1st Sunday in Advent: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 ~ suddenly… out of Zion

THE SEASON OF ADVENT: please see resources below.

Advent is the traditional season of preparation for the coming of Jesus. It’s a time to prepare for Christmas – when Jesus first came into the world, in humility, as a baby. And, it’s also a time of longing for Jesus’ second coming, in glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords. We don’t know when that will be. But the Bible says, “Be prepared! It could happen at any time.”

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

Opening sentence:

Lord Jesus, Prepare my heart to welcome You as the Season of Advent unfolds. Keep my mind focused on the miracle of Your presence within me. Quiet my spirit so that I can find rest and comfort in You. And make me a person of prayer, especially for those You place in my path. Give me a spirit of expectation and longing for Your coming Kingdom as I enter into Your presence today. May I worship You in Spirit and in Truth. Amen.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 2:1-5 (NLT)

This is a vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all — the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.

Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 122 (NLT)

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
And now here we are,
standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is a well-built city;
its seamless walls cannot be breached.
All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—
make their pilgrimage here.
They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord,
as the law requires of Israel.
Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,
the thrones of the dynasty of David.

Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
May all who love this city prosper.
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls
and prosperity in your palaces.
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
“May you have peace.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

A Reading from the Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome: Romans 13:11-14 (NLT)

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 24:36-44 (NLT)

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

Intercessions:

Gracious God, my Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your kindness and love for me… sending Your Son to live among us, sending Your Spirit to dwell within me… and filling me with the confident hope that one day all will be made right when Jesus comes again in glory. Hear my prayers today as I approach You, in all the humility that I can muster, on behalf of Your people:

+ Fill Your people with a spirit of preparation and expectation… for Jesus’ return in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords.

+ Give us a spirit of welcome and hospitality… as we invite the Living Lord into our present lives.

+ Fill us with a spirit of hope… even in these dark and dreary days and break our bondage, our resignation, to the way things are – so that we can focus our attention to the way things will be when Your Kingdom comes in all its fulness.

+ Give us a spirit of excitement… the night is almost over, it will soon be light, our salvation is near.

+ Fill us with a spirit of courage… to choose Christ, whose light alone can lead us into a future of his making?

+ Give us a spirit of boldness… to share the vision of Kingdom come – to a world threatened by the violence of war, a world grown accustomed to infidelity, a world trapped in its own indifference.

+ Fill us with a spirit of adventure… to abandon the past, and to begin a journey into the future You have prepared for us.

During this Advent season I welcome You, Lord Jesus, into my life and daily routine. You alone can transform my broken hopes and heal my forgotten hurts. You alone can bring peace to my sinful life. You alone can fill my life with the joy of worship: “I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God’s house!” Amen.

Hymn: O Come, Emmanuel – The Piano Guys

O come, O come, Emmanuel / And ransom captive Israel / That mourns in lonely exile here / Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free / Thine own from Satan’s tyranny / From depths of Hell Thy people save / And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer / Our spirits by Thine advent here / Disperse the gloomy clouds of night / And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come, / And open wide our heavenly home; / Make safe the way that leads on high, / And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, / Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height, / In ancient times did’st give the Law, / In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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

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THE SEASON OF ADVENT:

+ Online Advent Calendar – US Catholic Conference of Bishops

+ Online Advent Calendar for Adults – Loyola Press

+ Busted Halo’s Surprise Advent Calendar

+ 2013 Advent Devotion Apps, eBooks and More! | ChurchMag

Christ the King: Psalm 22:1-5; 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43 ~ Christus Victor

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 22:1-5 (NLT)

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.

Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

A Reading from the Old Testament: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 (NLT)

Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’”

So there at Hebron, King David made a covenant before the Lord with all the elders of Israel. And they anointed him king of Israel.

Christ the King (Polish: Pomnik Chrystusa Króla)is a statue of Jesus Christ in Świebodzin, Poland in the western Poland, completed on 6 November 2010. — Christ the King (Polish: Pomnik Chrystusa Króla) is a statue of Jesus Christ in Świebodzin, Poland in the western Poland, completed on 6 November 2010.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: Colossians 1:11-20 (NLT)

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 23:35-43 (NLT)

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Intercessions:

King Jesus – You have defeated the powers of sin, death and evil. You alone are the One who Saves. Hear my prayers:

+ For bishops, priests, pastors, deacons and all who minister in Your name in every tribe and nation – wisdom and sound judgement as they lead Your church. (pause) Lord, have mercy.

+ For the leaders of the nations and all in authority, and for mercy, justice, and peace among all peoples – especially in the Middle East. (pause) Lord, have mercy.

