Tag: USCCB Daily Readings

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – 05 Aug – John 6:24-35 – I am the bread of life.

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Lord, giver of ever lasting life, satisfy our hunger through Christ, the bread of life, and quench our thirst with your gift of belief, that we may no longer work for food that perishes, but believe in the One whom you have sent. 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. Amen.
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“I Am the Bread of Life” – Toolan | Notre Dame Folk Choir


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Gospel Reading: John 6:24-35 (NLT)

So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
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Prayers of Intercession:

O God, you are our Provider and Sustainer: hear our prayers as we approach your throne of grace in this our time of need. Lord, help us. We pray –

+ for all believers – that you may sustain their hope of eternal life….
+ for every man and woman searching for meaning – that they may find Jesus….
+ for believing families – that they may teach your truths to their children…
+ for nomads and wanderers – that they may receive your protection….
+ for those who are hungry – that they may receive your sustenance….
+ for families at risk – that they may receive counsel and legal protection….
+ for those who have died in Christ – that they may enjoy eternal life….

O God, you have never failed to nourish your people in their needs: hear our cries and grant our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Panis Angelicus” – Andrea Bocelli


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Blessing – Ephesians 4:22-24

Live as children of light – “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

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

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – 29 July – Mark 6:45-52 – Take courage! I am here!

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, you are our ever-present help in times of trouble. Pour out your Spirit on your people in every tribe and nation, that we may live courageously and do the work you have called us to do. 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. Amen.
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“Betzet Yisrael” (Psalm 114) – Miqedem


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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:45-52 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
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Prayers of Intercession:

O Lord our God: Nothing escapes your notice; no thought, or word, or deed is hidden from you. Hear your peoples’ cries for help as we pray in faith –

+ For all church leaders, that we might be led by your Spirit and guided by your Word….
+ For all church workers, that we might do our part using the gifts you have given us….
+ For all believers, that we might grow in unity and patience towards one another….
+ For all who are fearful, that we might take courage in your unfailing love….
+ For all who are sick, that we might experience your miraculous healing power….
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they might live in your perfect peace forever….

Strengthen your people, O Lord, and grant our prayers for unity and faith that we might continue to grow into maturity as measured by your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Not Afraid” – Red Rocks Worship

I have this confidence because | I’ve seen the faithfulness of God
The still inside the storm | The promise of the shore
I trust the power of Your word | Enough to seek Your kingdom first
Beyond the barren place | Beyond the ocean waves

When I walk through the waters, I won’t be overcome
When I go through the rivers, I will not be drowned
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid

You keep the promises You make | There isn’t one that is delayed
So I will not lose heart | Here, I will lift my arms
And start to sing into the night | My praise will call the sun to rise
Declare the battle won | Declare that it is done

When I walk through the waters, I won’t be overcome
When I go through the rivers, I will not be drowned
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid
When I am in the fire, I will not feel the flames
I’ll stand before the giant, declaring victory
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid

Before me, behind me | Always beside me
No shadow, no valley | Where You won’t find me
No, I am not afraid
Before me, behind me | Always beside me
No shadow, no valley | Where You won’t find me
No, I am not afraid | No, I am not afraid

My God will make a way, so I am not afraid
No, I am not afraid, no, I am not afraid
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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – 22 July – Mark 6:30-34 ~ sheep without a shepherd

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

Compassionate God, from far and near you gather your people into one flock. Safeguard the unity of your flock through the teaching of Christ the Shepherd, that all your scattered children may find in him the guidance and nourishment they seek. 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. Amen.
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“The King of Love My Shepherd Is”


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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:30-34 (NLT)

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Good Shepherd: Gather us into your fold, we need your protection and tender care. In your kindness, hear our prayers on behalf of your people –

+ For all who pastor your people – that they may be good shepherds after your example….
+ For all who care for animals – that they may be rewarded for their husbandry….
+ For all who feel lost – that you may find them, teach them, and lead them home….
+ For all who work hard in their parishes – that they make time for rest and recreation….
+ For all who help others to pray and reflect – that the Spirit may guide them into all truth….
+ For all who have asked our prayers – that our care may remind them of your love for them….
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may dwell in your presence forever….

