I Sunday of Advent

WAIT… WITH REALISTIC HOPE

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

Let Heaven Rejoice

O Come Divine Messiah

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: There are terrible wars, natural disasters, and there are millions of refugees seeking safety. 

Yet, on this first Sunday of Advent, our Lord challenges us to keep up our hope and expectations, for he is still with us and near to us. As wait and watch for his coming, we affirm our hope.

Penitential Rite

L: For our failure to prepare for the Lord’s coming and to be joyful, we ask the Lord’s pardon.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you invite us to stand erect and raise our heads 

because our redemption is at hand: Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you caution us to always be vigilant and to pray:  Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you will come with power and great glory: Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Opening Prayer

L: Lord our God, we are your people on the march who try to carry out the task of building your kingdom of love and peace. When we are discouraged and afraid, keep us going forward in hope. Make us vigilant in prayer, that we may see the signs of your Son’s coming, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever. 

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the I Sunday of Advent

Reading 1    Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm         Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

Response To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

                Option 1 or Option 2

Reading 2 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2

Acclamation

                        Alleluia, alleluia.

                        Show us, Lord, your love;

                        and grant us your salvation.

                  Acclamation

Gospel        Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

 

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are with the disciples when Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem and the coming of the Son of Man. What are your thoughts and feelings when you hear him speak? 

Sunday Snippets

In his book Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl writes that one of the worst sufferings at Auschwitz was waiting: waiting for an uncertain release or for the war to end or for death. This waiting caused some prisoners to give up and others like Frankl to not succumb. The latter had a realistic goal, a “why”. They looked at the present realistically and to the future with hope.

 

Look at the present realistically and to the future with hope! This is the message of the readings today.

Jeremiah is preaching at a time of national and personal distress: Jerusalem is under siege and he is in prison. He recognizes that the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile are imminent. But he foresees that a “shoot” will bud from the old stalk of David, who will bring about peace with justice and there will be a total recovery of national and religious stability. The present is bleak; Jeremiah looks at it squarely and looks to the future with hope.

Jesus predicts the total collapse of Jerusalem, which has been the symbol of God’s eternal fidelity. But he encourages his disciples to stand firm, because he is the “shoot of David” who will re-establish order and recovery of identity. Jesus paints a grim view of the future not to paralyse his listeners with fear but to call them to faith, prayer, and hopeful waiting; he invites them to be attentive to their disorders.

St Paul urges the Thessalonians to grow in love for another and to grow in holiness during this period of waiting.

 

How will I spend this Season of Advent: 

Will I lament the present or will I look at it realistically and to the future with hope? What are the disorders and dissipations I need to remove from my life? How will I grow in love and holiness?

May this Advent be a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus… a time of hope-filled and realistic waiting-action.

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1: Jeremiah reminds the people of the Lord’s promise to them. How does that promise relate to hope? Is hope a risky virtue? What would my life be like without hope? What can I do to bring hope to people I know?

Reading 2: St Paul said he “abounded in love” for the Thessalonians to strengthen their hearts. How is “abounding in love” an effective method of strengthening hearts or eliciting change. Can great change or growth ever happen without immense love? 

Gospel: Could much of this Gospel passage have been written today (roaring sea, drowsy hearts, dying of fright, anxieties, carousing, imminent tribulations)? Jesus tells us to pray for strength. Do I believe that if I ask for strength I will receive it? Could God send it through other people? How could I be a source of strength for others?

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: In his love, our Father in heaven sent his Son into the world to fulfil all our hopes and to give us an eternal future. Let us pray to him: Lord, you are our hope.

R: For the Church and her leaders: that they may help all people to believe in God’s presence with us today and look to the future with hope in the fulfilment of his promises, we pray…

R: For the leaders of all nations: that they may sincerely and earnestly work to create a world where justice and peace reign, and freedom and human life are respected, we pray… 

R: For all who are experiencing the collapse of social, political, and economic structures: that they may seek first the reign of God and find their security in God, we pray…

R: For people without hope or courage, for those suffering from hunger and wars: that we may revive their hope by building a better world with them, we pray… 

R: For ourselves: that our hearts may not be numbed into complacency nor our minds caught in worry but may we stay attentive to the Word of God and the signs of our times, we pray…

L: Heavenly Father, in your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from anxiety and fear as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who is Lord forever and ever. 

