the compelling love of Christ….
+ For believers suffering great persecution, that they may be delivered from evil and receive hope and help….
+ For believers called as prophets, that they may speak your Word truthfully, even if it isn’t the popular thing to do….
+ For all who are sick, that they may receive healing in body, mind, and spirit and acknowledge Jesus as Lord….
+ For all who are seeking truth, that they may discover the Good News of Your Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life….
+ For all who have died in Christ Jesus, that they may experience perfect wholeness and pure joy in your eternal presence….

Almighty God: You are our Rock and our Refuge. Hear our prayers and grant us your sustaining mercy and grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“What A Beautiful Name” – Hillsong Worship

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

The 3rd Sunday of Epiphany – 27 Jan 2019 – Luke 4:14-21 ~ “The time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

Third Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

Lord God, whose compassion embraces all peoples, whose law is wisdom, freedom, and joy, fulfill in our midst your promise of favor, that we may receive the gospel of salvation with faith and, anointed by the Spirit, freely proclaim it. Grant 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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“O for a Thousand Tongues” – St Michael’s Singers

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Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-21 (NLT)

Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”
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Prayers of Intercession:

Heavenly Father: Pour out your Spirit on us that we may demonstrate the Good News of great joy given to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray especially for –

+ Church leaders around the world – that they may faithfully preach and teach your Word….
+ All believers – that we may listen to your Word and faithfully put it into practice….
+ Persecuted believers – that they be delivered from evil and refreshed in faith and hope….
+ The poor, the captive, the blind, and oppressed – that they might experience your favor….
+ The sick in body, mind, and spirit – that they may experience healing in this life, and perfect wholeness in the life to come….
+ Those who have died in Christ – that all your promises to them may be fulfilled as they enter into the glory of your presence….

Heavenly Father: Your words are spirit and life. Soften our hearts, change our minds, and bend our wills, that we may become joy-filled bearers of your Good News through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Joy of the Lord” – Rend Collective Experiment

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

The 2nd Sunday of Epiphany – 20 Jan 2019 – John 2:1-11 ~ Jesus’ glory revealed

Second Sunday of Epiphany

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

Opening Prayer

God of wonders, at Cana in Galilee you revealed your glory in Jesus Christ and summoned all humanity to life in him. Show us your transforming power and give us a foretaste of the new wine you keep for the age to come. We make our prayer 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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“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” – Mass Choir, India

https://youtu.be/5_ly9sxfjo8?rel=0
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Gospel Reading: John 2:1-11 (NLT)

The Wedding at Cana

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of wonders: Reveal the glory of your Son, Jesus Christ, to every tribe and nation. We pray especially  –

+ For believers everywhere who are seeking to follow Christ – unite us in faith, hope and love….
+ For believers facing persecution and dislocation in Africa and the Middle East – shield and protect them, and deliver them from evil….
+ For believers returning to their war-ravaged communities in Africa and the Middle East – sustain them and restore them….
+ For believers everywhere who are sick in body, mind, or spirit – reveal your glory and show them your loving-kindness….
+ For believers everywhere who are preparing to marry – unite them in Christ, and fill them with joy….
+ For believing families everywhere – unite them in Christ, and give them wisdom and sound judgement….

God of wonders: We proclaim to the nations – ‘God is king!’ Reveal your glory in answer to our prayers, we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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“Open up the Heavens” – Vertical Church Band

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

The Baptism of the Lord – 13 Jan 2019 – Luke 3:15-22 ~ You bring me joy!

The Baptism of the Lord

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

Opening Prayer

Open the heavens, almighty Father, and pour out your Spirit on your people. Renew the power of our baptismal cleansing and fill us with enthusiasm for good deeds. Speak to us once again, that we may joyfully follow your beloved Son our certain hope of eternal life. Grant this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Down In The River To Pray” – ALISON KRAUSS

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Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-22 (NLT)

Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.

John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.

The Baptism of Jesus

One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
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Prayers of Intercession:

Loving God, whose Spirit renews the face of the earth: send your Spirit to us today. We pray especially –

+ For all who have been baptized into your family, fill us with your Spirit that we will faithfully follow you….
+ For newly baptized believers, that they will grow in faith and understanding as they discover the gift’s of your Spirit….
+ For all baptized believers, that our lives will bear witness to your loving-kindness, mercy, and grace….
+ For all newborn babies, that their parents will shepherd them into a baptized, saving relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ….
+ For expectant mothers, and parents hoping for a baby, that their dream of a happy, healthy child will become a reality….
+ For leaders of tribes and nations, that you raise up people of faith and wisdom who will help them face the challenges of today….
+ For our friends and loved ones who have gone before us in faith, that they will rejoice as eternal citizens of your Kingdom….

Loving God, your creative Spirit renews humanity and sustains us always: hear our prayers and continue to support us by your mercy and grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Baptizing my son in the Jordan River. No greater joy!” – Andres Bisonni

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Blessing –

Almighty God: Send us out in the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may follow in Jesus’ footsteps – going around doing good, healing the sick, and bringing the Good News of your great love for all people everywhere.

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

Epiphany Sunday – 06 Jan 2019 – Matthew 2:1-12 ~ wise men worship Him

Epiphany Sunday

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

Opening Prayer

Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendor. The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the darkness that covers the earth and signals the dawn of peace and goodwill. Make radiant the lives of your people with that same brightness, and beckon all the nations to walk as one in your light. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“We Three Kings of Orient Are” – Angel City Chorale

We Three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following yonder Star.

O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
Star with Royal Beauty bright,
Westward leading, Still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect Light.

Born a King on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King for ever, Ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King, and God, and Sacrifice;
Heav’n sings Hallelujah:
Hallelujah the earth replies.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

Visitors from the East

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Almighty God: We join today with wise men and women throughout the ages who have worshiped King Jesus, born in Bethlehem in a manger. Shine your light in our darkness that we may be filled with hope in every circumstance.

We pray especially –

+ For the people of all tribes and nations, that they may hear and believe the Good News of your saving grace….
+ For believers in the Middle East, suffering persecution, that the light of Christ will lead them to safety….
+ For Orthodox believers, who celebrate Christmas on January 7th, that together we may all draw closer to you  and be one in Christ….
+ For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters, that through the faithful study of your word, they too may recognize Yeshua Mashiach….
+ For people of all faiths and of none, that in this New Year they too may grow in peace and goodwill….
+ For our friends and relatives who have died in Christ, that may rejoice in the perfect light of your presence….

Almighty God, Ruler of all nations: help us according to our needs, and guide us on our pilgrimage to eternity. We pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” – Six-String Soldiers

Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem | Shining far through shadows dimmed
Giving the light for those who long have gone
Guiding the wise men on their way | Unto the place where Jesus lay
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star (beautiful, beautiful star) of Bethlehem (star of Bethlehem)
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way | Unto the land of perfect day
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star the hope, the grace | For the redeemed the good and the blessed
Yonder in glory when the crown is won
Jesus is now the star divine | Brighter and brighter he will shine
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star (beautiful, beautiful star) of Bethlehem (star of Bethlehem)
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way | Unto the land of perfect day
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on
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Blessing –

+ May God who called you from darkness into his marvelous light shower you with his blessings and strengthen you in faith, hope, and love.
+ May God whose only-begotten Son enlightened the world on this day make you also a light to your family, friends, and neighbors.
+ May God who guided the Magi with a star lead you to the perfect light of Christ when your earthly pilgrimage is done.

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