O God, our Shepherd, your goodness and kindness help us every day: Hear our prayers and be with us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Savior Like a Shepherd” – Fernando Ortega


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Blessing – Psalm 23:6

May your goodness and unfailing love pursue us all the days of our lives, and may we live in the house of the Lord forever. 

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

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost – 15 July – Mark 6:7-13 ~ sent to save

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of justice, God of salvation, from every land you call a people to yourself. Yours is the work we do, yours the message we carry.

Keep your people single-minded and faithful to you. Let failure not discourage us nor success beguile our hearts, as you send us to proclaim the gospel.

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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“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” – Church of God (Philippines)

1. We’ve a story to tell to the nations, that shall turn their hearts to the right, a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light, a story of peace and light.

Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright, and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth, the kingdom of love and light.

2. We’ve a song to be sung to the nations, that shall lift their hearts to the Lord, a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword, and shatter the spear and sword.

3. We’ve a message to give to the nations, that the Lord who reigneth above has sent us His Son to save us, and show us that God is love, and show us that God is love.

4. We’ve a Savior to show to the nations, who the path of sorrow has trod, that all of the world’s great peoples may come to the truth of God, may come to the truth of God.
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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13 (NLT)

And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God our Helper: We turn to you with confidence and faith. Hear these prayers and those that are on our hearts –

+ For believers everywhere – that we may experience your mercy and grace in our lives….
+ For all who proclaim the message of repentance and restoration - that we may persevere….
+ For all who have turned away from you – that they may come to their senses and come home….
+ For all who hunger and thirst for justice – that we may be satisfied….
+ For all who are sick and suffering – that we may receive healing, according to your will….
+ For all who are dying and those whose death is immanent – that they may be welcomed into your Kingdom….
+ For our loved ones who have already died in Christ – that they may rest eternally in your peace….

God our Helper: You are our refuge and strength; you are our hope and salvation. Accept our prayers and help us, according to your perfect purpose for our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Jesus Saves” – Buddy Greene, featuring Russ Taff

1. We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward!—’tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

2. Waft it on the rolling tide, Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Tell to sinners far and wide, Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Sing, ye islands of the sea, Echo back, ye ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.

3. Sing above the battle’s strife, Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
By His death and endless life, Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Sing it softly thru the gloom, When the heart for mercy craves,
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.

4. Give the winds a mighty voice, Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Let the nations now rejoice. Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Shout salvation full and free, Highest hills and deepest caves,
This our song of victory, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
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Blessing – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

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

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – 08 July – Mark 6:1-6 ~ amazing unbelief

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

God of the prophets, in every age you send the word of truth, familiar yet new, a sign of contradiction. Let us not be counted among those who lack faith, but give us the vision to see Christ in our midst and to welcome your saving word. 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. Amen.
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“How Great is our God // Gadol Elohai “ – Joshua Aaron in Jerusalem

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6 (NLT)

Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Lord our God, thank you for welcoming us into your presence. Have mercy on us, and help your people in our time of need –

+ For today’s prophets – that may have the courage to speak the Truth, welcomed or not…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers – that they may have the courage to speak out against evil…. Lord, hear us.
+ For church leaders – that they may work to rid the world of hatred and injustice…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who feel weak – that your grace may lift them up and strengthen them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the gift of perseverance – that we may be true to what we believe, popular or not…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all on vacation – that they may find rest and be renewed in you…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may rest in the eternal peace of your presence…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, we await your mercy – hear our prayers and graciously extend to us your hand of help, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“New Covenant (Yeshua)” – Joshua Aaron


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Blessing – Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

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