The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.
Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep.
‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me
and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well.They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd.
‘The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again; and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’
This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings
Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see
www.universalis.com.
Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.
Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved
Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us. cluster.alpha@outlook.com
We often forget that we are all shepherds not just those of us who are ordained.
How many in our community do we know by name? How many do we confide in?
Maybe time to hit the teas/coffees after Mass and enlarge our "flock"!
* All second questions
© The Pastoral Center
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus brings us the gifts of reconciliation, and unconditional love for all.Throughout his ministry, Jesus as Good Shepherd, brought life and hope to those who followed him. On this day of Prayer for Vocations, may we all be willing and able to fulfil our own vocation, by listening to, and following where the Good Shepherd leads us.
He is Risen…..Our resurrection and life
For all who lead us in faith. May they receive the grace of joy and integrity in their quest for truth and justice. May all who feel distant from the presence of God encounter God through the witness of faith communities.
He is Risen…..Our resurrection and life
For the leaders of nations, and those who we trust to make us safe and guard freedom for all..freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. May they honour these freedoms by being good shepherds to the most vulnerable amongst us and good stewards to our common home.
He is Risen…..Our resurrection and life
For all the unresolved conflicts around the world and in particular the escalating situation in the Middle East. For those whom the conflicts have left without homes and food, who live in fear, and desperately need aid. For those who consider violence the way forward. May their hearts be softened by our prayers and may those in power say’ enough’
He is Risen…..Our resurrection and life
For ourselves, that, through our relationship with the Risen Lord, we will experience God’s unconditional love and in turn love all our neighbours, near and far, without prejudice or judgment.
He is Risen…..Our resurrection and life
For anyone suffering, isolated, or vulnerable. May their caregivers support them, and may they, and all on the prayer foundation list, find comfort in the midst of their challenges.
He is Risen…..Our resurrection and life
For all who have died… Maria Lucaci (Fr Eugen’s Mum), William Young, Sr Margaret Service, Fr Andrew Monaghan, Kathleen Coyle, Paddy Brock and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. We give thanks for the gift of their lives.
He is Risen…..Our resurrection and life
Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.
Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN
Preparing for next week - Fifth Sunday of Easter B
John 15:1-8 I am the vine, you are the branches
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes to make it bear even more.
You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty;
for cut off from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers;
these branches are collected and thrown on the fire, and they are burnt.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get it.
It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.’
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Commentary on the readings
Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see
www.universalis.com.
Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.
Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved
Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)
A vine is either fruitful or not: rarely will there be fruitful and unfruitful branches on the one vine.
The imagery implies a symbiotic union between Jesus and his followers and between all the ‘branches’.
'Being fruitful' is a communal rather than a personal mission, with Jesus as our sap.
1. How clearly do you see the need for close co-operation between yourself and others in your community in building up the Body of Christ?
2. When have you been “pruned” by your experiences in a way that led to greater abundance? *
* All second questions
© The Pastoral Center
Copyright 2024 © South Edinburgh Cluster. All rights reserved Parishes of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh
Registered Charity N0: SC00854