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

Lord, 

you challenge us to keep our heads high in hope…

to keep hoping when there are wars and violence,

to keep hoping when there is much injustice,

to keep hoping when there is much hatred,

to keep hoping, for there is a future.

Lord, 

you are with us, 

and with you, we can defeat enmity with friendship.

Help us hold our heads high in this season of Advent,

for you are coming 

and with you there is hope and a future. 

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: Lord our God, merciful Father, you have spoken to us your word of hope and renewed our strength with the bread of life of your Son. Free our faith from routine and send us out with your Son to restore integrity and love and trust in the world.

Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

You Are My Hiding Place

Bless the Lord

Jesus Christ the Universal King

AN “ORDINARY” KING

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King

Come On and Celebrate

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: Kings stand for power, riches, splendour. On the feast of Christ the King, what kind of king do we celebrate? A man wearing a crown of thorns in a purple mantle and standing as an accused criminal before Pilate! His kingship is in the truth of the power of God’s love to which Jesus testifies. Let us thank God for showing us that authority lies in truth and humility. And we pray that we may imitate him.

Penitential Rite

L: For the times we have not accepted Jesus’ style of kingship, we ask his mercy.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, king of our hearts,

you were born one of us in the poverty of a crib in a stable:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, king of the people,

you came to be the servant of all, especially the sick and sinners:

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, king of the universe,

your love went so far as to make you lay down your life for all:

        Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: Almighty and eternal God, to Jesus Christ, you have granted everlasting dominion and a kingship that shall not pass away. Remove from us every desire for privilege and power, that we may imitate the sacrificial love of Christ our King and serve you humbly in our brothers and sisters.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King

Reading 1    Daniel 7:13-14

Psalm         Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5

Response    The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

                Option 1 or Option 2

Reading 2 Revelation 1:5-8

Acclamation

                        Alleluia, alleluia.

                        Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

                        Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!

                  Acclamation

Gospel         John 18:33b-37

 

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are in the praetorium. What are your thoughts and feelings when you hear the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate?

Sunday Snippets

Arthur was the first-born son of King Pendragon of England. Since they lived in troubled times, Merlin, the wise magician, advised that the child should be raised in a secret place without anyone knowing his identity. Arthur grew up as an “ordinary” lad; he lived among his people unspoiled and unsullied by the grandeur of royalty. That experience stood him in good stead—when he became king, he was kind and loving; he embodied loyalty, strength, boldness, and faithfulness.

Arthur is, perhaps, a legendary figure! But his story is like the story of our Universal King: Jesus. 

Jesus was born to a humble carpenter and a lowly maiden in obscure Nazareth; he grew up as an ordinary lad and did the ordinary things that other ordinary lads did. For much of his life, few knew his true identity.

Jesus grew up to be king unlike any other. In his conversation with Pilate, he states: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. 

- His kingdom was not for the nobility; it was for all people, especially the poor, the lost, the marginalized. His kingdom has no boundaries and goes beyond nationality; it is an everlasting kingdom (see the first reading from Daniel);

- His kingship was not of power and domination; it was the way of powerless and freedom.

- He had no palace; he was born in a manger, had no place to lay his head during his public ministry, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. 

- His crown was made of thorns; his throne was the cross.

- His authority is that of humble and loving service; he put on a towel and became a slave to his apostles. 

- As king, he does not expect people to die for him; he goes to his death for them (see the second reading from the Book of Revelation).

We are subjects of this “ordinary” king who is extraordinary. To be subject to him is to experience love and acceptance, liberation and peace. Will I be his true subject? If so, how will I imitate this ordinary and servant king?

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1: Compare/contrast Jesus’ kingdom with countries that have powerful political organizations. How are the objectives different in God’s kingdom and in these countries?

Reading 2: How can I cooperate in the consecration (“making holy”) of the universe to God? Is working on the care for creation a way of consecrating the universe?

Gospel: Which of my values reflect the values of the world? What can I do to change them?

What does “testifying to the truth” mean? How did Jesus testify to the truth? How can I testify to the truth?

