13th Sunday A

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

The gospel for the day
Some optional questions for reflection
Prayers of Intercession
Cluster Prayer
The gospel of the week ahead with questions

Matthew 10: 37-42 Anyone who does not take his cross is not worthy of me.

Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me.

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.
‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.
‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Our lives are full of compromises - with spouse/partner; children; friends; workmates etc.

Often it means we seek to balance out the pros and cons for them and us as best we can...

Today's gospel is both simple and stark: there are times we need to stand up and be counted:

a straightforward test of what we really believe in - of whom we really believe in.

Was there ever a time when your values threatened (wider) family relationships? Share.
When have you felt more fully alive by giving of yourself to another?*

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of the value of giving a cup of cold water to one of his disciples. Jesus holds up this small act of kindness as one in which, when we lose ourselves for others and welcome them, we gain eternal significance with God.

May we see and welcome Jesus in one another, even in the least of our brothers and sisters.

Lord in your mercy……hear our prayer

For all Church leaders that they may lead the People of God entrusted to them with courage and humility. May the Holy Spirit fortify them, and all the baptized with hope. May she inspire them to give united witness to their faith as Christians ‘alive for God in Jesus Christ’.

Lord in your mercy….hear our prayer

For peace in our homes, families and in our world, especially in Ukraine and Sudan: that nations torn apart by the ravages of war and conflict may finally experience peace and justice.

Lord in your mercy…..hear our prayer

For our country and parish communities: that we offer hospitality and welcome to all who come seeking refuge, security, safety and sanctuary.

Lord in your mercy.. hear our prayer

For families facing rising costs, job insecurities, and limited resources, as the long school holidays begin. Bless them with your protection and care over these coming months. May their needs be at the forefront of government policies so they can live and grow in safety. May the minds and hearts of our children continue to be open to the wonder of your creation and the joy of new possibilities.

Lord in your mercy…..hear our prayer

For all who those who bear the cross of illness, isolation, loneliness, bereavement or the fragility of old age, and all on the Prayer Foundation list. Lighten their burdens by the hands of generosity, compassion, understanding and patience.

Lord in your mercy……hear our prayer

For those who have died. We give thanks for the gift of their lives.

Especially we remember George Pringle, Mary (Molly) McIver, Peter Mullen, Veronica Lothian, Grace Kay, and Carole Gilmour.

Lord in your mercy……..hear our prayer

We will now say the Missionary Prayer together.

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 - 14th Sunday A

Matthew 11:25-30
You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children.

Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

In the field, a pair of animals would be yoked together but one would be stronger than the other.

The stronger one would take the strain off the weaker one but it would not be obvious.

Accepting the yoke of Jesus is the hard part - we prefer to be in control (but we never are...)

Recall a time in your life when you found peace by turning a certain "burden" over to Jesus. Share.
When has Jesus refreshed you when you felt burdened by problems?*