18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Bountiful and compassionate God, You place in the hands of Your disciples the food of life. Nourish us at Your holy table, that we may bear Christ to others and share with them the gifts we have so richly received. 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 55:1-3 (NLT)

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink — even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk — it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David….”

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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 145 (NLT)

A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NLT)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
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No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below — indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 14:13-21 (NLT)

As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary — you feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.

“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

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Intercessions:

The Lord is kind and full of compassion – Lord, hear our prayers:

+ For all believers – that we may grow in appreciation of Your kindness….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who suffer persecution for their faith, particularly Iraqi Christians – that people of good will may defend them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who hunger and thirst in a world of plenty – that Christians may reflect Your generosity by continuing to share what they have….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all refugees, forced to abandon their homes in war-torn lands – that they may find generous provision and godly protection….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all weak and vulnerable people – that You might be their shield and defender through the good offices of Your people….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all people who are travelling, on holidays or on pilgrimage – that they may travel safely and come home refreshed….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who have died, especially through war and strife – that those grieving may realise that nothing can separate us from Your love….
Lord, hear us.

God our creator, You are close to all who call on You from their hearts: Continue to show us your compassion and love, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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