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: Let us turn to God our Father, the source of all that is good, asking him, with humble hearts, for all that we need to live in his light as we pray: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the Church: that our belief in Christ as King may lead us to value the things of God’s kingdom more than the things of earth, we pray…

R: For leaders of government: that they may recognize that their authority comes from God and that it is intended for the service of the human community, we pray…

R: For all whose commitment to the truth brings them into conflict with the social, governmental, and religious authorities: that they may learn from and be strengthened by Christ, the suffering servant of truth, we pray…

R: For all who are rebuilding their lives: that God may restore the sick to health, guide the unemployed to new opportunities, provide resources to those recovering from natural disasters, and comfort those who are grieving, we pray…

R: For protection of the earth: that God may guide world leaders and each of us in caring for the earth and give us the courage to follow through on difficult choices to preserve our common home, we pray…

R: For ourselves: that we may follow Christ in using our power and abilities to wash the feet of others, speak up for those who are oppressed, and help carry the burdens of those who are suffering, we pray…

L: God, our Father, your Son showed us the meaning of kingship and authority. Like him and with him commit us totally to you and to people, in generous love and dedicated service. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

Lord,

Pilate held you in his power

and sentenced you to a shameful death;

you ended on the cross: 

poor, dishonoured, in pain, and dying.

You accepted these afflictions 

and turned all worldly standards upside down: 

what people reject as the worst things 

turn out in your crucifixion to be salvific. 

On the cross, you manifest that real winning 

is what looks to the world like losing.

And you set the standard for all Christians.

Lord,

help me understand that

through suffering you became the King of kings, 

and through sharing in your suffering, 

I will share in your glorious kingdom.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: God our Father, you sent us Jesus your Son as the humble servant of your love, who offered his life on the cross for all. Help us to learn from him that authority is service, and that to give our life to our brothers and sisters is to find joy that no one can take away from us.

Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

Thee O Christ, the Prince of Ages

King of Kings

XXXIII Sunday of the Year

STAY IN THE RACE

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

My Life is in You, Lord

In the Lord is My Hope

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: Today’s readings speak about the end of the world. Looking at the events in our world, it does seem like the end of the world. But the readings also assure us that God is among us, and so we can face the trials of life, not in fear but in the firm hope that God’s love and justice will triumph. 

 We pray that we may remain steadfast through these turbulent times.

Penitential Rite

L: For the moments we have despaired, for the times we have not communicated hope, we ask the Lord for his mercy.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you will come with great power and glory:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you will gather your chosen ones from the ends of the earth:

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you stand at the door to make us enter:

        Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: O God, you gather a people you call your own. Confirm us in the strength of your word. Steady our hearts in the time of trial, so that on the day of the Son of Man we may, without fear, rejoice at his coming.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the XXXIII Sunday of the Year

Reading 1    Daniel 12:1-3

Psalm         Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11

Response    You are my inheritance, O Lord!

                Option 1 or Option 2

Reading 2 Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

Acclamation

                        Alleluia, alleluia.

                        Be vigilant at all times

                        and pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

                  Acclamation

Gospel         Mark 13:24-32

 

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are with the disciples. What are your thoughts and feelings when you hear Jesus talk about the tribulation and the coming of the Son of Man: are you frightened or hopeful?

Sunday Snippets

For the movie Ben Hur, director William Wyler decided that, for the race at the end, Charlton Heston should drive the chariot himself rather than use a stunt double. Heston agreed and started chariot-driving lessons. After days of practice, Heston told Wyler: “I think I can drive the chariot all right. But I’m not sure I can win the race.” Wyler said: “Charlton, you just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win.” 

 

We can feel with Heston; given the situation of our lives and world, even staying in the race is tough! To us, God says: “You just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win.” This is the message of hope and consolation in the Sunday readings. 

But where is the message of hope? The first reading from the Book of Daniel and the Gospel from Mark predict disaster! The first reading talks of “a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time.” The Gospel text is often interpreted as announcing the end of the world. 

 

These are “apocalyptic” writings: symbolic/ graphic descriptions that must not be understood literally. 

Further, after the catalogue of disaster comes the good news of hope: the Book of Daniel talks about a chosen group which will overcome the disaster and lead many to justice; in the gospel, Jesus speaks about his coming in glory when he will “gather his elect” from all over. Both readings see beyond suffering-persecution-distress to a future of peace. Jesus’ disciples are to respond with faith and hope. God has not lost control of history but will bring things to a triumphant end. 

