Liturgy Alive Thursday, February 6, 2014

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
to go to the poor and to set them free,
your disciples must be credible
as people who are free themselves.
We pray you today for a spirit of poverty
that makes us free and available
to all those imprisoned
by the forces of evil.
May we thus, become authentic witnesses
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
your Son and our Lord for ever.

First Reading Introduction: You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God.
          Our religion today is not inspired or instilled by the fear of the terrifying signs of Mount Sinai but rests on Christ, our Mediator of the new covenant, who sacrificed himself for us.

Gospel Introduction: Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out.
        Jesus wants his disciples to be without security and power, so as to be free to go to people in their own life situation and to be free to preach and witness to the Gospel without ambiguity. Would that, the Church today could give such an unambiguous witness.

General Intercessions

–    Lord, they were only stammerers and timid people, but you called Moses and Jeremiah to speak out and lead their people. Make us voice your word without hesitation, even to people not well disposed to listen, we pray:
–    Lord, they were only fishers cleaning their nets, but you called your apostles to spread your Good News. Make us fearless to speak your word, we pray:
–    Lord, they are only teachers or parish priests or employees, but you call leaders and members in our communities to tolerate no injustice and to defend the poor. Speak through them and through all of us what is right and good, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord, almighty God,
you want your Son to come among us
not with splendor and power,
but in the poverty of the ordinary,
in everyday food and drink.
May we too, not attach ourselves
to things that tie us down
and those that give us a sense of false security.
Keep reminding us
that we are people on the way
to you and to one another
and give us our food for the road,
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord God, our Father,
your Son sent out his disciples
to bring his Good News and healing
to people in their everyday lives.
Help those in the Church who teach and celebrate liturgy
always to link faith and worship
to the realities of daily living,
that the unity of what we are and do
may be the Gospel and life of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Blessing

Jesus sent out his apostles to bring his message to people. They should not wear useless baggage and depend on the people’s hospitality. They are sent to heal and save. May your lives speak the message of the Gospel, with the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.