23rd Ordinary Sunday: Ezekial 33:7-9; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20 ~ on heeding the watchmen

23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

We gather as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy.

Confirm, O God, in unity and truth the church You gather in Christ. Encourage the fervent, enlighten the doubtful, and bring back the wayward. Bind us together in mutual love, that our worship in Christ’s name may be pleasing to You. 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.

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A Reading from the Old testament: Ezekial 33:7-9 (NLT)

“Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (NLT)

Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
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Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.

If only you would listen to his voice today!
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The Lord says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness. For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw everything I did.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 13:8-10 (NLT)

Owe nothing to anyone — except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These — and other such commandments — are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 18:15-20 (NLT)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
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Intercessions:

Good Shepherd, we number ourselves among Your flock – hear our prayers:

+ For the prophets called to challenge God’s people — that they may never be afraid to speak the truth….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all the members of every church — that we may courageously help each other to become more like Christ….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all church members who have gone astray – that we might receive correction graciously and be reconciled to one another….
Lord, hear us.

+ For Christians suffering persecution in Syria, Iraq and throughout the Middle East — that their courage may not fail….
Lord, hear us

+ For people who are mentally or physically disabled — that may receive the love and help they need for a dignified life….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those beginning a new school year, students and teachers alike — that they may have gifts of wisdom and understanding….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who have died recently — that their families may be comforted and that the Good Shepherd may include them in the heavenly flock…. Lord, hear us.

O God our creator, you are the rock who saves us: listen to our voices and help us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

22nd Ordinary Sunday: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27 ~ on living sacrifices

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

As we gather to praise God and to ask for His help and grace, we are mindful of the difficult road before us – the way of the cross.

O God, whose word burns like a fire within us, grant us a bold and faithful spirit, that in Your strength we may be unafraid to speak Your word and follow where You lead. 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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Holy One / Your name is power and might
We have gathered here to worship You
By Your blood / And precious sacrifice
We have gathered here to worship You

Praise His Name / In all the earth
Jesus, we praise Your name
Praise His Name / In all the earth
Jesus, we praise Your name

Holy One, You’re clothed in blinding light
The darkness flees as You draw near
Through Your death we know Your endless life
Let Your glory now appear

Holy One, When Heaven calls us home
All will gather ‘round Your throne
There we’ll sing to You most Holy One
To You our God, To You alone

Hallelujah, Holy One we worship You
Hallelujah, Holy One we worship You
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A Reading from the Old testament: Jeremiah 20:7-9 (NLT)

O Lord, you misled me, and I allowed myself to be misled. You are stronger than I am, and you overpowered me. Now I am mocked every day; everyone laughs at me. When I speak, the words burst out. “Violence and destruction!” I shout. So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke. But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (NLT)

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
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Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
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You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
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I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin. They will go down into the depths of the earth.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:21-27 (NLT)

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.
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I can’t earn your favour / There’s nothing I must do / To win your approval
I can’t make you love me / More than you already do / Your love has no conditions

So I lay down my striving / And I lay down – everything
Just to be with you / My soul rests in you
And I can hear you singing over me / I am loved

You sing / A song of rejoicing, A song of delight, A song that pursues me / In the day and in the night
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Intercessions:

O God, our ever-present help in times of trouble, hear our prayer:

+ For Christians around the world who suffer persecution for their faith – that they may hold firm in the face of every trial….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all those who endure criticism for doing what they believe is right – that they may have the courage to persevere….
Lord, hear us.

+ For teachers and students returning to school these autumn days – that they may have the grace to make a new start….
Lord, hear us.

+ For the grace to support our brothers and sisters in Christ in the hardships of life – that we may become more aware of each other’s sufferings….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who struggle with illness, of mind or body – that their way of the cross may bring them to glory….
Lord, hear us.

+ For our own needs, for those we love, and for those who have asked for prayer….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have recently died, especially as martyrs for their faith in Christ – that sharing the cross of Christ they may also share his victory over death….
Lord, hear us.

O Lord our God, Your love is better than life: come to our help, 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

21st Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 22:19-23; Psalm 138:1-2, 3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20 ~ “Who do you say I am?”

21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Come into the presence of God – Father, Son and Spirit – whose mystery we can never comprehend. All we have comes from God; we can only bow down in awe, and bring forward the praise that is His due.