What is the basis for our hope? The Letter to the Hebrews tell us the basis for our hope is the one sacrifice that Christ offered for the forgiveness of sins. This is what we celebrate at every Eucharist. 

The Lord invites you and me to remain steadfast through the turmoil in our lives. We ask ourselves: 

Will I stay in the race trusting that the Lord will stay with me and see me through? Will I look beyond the tribulation and respond with faith and hope?

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1: “But the wise shall shine brightly…” Who are the people I have known or known about who have died and shine brightly for me? Which of their qualities would I like to emulate?

Reading 2: Jesus was able to expiate all transgressions of all people of all times through his unselfish sacrifice. Does this say anything to me about making sacrifices to help others?

Gospel: What lessons do I need learn to be more faithful? What resources do I have to grow in faith?

What difference does knowing that the world will end make to the way I live? How does this affect my decisions?

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: The Lord has always been our help in times of distress. With the fullest trust in this God of peace and hope, we pray: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the Church: that we may be a light in times of confusion and turmoil through the witness of our lives and our compassionate care for others, we pray…

R: For the leaders of nations: that they may strive to work for justice together and find the path to peace and harmony, we pray…

R: For those who are afraid of sickness, old age, life’s trials or death: that they learn to trust in God and that we stand by their side, we pray…

R: For the poor: that God may open new opportunities for those who lack education, employment, healthcare, or safe housing and help them to move forth in faith, we pray…

R: For all who are sick: that God’s healing love may give them strength, relieve their suffering, and renew their spirits, we pray…

R: For our common home: that we may help tackle the climate crisis by shifting to renewable energy and reducing our carbon footprint, we pray…

R: For ourselves: that no matter what challenges we face, we may remain confident that with God, all things are possible, we pray…

L: God, our Father, we do not know the hour of your coming, but we are certain that your love will never fail us. We place ourselves in your provident care. Keep us steadfast in hope through all the difficulties we encounter. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

Cars will rust and fall apart.

Condos crumble to the ground.

Everything will go:

investments, worries, honours, pains.

The wise are shining like the stars

giving out points of light, showing the way.

How did they attain such heights?

By offering a cup of water, or their food, or themselves.

They gave away their time, their money their lives; 

they never counted the cost.

They spent a lifetime teaching others how to use what is given.

Lord, 

let these stars guide me.

Please fill me with your Word,

which will never pass away

and let me take you to everyone.

You are love and love remains.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: God our Father, open our eyes to the sign of Jesus’ coming and make us see him already walking by our side. Keep us faithful in hope, and vigilant in our love for you and our concern for one another.

Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

Shepherd Me, O God

Be Not Afraid

XXXII Sunday of the Year

SHE GAVE ALL SHE HAD

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...). 

We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.

Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.

You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:

Father, I Put My Life in Your Hands

These Alone Are Enough

The Sign of the Cross

Greeting and Introductory Words

L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.

A: Blessed be God forever.

L: The biblical model of giving is a tithe, a tenth of what comes in from God’s hands. What matters is not so much the percentage, but the desire to give God the first fruits of our labour rather than the leftovers. There is another biblical model of giving: that is giving everything! 

We pray for the strength to do this; we pray that we may trust God as we give him our all.

Penitential Rite

L: We ask the Lord to forgive us for the times we have not given ourselves to him and our neighbour.

        Pause

L: Lord Jesus, you called blessed those who are poor in spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you praised the widow who have two small coins:

Christ, have mercy.

A: Christ, have mercy.

L: Lord Jesus, you gave yourself completely to your Father:

        Lord, have mercy.

A: Lord, have mercy.

L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

Gloria

 

Opening Prayer

L: God, our provider, you are the orphan’s hope and the widow’s bread. Strengthen our faith, that with simplicity of heart we may come to trust in you alone and hold back nothing in serving you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.

Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.

Liturgical Readings for the XXXII Sunday of the Year

Reading 1    1 Kings 17:10-16

Psalm         Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Response    Praise the Lord, my soul!

                Response 1 or Response 2

Reading 2 Hebrews 9:24-28

Acclamation

                        Alleluia, alleluia.