+ For all those in danger and need: the sick and the suffering, prisoners, captives, and their families, the hungry, homeless, and oppressed – especially those who are persecuted for their faith. (pause) Lord, have mercy.

+ For abundant fruits of the earth, and for their distribution with thankful hearts and a spirit of generosity to those in need – especially those suffering devastation and loss through natural disasters. (pause) Lord have mercy.

+ For my city and those who live in it, and for my family, friends, and those I love. (pause) Lord, have mercy.

+ For those who rest in Christ and for all the dead, born and unborn, and those who mourn their loss. (pause) Lord, have mercy.

+ For deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need – may Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. (pause) Lord, have mercy.

God of the ages, who reconciles all things to Yourself in Christ, hear the prayers I offer this day and remember me in your kingdom; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “King Jesus” – Jeremy Camp

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

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 ; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 ; Luke 19:1-10 ~ saved to serve

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 (NLT)

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 (NLT)

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Intercessions:

God of mercy and compassion – You welcome all who seek You… hear my prayers on behalf of Your people:

+ For all Church leaders, and all baptized believers: that together we will continually grow closer to You and reflect Your love, mercy and grace…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all nations: that they will respect the splendor of God’s creation and care for the world’s resources and its people…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all politicians and Government Officials: that they follow the example of Zacchaeus and be open to accept responsibility for the wrongs they have done and be ready to make amends for them…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who have wealth and power: that they will place themselves at the service of those in need…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For retired servants of Christ: that they may continue to enjoy Your grace and mercy on their life’s journey…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those working for peace: that God will inspire them and that all members of the military and aid agencies may soon return home to their loved ones…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who are seriously ill, hospitalized, or homebound… and their caregivers…. Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For the recently deceased, and for all who mourn their loss.… Lord, hear my prayer.

God of life, You free me from fear and stir up my heart to hope in You. Help me to live life in a manner worthy of Your calling. I ask this through Christ my Lord. AMEN.

Spiritual Song: “Before the Throne of God Above”

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

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8 ~ let all who are helpless take heart

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NLT)

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Intercessions:

God of Justice and Mercy – You hear the cries of the poor and oppressed; hear me as I humbly lay my concerns before Your throne of grace:

That Your people may preach and live a life of humility, repentance, and joyful fidelity… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That all people everywhere may hear and believe the Good News of the Gospel… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That all those who serve You under difficult, seeemingly impossible, circumstances – particularly those who feel deserted – may be strengthened by Your Spirit and faithful in their witness… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That Your Spirit may inspire those in the media, and in turn Your people, to be a stronger voice for the weak, the marginalized, and the unborn… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
For the sick and the lonely, and all whom the Lord has called from this world, as well as those who mourn their loss… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
For the poor and dispossessed, particularly in the Middle East, who cry out in their oppression – rain down justice… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.

O God, I humbly place these needs before you and ask for all things according to Your Kingdom purpose on earth as it is in heaven. To Christ be glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anthem: “Rise, Ye Children of Salvation”

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

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Habakuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10 ~ faithful witness

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 (NLT)

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

A Reading from the Prophet Habakuk: Habakuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4 (NLT)

How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.

Then the Lord said to me,

“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God….”

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to Timothy: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 (NLT)

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me — a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

A Reading from the Gospel of Luke: Luke 17:5-10 (NLT)

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

Intercessions:

Creator God, Maker of heaven and earth, hear the cries of my heart:

For those called to witness to Christ in today’s world, that the Spirit may fill them…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For the success of the Mission of the Church, that Christians may embrace the Gospel and spread its message of mercy, forgiveness and hope…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For all who received the Holy Spirit at Baptism and Confirmation, that the same Spirit may sustain them in difficult moments…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For people who want so much to believe, but find it hard, that a strong faith may grow in them…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For respect for human life, from its beginnings to its last moments: that the life of every person may be valued and protected…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For people who feel so crushed by life that they wish to end it, that they may feel the love of God and know they are never alone…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For the dead, those who died during the week and those whose anniversaries occur; and for all who have died in Christ and are part of God’s flock forever…. Lord, hear my prayer.

O God you are our rock, you made us and know all our needs, listen to our prayers and respond according to your Kingdom purposes, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Christ Is Enough for Me” – Hillsong United

Christ is my reward / And all of my devotion / Now there’s nothing in this world / That could ever satisfy / Through every trial / My soul will sing / No turning back / I’ve been set free

Christ is enough for me / Christ is enough for me / Everything I need is in You / Everything I need

Christ my all in all / The joy of my salvation / And this hope will never fail / Heaven is my home / Through every storm / My soul will sing / Jesus is here / To God be the glory

I have decided to follow Jesus / No turning back / No turning back / The cross before me / The world behind me / No turning back / No turning back

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

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