Liturgy Alive Thursday, February 23, 2017

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Thursday, February 23, 2017

Opening Prayer

Lord God, our Father,
Jesus your Son, showed special concern
for the weak and the humble.
Help us too, never to become overbearing
or condescending towards the little people.
Do not allow us to confuse them
with self-conscious, learned words.
And give us a faith that is informed,
yet simple and trusting.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

First Reading Introduction: Delay not your conversion to the Lord.
          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: It is better for you to enter into life with one hand, than with two hands to go into Gehenna.
        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.

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