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.]
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
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