5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Praise the Lord! Let everything that has breath praise His name!
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 58:7-10 (NLT)

“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 112:4-9 (NLT)

Light shines in the darkness for the godly.

They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)

When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness — timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Intercessions:

Placing our trust in our faithful God, let us pray with confidence:

+ For Christians, that our examples of right living may shine as bright lights of hope in our world…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For Christian missions around the world, that all who labor may work together in a spirit of unity, respect, and co-operation…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For a spirit of generosity in sharing what we have with those in need – in particular, food, clothing and shelter…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For the courage to do what is right, that God may be glorified – in particular, freedom for captives, and justice for the exploited and oppressed…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For older people, that the Church may recognise their experience and wisdom….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For younger people, that the Church may welcome their energy and enthusiasm…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who share the cross, that their sufferings may not wear them out – in particular, the sick, the lonely, the abandoned…
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who have died and for those who mourn their loss, that together they may one day praise God for ever in heaven…
Lord, hear my prayer.

O God, You are the light that makes clear our way before us: Hear my prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Light of the World” – Hillsong

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