Liturgy Alive Wednesday, March 4, 2015

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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Introduction

A prophet is always an annoying person. His mission is to call attention to the signs of the times—to denounce what no one dares to denounce, to prod into action when all stand still and like to take it easy. His task is unpleasant and he carries it out reluctantly. For he is a scared man. He pleads to be excused. For he always gets into trouble. He may even be killed. That was the lot of the prophets before him and then, Jesus’ lot—but through his death, he won glory and brought life. Those who follow him, however timid they may be as prophets, have to share in this suffering-toward-life. They must at least learn to serve; they must learn that even dedicated service often brings suffering.


Opening Prayer

Lord, our God,
your prophets remind us,
in season and out of season,
of our responsibilities toward you
and toward the world of people.
When they disturb and upset us,
let it be a holy disturbance
that makes us restless and eager to do your will
to bring justice and love around us.
We ask you this through Christ, our Lord.

General Intercessions

–    For the Church, that it may imitate the Lord Jesus and be a serving Church, we pray:
–    For prophets who remind us that we have to live up to our faith, that we may listen to them, we pray:
–    For all of us, that as followers of a suffering Lord, we may grow as Christians and as human beings by the way we carry our crosses, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord God,
your Son comes among us and asks us:
“Can you drink my cup with me?”
Give us the strength
to accept any suffering with him,
for the sake of your kingdom,
for we know it is the signature
on the life of the true disciple.
May it be a suffering that brings life
to us and to our brothers and sisters.
This is the offering that we make to you
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
your Son went his journey to the cross
knowing what awaited him,
but also knowing that his suffering and death
would mean life and joy for many.
Give us a bit of his courage, Lord,
that we may not be escapists in life,
but that we may speak out and act
when your kingdom is at stake
or when we are asked to serve.
Let your Son be with us,
now and for ever.

Blessing

“The Son of man came not to be served but to serve.” How do we follow our Lord as people who know how to serve? May Almighty God give you insight and strength, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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