30th Sunday A

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

Matthew 22: 34-40 The commandments of love.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’

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)

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob gave Moses the Law - but a law to be delivered with compassion and mercy as we hear in the first reading from Exodus.

This is the same God-in-Jesus whose love transfigured the Law and conquered even death itself.

Who/what helps you stay centred on what really counts in life?
In a practical sense, what is one thing that would change in your life if you loved your
neighbour as yourself? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

As the Synod has drawn to a close, may those who attended be open to new possibilities. May they be mindful of Pope Francis’s words, that God is not afraid of new things and constantly surprises us, opening our hearts and guiding us in unexpected ways.

Lord in your mercy….Hear our prayer

For the innocent victims of war in the Palestine and Israeli territories, who are being dehumanised by violence. May there be an end to hatred in all parts of the world where there is suffering and bloodshed.

Lord in your mercy…..Hear our prayer

For true leadership from those in positions of power and influence, both nationally and internationally, that they seek wisdom and understanding to help build a world of justice and peace.

Lord in your mercy….Hear our prayer

For those affected by the recent storms and for all around the world who are at frequent risk from drought and floods. May this help to make us more aware of the need to safeguard God's creation for future generations.

Lord in your mercy……Hear our prayer

For ourselves, that we will be touched by the spirit of love for our neighbours near and far, and that our children grow to be shining examples of the life giving power of love in their daily lives.

Lord in your mercy……Hear our prayer

For all who are in pain in mind or body. May they be treated with love and compassion by everyone who cares for them. We include all on the prayer foundation list.

Lord in your mercy…..Hear our prayer

For those who have died and all who mourn their loss and in particular Mary Deane, Jennifer McGeever, Tony Cuthill, and Eileen Floyd.

May they rest in the peace of the Lord.

Lord in your mercy……Hear our prayer

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

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 - 31st Sunday A

Matthew 23: 1-12 They do not practise what they preach.

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.
‘You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

How does contemporary Christianity with its rules, rituals and robes of office compare to this gospel message? Vatican 2 called for a return to the sources: the Bible and the early Church Fathers.

Evangelisation (the gospel through action) is the discerning task of the entire People of God and that is why a continuous reading and reflecting on the Scriptures is the food for our faith journey.

Imagine a scene over coffee with a friend: "You know I read the gospel (and discuss it with a small group of people). Actually, I find it very helpful [choose your own word] in my daily life. We should try it sometime. What do you think?"
Is there an area of your life in which you sometimes feel like a hypocrite? *