Liturgy Alive Friday, May 24, 2013

print
Friday, May 24, 2013

 

Opening Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
you let the sun shine and the rain come down
on good and bad alike.
Keep us from classifying people
and issuing condemnations lightly.
May we rather learn from your Son
to appreciate the good done by anyone,
whether one of us in the Church or not,
and to be united with anyone 
who seeks truth, peace, and justice.
For these are the works of the Holy Spirit
of you, our Father, and of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading Introduction
     While the Bible speaks constantly of forgiveness, it always keeps condemning presumption, whether in one's own strength or possessions, or in the very patience of God with sinners. It is the people aware of their weakness who attract God's pardon. This is Ben Sirach's lesson today.

Gospel Introduction

      In a series of not too well connected words of the Lord to his disciples, we notice for example, how Jesus shows concern for the "little ones," that is, ordinary Christians not too well versed in doctrinal matters, who are at times confused by the more learned. With James and the Lord we too, should be concerned about the little people, the humble, ordinary Christians.

General Intercessions

– For the Church, that we may not only love the poor and care for them but also speak out with courage when they are trampled upon, we pray:
– For those who are deaf and blind to other people and their needs, that their eyes, ears, and hearts may be opened to the treasures of love and sharing, we pray:
– For all of us, that our empty hearts may become spacious and generous, like open doors to all people and all needs, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

God our Father,
your Son Jesus, was radical in his love
and in the demands he made on his disciples,
yet he was mild and understanding
toward the weak and the poor.
With this bread and wine,
accept our purpose to follow your Son
in his radical, demanding ways.
But be also compassionate and forgiving
when we fall short of our best intentions. 
And help us to have patience
with others, and with ourselves
on account of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Patient and merciful God,
we have heard your Son speak to us,
words of warning and a call to conversion.
May we stand the tests of the Christian life,
that we may never stand condemned.
Let this Eucharist warm our hearts
and keep us at peace with one another
and with you, our compassionate and patient God.
We ask you this through Christ, our Lord.

Blessing

Never look down on others. Protect them. Jesus repeats this in many ways, regarding outcasts and sinners, regarding children, regarding the weak and simple people. We are Christians together, and God loves us all. May God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

share :