Living God, You sent Your Son among us to reveal Your wisdom and make known Your ways. Increase our faith, that we may confess Jesus as your Son, take up His work on earth, and trust His promise to sustain us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 22:19-23 (NLT)

“Yes, I will drive you out of office,” says the Lord. “I will pull you down from your high position. And then I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah to replace you. I will dress him in your royal robes and will give him your title and your authority. And he will be a father to the people of Jerusalem and Judah. I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. He will bring honor to his family name, for I will drive him firmly in place like a nail in the wall….”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 138:1-2, 3, 6, 8 (NLT)

I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.
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As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
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Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.
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The Lord will work out his plans for my life — for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 11:33-36 (NLT)

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 15:21-28 (NLT)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
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Intercessions:

Almighty and Faithful God: Your Love for us is eternal… hear our prayers –

+ For our Church leaders – that they may preach Your word with wisdom and faith, in season and out of season…
Lord, hear us.

+ For all in positions of authority, civil and ecclesiastical – that they may serve with humility, gentleness and sound judgement…
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have suffered through the abuse of power, civil and ecclesiastical – that healing and new strength may be theirs…
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have suffered and died because of their faith, especially in the Middle East and Africa – that they may join their saintly predecessors in the Father’s house…
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who are persecuted and dispossessed because of their faith – that protection and provision may be theirs…
Lord, hear us.

+ For Christians around the world – that they may profess their faith to their neighbors and be a source of hope and help…
Lord, hear us.

+ For people who are travelling at summer’s end – that they may travel safely and return home refreshed…
Lord, hear us.

+ For our own needs and for the needs of those we love…
Lord, hear us.

God of love, You never discard the work of Your hands: hear our prayers we offer, in trust, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

20th Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28 ~ “May all the nations praise you, O God.”

20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Everyone who calls on God’s name is welcome in God’s house.

God of the nations, all are invited to Your table and in Your family no one is a stranger. Satisfy the hunger of those who gather today in prayer, and mercifully extend to all the peoples on earth the joy of salvation and faith.

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.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says:

Church of All Nations Jerusalem — Church of All Nations
Jerusalem

“Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you.
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“I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 7 (NLT)

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you.
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May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you.
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Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us.
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Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 (NLT)

I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead!
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For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 15:21-28 (NLT)

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep — the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
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Intercessions:

God shed Your light on us and hear our prayers:

+ That people of every nation, race, colour and religion may be united in working for justice and peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those who follow Christ may never forget that all are welcome on God’s holy mountain….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who suffer, in mind, body or spirit, may experience Christ’s healing power….
Lord, hear us.

+ That refugees from the chaos of war and the mayhem of evil may find protection, solace and rest for body and soul….
Lord, hear us.

+ That in our daily lives, we may show love to the people from other countries who live in our midst….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who are preparing to return to school , both teachers and students, may find happiness in their endeavors and a deep faith to guide them….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those whose faith is known to God alone may come at the end of their lives to God’s holy mountain….
Lord, hear us.

+ For our brothers and sisters who have died and for those who grieve their loss – that all may be united in their heavenly home….
Lord, hear us.

Gracious God, all the nations find their help in You: teach us to trust in Your love as You grant our petitions, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

19th Ordinary Sunday: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33 ~ “Take courage. I am here!”

19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Beautiful God, You revealed Yourself to Elijah as a gentle breeze and You calmed the storm on the lake. Take away our fears and give rest to our souls.

God of all power, Your sovereign word comes to us in Christ. When Your Church is in danger, make firm our trust; when Your people falter, steady our faith. Show us in Jesus Your power to save, that we may always acclaim Him as Lord, 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: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a (NLT)

There [Elijah] came to a cave, where he spent the night.
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“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13 (NLT)

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory.
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Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!
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Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
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Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps.
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There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 9:1-5 (NLT)

With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed — cut off from Christ! — if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
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Intercessions:

God is our helper, ever-present in our time of need: Lord hear our prayers –

+ That all who are part of the Christian family may find help and hope in praying to our gentle God….
Lord, hear us.

Iraqi Christians congratulate each other after Easter mass at Mar Youssif Chaldean Church in Baghdad on Sunday. (photo credit: AP Photo/ Karim Kadim)

+ That nations who live in mistrust of each other, especially in the Middle Easy, may learn to resolve their differences peacefully….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who go to sea, for work or leisure, may be spared from violent storms….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those who staff lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all the people of God may know Christ’s calming presence in the troubles of life, especially those who are refugees of wars and violence…. Lord, hear us.

+ That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may know the calm peace of the Father’s House….
Lord, hear us.

+ We also remember those who died recently and especially those whose anniversaries occur….
Lord, hear us.

O God, our help and our refuge, You guide Your people according to Your wisdom: accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

Eternal Father, grant, we pray To all Marines, both night and day
The courage, honor, strength, and skill Their land to serve, Thy law fulfill
Be Thou the shield forevermore From every peril to the Corps.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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