Sunday: 19 July – Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34 ~ on Christ, the Shepherd of our souls

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

Our God is like a shepherd who always looks after the flock: the Lord tends to all our needs.
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Compassionate God, from far and near You gather Your Church into one. 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.
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (NLT)

“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep — for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord.

Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them. But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number. Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord, have spoken!

“For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 2:13-18 (NLT)

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
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A Reading from the Gospels: 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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Intercessions:

Like a shepherd, You Lord continue to care for us, so we pray with confidence:

+ For those called to be pastors of God’s people - that they may be good shepherds, imitating the Lord they serve…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who help others draw close to You, as prayer guides and retreat directors – that the Spirit may be with them in their ministry…. Lord, hear us.
+ For an end to conflict and hostility, at home and abroad – that the peace of Christ may continue to spread…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our families and friends, and for all who asked for our prayers – that our care may remind them of the Good Shepherd’s love for them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those whose life in this world is over – that they may dwell in Your house forever…. Lord, hear us.

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.

Hymn:

Benediction:

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

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

Sunday: 12 July – Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85:9-14; Ephesians 1:3-10; Mark 6:7-13 ~ on being blessed and sent

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

God has blessed us and has showered His grace upon us. Give thanks to the Lord for all we have received.
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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 Church 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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A Reading from the Old Testament: Amos 7:12-15 (NLT)
[Amos explains that he is not a professional prophet. He’s an amateur, just doing what God told him to do.]

Kloster Blaubeuren, Klosterkirche, Chorraum Chorgestühl von Jörg Syrlin d. J., 1493 Prophet Amos Ulm, Germany — Kloster Blaubeuren, Klosterkirche, Chorraum
Chorgestühl von Jörg Syrlin d. J., 1493
Prophet Amos – Ulm, Germany

Then Amaziah sent orders to Amos: “Get out of here, you prophet! Go on back to the land of Judah, and earn your living by prophesying there! Don’t bother us with your prophecies here in Bethel. This is the king’s sanctuary and the national place of worship!”

But Amos replied, “I’m not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.’
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 85:9-14 (NLT)

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory.

Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! 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. Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps.
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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 1:3-10 (NLT)
[Paul wrote this letter to the people of Ephesus while he was in prison. Today’s reading describes the beautiful way God deals with us.]

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ — everything in heaven and on earth.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 6:7-13 (NLT)
[Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs, to preach the message of repentance and to heal the sick.]

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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Intercessions:

God’s help is near for those who turn to him – Lord, hear our prayers.

+ For all who have been sent out to preach the message of repentance and forgiveness – that whatever their reception, they may not give up…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who find belief in God hard – that, seeing the sick healed and evil conquered, they may believe…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who hunger and thirst for justice – that they may be rewarded for their dedication…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the sick and all who suffer – that You may heal them, according to Your will…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have died in war, or in the service of their country – that they may rest in eternal peace…. Lord, hear us.

Lord God, Your help is the strength of Your people: hear the longings of our hearts and continue to give us Your help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn:

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

Sunday: 05 July – Ezekiel 2:2-5; Psalm 123:1-4; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6 ~ on speaking truth to an unbelieving people

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and Prayer:

As weak and sinful people, we gather to ask the Lord’s mercy. We know His grace is sufficient for us. Together, we praise and thank our God for the constant care we receive.
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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.
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Ezekiel 2:2-5 (NLT)
[The prophet is inspired to speak out, even though God knows the people may not listen.]

turn_away

The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen — for remember, they are rebels — at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 123:1-4 (NLT)

I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.

We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt.

We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT)
[Paul writes about his frailty, which makes him rely all the more on God’s grace.]

Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 6:1-6 (NLT)
[Like many other prophets before him, Jesus finds no acceptance in his home town.]

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.
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Intercessions:

God have mercy on us and hear our prayers:

+ For all who are called to speak in God’s name today – that we may have the courage of the prophets of old…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are scandalized by injustice and falsehood in our world – that we may ourselves have the courage to speak out against evil…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who feel weighed down by their own weakness – that we may rely on God’s grace to lift us up…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the gift of perseverance – that we may be true to what we believe, come what may…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our friends and neighbors who have recently died – that they may have eternal peace in God’s presence…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, our eyes are fixed on You till You show us Your mercy: let Your grace stay with us each day, and hear our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn:

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

Holy Trinity Sunday: Dt 4:32-34, 39-40; Ps 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22; Rom 8:14-17; Mt 28:16-20 ~ the rich mystery of God’s inner life

Holy Trinity Sunday

Today we celebrate the most Holy Trinity, the rich mystery of God’s inner life. This remains a mystery beyond all understanding for us while we live in this world, even though the veil which covers it is lifted ever so little. The Bible assures us that not only is our God a personal God, but that God exists as three interactive, loving Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, while yet remaining one divine reality, one God.

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Full of joy on this morning, we adore and glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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Father almighty, You sent the Spirit of Your Son into our hearts: fill us with Your Spirit, that we may be Your heirs and co-heirs with Christ. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 (NLT)

“Now search all of history, from the time God created people on the earth until now, and search from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything as great as this ever been seen or heard before? Has any nation ever heard the voice of God speaking from fire — as you did — and survived? Has any other god dared to take a nation for himself out of another nation by means of trials, miraculous signs, wonders, war, a strong hand, a powerful arm, and terrifying acts? Yet that is what the Lord your God did for you in Egypt, right before your eyes.
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“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22 (NLT)

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
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For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
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But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
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Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 8:14-17 (NLT)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

The fresco at Holy Trinity Church in Lorain, photographed after Wednesday morning mass, August 26, 2009.

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him — but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
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Intercessions:

God our Father, You revealed the great mystery of Your godhead to mankind when You sent into the world the Word who is Truth and the Spirit who makes us holy. Lord Jesus Christ, You sent the Paraclete from the Father’s side to be your witness: make us also Your witnesses before men.

+ Holy Father, of ourselves we are nothing. Give us the Holy Spirit – may He strengthen us in our weakness and intercede for us before Your face.

+ Son of God, You asked the Father to send the Comforter to Your people – may He, the Spirit of truth, remain with us always.

+ Come, Holy Spirit, and give us an abundance of Your fruits – make us loving, joyful, peaceful, patient and kind; give us integrity, forbearance, gentleness, faith, modesty, temperance and chastity.

Help us to grow in Your Truth and worship You in Spirit: three Persons, eternal in glory, one God, infinite in majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Benediction:

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come. (Rev 1:8)

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

Morning Prayer: 30 May – Psalm 19:8-11; Mark 11:27-33 ~ joy to the heart

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you.
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God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love, and self-control.

+ Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – in Christ we have been given every spiritual blessing.
+ By the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary brought Christ into the world – may Christ be born again today in the hearts of men.
+ Father, may Your Spirit lead us forward out of solitude – may He lead us to open the eyes of the blind, to proclaim the Word of light, to reap together the harvest of life.
+ Let our striving for Your Kingdom not fall short through selfishness or fear – may the universe be alive with the Spirit, and our homes be the pledge of a world redeemed.

Father, send us your Spirit. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 19:8-11 (NLT)

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

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Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16a-17c)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 11:27-33 (NLT)
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Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

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