                        Blessed are the poor in spirit,

                        for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

                  Acclamation

Gospel         Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

 

Reflection on the Readings

 

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.

Lectio Divina

Imagine you are in the Temple watching the people put money in the treasury. What are your thoughts and feelings when you see the woman put two small coins; when you hear Jesus’ remark?

Sunday Snippets

In the late 70s, a young man walked into church one evening with his first salary: a thousand rupees. After communion, the celebrant announced a collection for the new parish school. When the ushers reached the man, he put his salary envelope into the collection!

Sharing about the incident, he said: “I didn’t know from where my next meal would come but I put my entire salary into the collection. I was reckless! Today I make several times that amount. But I’m sure I won’t repeat that action.” He added something profound: “When we possess much, we find it difficult to give it all.”

The reverse is certainly true in today’s readings!

The widow of Zarephath gave everything she had, her son’s and her own last meal, to a foreigner whose God she did not even worship. And this God provided for her!

The widow in the temple offered two of the smallest coins in circulation. In the arithmetic of the kingdom, the widow’s mite is worth more than all the other contributions. While the others gave from their surplus, she gave all that she had. The two coins made up the total of resources. God must have provided for her.

Last Sunday we concentrated on the “Great Commandment”. The ultimate love towards God is found in these two widows.

Right through this section in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus has shown the emptiness of the Pharisees’ religion; he now presents this widow as an example of someone who gives all she has to God. Further, the poor widow typifies what Jesus has done and will do – give everything, give himself as an offering to God. 

Jesus hopes that his disciples will take their cue not from the scribes’ ostentation but from the widow’s piety and generosity. 

If these poor widows could give everything to God, if a young man could give his whole salary for God’s work, what about me: What am I going to put into the “temple treasury” this week? Will I be recklessly generous and trust in divine providence?

True generosity is measured not by what I give, but by what I have left over after I give!

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:

Reading 1: Elijah asks the widow to give away the last bits of flour reserved for her final meal. Was it a leap of faith for her? Do I have such radical trust? On a scale of one to ten, let me rate my ability to give!

Reading 2: Compare Christ’s sacrifice with those of the two widows.

Gospel: What can I give to God and his people? How can I develop a magnanimous heart and respond more generously to the needs around me?

What is my level of trust in God? Do I give him my all or do I “contribute from my surplus”?

The Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

L: Let us pray to God our generous Father, who loves the weak and the humble, and let us pray for all those who are poor: Lord, hear our prayer.

R: For the Church: that we may grow in our reliance upon God’s providence and confidently entrust all our needs to him who loves us, we pray…

R: For all in public service: that the Spirit may help them to serve honestly and to use their skills faithfully to address the pressing issues of the day, we pray…

R: For widows and single mothers: that they may find encouragement in the Christian Community and receive the support they need to be faithful disciples, we pray…

R: For refugees, outcasts, and the forgotten of society: that the Lord may open hearts to their struggles and inspire communities to work to ease their suffering, we pray…

R: For all who are sick, particularly those chronic illnesses: that God’s healing love may give them strength, relieve their suffering, and renew their spirits, we pray…

R: For ourselves: that we may generously share our resources and ourselves in the service of God and neighbour, we pray…

L: Father, we know that you love us and care for us with the tenderness of a mother. We entrust all our cares to you. Be generous to us and make us generous like you. Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer 

Spiritual Communion 

A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

Post Spiritual Communion Reflection

She had only a handful of flour in her jar 

and a little oil in her jug.

She gave all she had.

Her jars of flour did not go empty,

nor did her jugs of oil run dry.

Two coins were all she had.

She gave all she had.

Lord,

give me grace

not to count the cost… 

to let go 

of my handful of flour and little oil,

of my two coins.

Let me trust your promises

just as the widows trusted you.

Take all that I have and all I am.

Your grace is enough for me.

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

L: God with the heart of a parent, you care for the poor, give justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. In your Son Jesus, you have shown us how to give not from our surplus but ourselves. Confound our calculations and change our self-interest into generous sharing.

Through Christ our Lord.

A: Amen.

Blessing

L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.

A: Amen.

L: Go in the peace of Christ.

A: Thanks be to God.

Conclude with a hymn. For instance:

All To Jesus I Surrender

Lord, I Offer You My Life