17th 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 13:44-52  He sells everything he owns and buys the field.


Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’


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)

  1. What in your life right now is most valuable to you? How does God fit into this value? Share.
  2. What would you be willing to “sell,” or do without, in order to achieve your dreams for yourself or your family?*

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

 

We are reminded in today’s Gospel that, hidden deep within each of us, is a treasure in the person of Christ our Lord. Let us pray:-

 

For the church, that Pope Francis, bishops and all church leaders will seek God’s wisdom and guidance. May they lead the church in a way that will help everyone align their hearts with God’s dream of peace, justice, love, mercy and joy for humankind and all of creation.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For world leaders, that, like Solomon of old, they will treasure wisdom above all and not be seduced by the trappings of power. May the Spirit give them a profound understanding that their leadership is an opportunity for service and a way of ensuring the welfare of those they govern.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For the whole of humanity under threat from record heatwaves and extreme weather, that today’s World Tree Day will inspire practical action to deal with climate change. May everyone become active in helping to preserve the beauty and diversity of our world and recognise that, as Christians, we all have responsibilities towards it.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For all children and young people attending World Youth Day in Lisbon this week, that they will encourage one another to follow Jesus ever more closely. May they also be blessed with confidence and creativity as they face a challenging future.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For all the world’s humanitarian agencies, that they will be supported as they bring relief to countless people displaced by war and famine.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For those in our community suffering severe stress from the cost of living pressures, that they will receive the support they need from the local churches working together, from businesses and from all levels of government.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For ourselves, that we will look for the treasure implanted in our hearts and will do whatever we can to grow closer to Christ, recognising that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth more than any material possessions we may have.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For everyone in our community who is sick or suffering, homeless or housebound and all on the Prayer Foundation List, that they will experience the loving touch of Christ in their lives.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

For all who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time and in particular... Mary Ferry, Fr Brendan Forde OFM, Donat Kweka (Tanzania), George Pringle, James O’Donnell, and Mary (Molly) McIver.

May they be united with Jesus, their treasure, and share in His joy forever.

 

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us.

 

We will now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

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 -  18th Sunday  A

      Matthew  17: 1 - 9   His face shone like the sun.


Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus. As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

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)

  1. Recall an experience when your faith in God/Jesus was strengthened through witnessing the example of another person's love in action. God's love "shone through" what s/he did.
  2. Is there a time that you were chosen to witness something amazing? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center