Liturgy Alive Saturday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time

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Saturday, November 10, 2018

Saturday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time

POSSESSIONS and the GOSPEL

Readings:
Philippians 4:10-19 ; Ps 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a and 9; Lk 16:9-15

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
you tell us today through your Son
that we cannot be at the same time
your friends and the friends of money.
Make us see more deeply
that we are money’s friends
when we are unjust to others
or tolerate injustice by our silence.
But make us also more deeply aware
that we are your friends when we value simple living,
when we are not greedy for money or social status,
but when we invest in people
and use your gifts for serving them
and building up your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading Introduction
Concluding his warm letter to them, Paul expresses his great gratitude to the Philippians, the only community from which he had accepted material help. May God bless them.

Gospel Introduction

After the Lord’s parable on the unjust steward, Luke adds several statements from various sources, some allegorical reflections of the early Christian communities, some his own comments, all rather remotely related to the parable. Behind these lies his attitude toward poverty and the use of the goods of this earth.

General Intercessions

–   That governments may not promote or allow, for paying national debts or private gain, the destruction or plunder of natural resources, like forests that are the pride and riches of the nation, we pray:

–   That our families may promote sober living, we pray:

–   That parents may teach their children that there are higher values than money and possessions, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord our God, you break for us here
the bread that satisfies the poor
and pour for us the wine of joy
of Jesus your Son.
With him, and by the wisdom and strength
of his Holy Spirit,
may we place ourselves and all our gifts and creativity
in the service of people,
that your kingdom may grow
in us and among all people
and by your grace stand for ever.

Prayer after Communion

Almighty, all-rich God,
what you create you give away
and entrust it to us.
We try to keep riches and power
firmly in our own hands.
We thank you that you are different,
generous and unobtrusive,
hidden behind your gifts.
Teach us that we do not become smaller
when we make one another great
nor poorer if others are well-off.
Let us be of the mentality of him
who gave up power and might for our sakes,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing

Jesus wants us to be thankful for God’s gifts by acting responsibly with what we have, and that includes sharing. After all, we have been given much. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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