16th Sunday C

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

  • The gospel for the day
    (a useful commentary on the reading         here
  • Some optional questions for reflection
  • Prayers of Intercession
  • Cluster Prayer
  • The gospel of the week ahead with questions

Luke 10: 38-42 Martha welcomed Jesus into her house.

Mary has chosen the better part.


Jesus came to a village,

and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.

She had a sister called Mary,

who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking.

Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said,

‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me

to do the serving all by myself?

Please tell her to help me.’

But the Lord answered:

‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things,

and yet few are needed, indeed only one.

It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

 
This is the gospel of the Lord

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

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

I'm sure many will sympathise with poor Martha - run off her feet while Mary sits and listens to Jesus...

Modern living requires us to be a bit of both - that includes the Martins and Matthews as well!

Prayer, the reading of scripture and reflection are the perfect antidote to washing, cleaning and cooking.

Being at peace in the presence of Jesus gives us the energy to work with him in everything else.

  1. Share your efforts at juggling your work, home and "quiet" times. How have you managed it?
  2. Which response to God's call is more natural to you—prayer or action? Why?

Prayers of Intercession



For Pope Francis that, like Abraham, he will be faithful to his calling. May he continue to encourage the faithful to pray for eco-conversion in our congregations, renewal of the church and reconciliation in the world. May he receive wisdom when engaging in dialogue with other faith leaders.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For the church, that Christian communities everywhere will be places of hospitality, where the stranger is welcomed and everyone will find peaceful havens of healing and hope.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For all the organisations working tirelessly to bring relief and comfort to those who are suffering in areas of conflict, and for countries generously welcoming refugees. May all humanitarian actions bring a message of hope to everyone who is in the midst of darkness.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For our governments, that those in positions of authority will endeavour to keep the promises they originally made, and may all parties unite over global issues of climate crisis, poverty and the continuing effects of the pandemic.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For everyone engaged in the hospitality industry who have, in their own right, the opportunity to create a space, where people can find refreshment, develop relationships and feel welcomed.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For ourselves, that we will, like Mary, spend time in the presence of Jesus through prayer and contemplation, knowing that when we abide in Christ, we will be transformed and empowered by Him, into a life of compassionate service, guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For all who are ill in hospital or at home and all those on the Prayer Foundation list. May they experience the healing touch of God through those who care for them.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.


For those who have died and all whose anniversaries occur at this time, especially Stephen Clarke, Pat Mulvenna and Ronnie Carruthers.

May they be welcomed into the fullness of life and joy with God, their Creator.

 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples

Picture of Jesus at door

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 -  17th Sunday of the Year C

Luke 11: 1-13   Ask, and it will be given to you.


Once Jesus was in a certain place praying,

and when he had finished one of his disciples said,

‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’
He said to them, ‘Say this when you pray:

‘“Father, may your name be held holy,
your kingdom come;
give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us.
And do not put us to the test.”’

He also said to them:
‘Suppose one of you has a friend

and goes to him in the middle of the night to say,

“My friend, lend me three loaves,

because a friend of mine on his travels has just arrived at my house

and I have nothing to offer him”;

and the man answers from inside the house,

“Do not bother me. The door is bolted now, and my children and I are in bed;

I cannot get up to give it you.”

I tell you, if the man does not get up and give it him for friendship’s sake,

persistence will be enough to make him get up

and give his friend all he wants.

‘So I say to you:

Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find;

knock, and the door will be opened to you.

For the one who asks always receives;

the one who searches always finds;

the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him.

What father among you would hand his son a stone

when he asked for bread?

Or hand him a snake instead of a fish?

Or hand him a scorpion if he asked for an egg?

If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good,

how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit

to those who ask him!’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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)

If we are truly daughters and sons of God then God is most certainly our parent.

All words describing God are metaphors (Father, King etc) because they fall short of who God really is...

"Ask, seek, knock..." says Jesus and you will find a most loving Parent in your presence...

  1. How have your personal prayers to God changed over the years?
    Has your image of God changed since your youth?
  2. Have your most recent prayers been prayers of praise, petition, or sorrow?
    Which kind of prayer do you need to practise more often?