Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

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

Opening prayer:

We come before You, O God, confident in Christ’s victory over sickness and death. Heal us again from sin, which divides us, and from prejudice, which isolates us. Bring us to wholeness of life through the pardon You grant Your people. 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: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 (NLT)

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “If anyone has a swelling or a rash or discolored skin that might develop into a serious skin disease, that person must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons.
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“The man is indeed infected with a skin disease and is unclean. The priest must pronounce him ceremonially unclean because of the sore on his head.

“Those who suffer from a serious skin disease must tear their clothing and leave their hair uncombed. They must cover their mouth and call out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as the serious disease lasts, they will be ceremonially unclean. They must live in isolation in their place outside the camp.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11;(NLT)

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
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Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
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So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1 (NLT)

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 1:40-45 (NLT)

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
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Intercessions:

Rejoice in God’s faithfulness, as we come before Him with our concerns:

+ For all who gather for worship this Sunday – that their lives may be lived for God’s glory throughout the week….
Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer from leprosy – that medical advances may soon rid the world of this terrible disease….
Lord, hear us.
+ For outcasts, and people shunned by neighbours – that they may experience compassion from the followers of Christ….
Lord, hear us.
+ For married and engaged couples and for all those in relationships – that their love and care for each other may grow each day….
Lord, hear us.
+ For people who are separated or divorced – that may find welcome and support in the Christian community….
Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer because of addiction – that they may have the divine gifts of courage and new hope….
Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died recently – that they may share the salvation won by Christ….
Lord, hear us.

Faithful God, we rejoice in the mercy You show Your people: hear our prayers, that we may always give You glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)

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