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:
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.
Reading 1 Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Response You are my inheritance, O Lord!
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.
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:
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