Second Sunday Lent B

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

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

John 1:35-42 'We have found the Messiah.'

As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God.’ Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi,’ – which means Teacher – ‘where do you live?’ ‘Come and see’ he replied; so they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour.One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ – which means the Christ – and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas’ – meaning Rock.

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)

As we too are disciples following Jesus, imagine a scene where Jesus turns round and asks the same question: "What are you looking for?"

It might be worth reflecting on our answer to that question as we start the new year.

Spend some time this week reflecting on what you are looking for: from yourself, from your community and from the wider church. Share it with your group.
What qualities do you have that would cause others to recognize you as a disciple of Jesus? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

In today’s Gospel, during Jesus’ prayer experience on the mountain, he is visibly changed and identified as the son of God. He continued to transform many lives during his ministry on his road to Jerusalem.

May we remain open to the power of God’s love to transform our lives and the lives of those we encounter and enable us to travel with hope on our journey through life.”

Lord in your mercy…..

Hear our prayer.

For Pope Francis and all religious leaders. May they continue to inspire many to join them in praying to find resolutions to all the conflicts which divide communities and countries across the world.

Lord in your mercy….

Hear our Prayer.

For world leaders and diplomats, that they will find the courage to work together to speak out for justice and equality and safeguard all of God’s creation.

Lord in your mercy….

Hear our Prayer.

For the millions of people trapped in situations of warfare and violence. May God raise up the peacemakers to carry hope into places which seem hopeless.

Lord in your mercy….

Hear our Prayer.

For those in our communities struggling against difficulties, seen and unseen by people around them, and for those who feel defeated by life. May they find compassionate understanding as they face their unique challenges.

Lord in your mercy…

Hear our Prayer.

For all who are sick, physically or emotionally. May they be comforted and supported by warm hearted care givers. We remember those on the Prayer Foundation list.

Lord in your mercy…

Hear our Prayer.

For those who have recently died and all who mourn the loss of those they have loved. May they be held in the peace of the Lord.

We remember

…

Lord in your mercy…

Hear our Prayer.

Let us now say the missionary prayer together.

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 - Third Sunday B

Mark 1:14-20 Repent and believe the Good News.

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’
As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

This gospel and last week's differ somewhat in the calling of the disciples, but what is clear is the nature of that call. It is a personal invitation by Jesus to change their mindset, their way of life and live the gospel. They got there in the end - and so can we...

When did you find it necessary to leave someone or something behind in order to make a change in your life?
What part of your life is Jesus calling you to change right now? *