22nd 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 14: 1, 7-14    Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,

and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.

On a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal

to the house of one of the leading Pharisees;

and they watched him closely.

He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed

how they picked the places of honour.

He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast,

do not take your seat in the place of honour.

A more distinguished person than you may have been invited,

and the person who invited you both may come and say,

“Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment,

you would have to go and take the lowest place.

No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there,

so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.”

In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,

and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

Then he said to his host,

‘When you give a lunch or a dinner,

do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours,

for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return.

No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;

that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate,

because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’
 
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

Prayers of Intercession

In our readings, we hear God's invitation to be humble in our daily life and to be generous givers. 

- We pray for Pope Francis, who strives to show us how to be humble and generous to others, that his efforts would not be in vain and that they would bear fruit in our care and concern for each other.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

- For those in our governments that they, too, would be concerned with the good of the people and not their own political gain. When promises are being made to do so much, let us pray that these promises will be made a reality, and those on the margins and struggling with life will receive the help they need.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

- We remember very especially this weekend, Sr Mary Steedman,who humbly and generously gave loving service to St Catherine's for many years as the pastoral assistant. Her compassion and care endeared her to many in the cluster, who will never forget her fidelity and commitment. As we celebrate her memory, may we live out the legacy she left.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

- For all young people, especially those searching for their path in life after receiving their exam results. May they find ways to develop their skills and become fully alive and vibrant members of their community. We pray especially for those families who are grieving the loss of their children brutally taken from them in violent ways. May God give them the strength and courage they need at this time. 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

- For all who are ill or suffering in mind, body or spirit, may they know their community's care, love and support as they struggle to live each day as it comes. May we reach out to them in humble service and give generously of our time and support. We remember especially all those mentioned in the Prayer Foundation.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

- For those who have died and gone before us – may they know God's eternal love as they are held in his loving embrace.

We remember especially: Raymond Jacobs, Jim Healy, Michael Rodgers, Jim O'Donnell, and Alex Cameron.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We will now say our cluster prayer.

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples