31st 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 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.

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)

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 of 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? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

For Pope Francis, our true Servant - Leader, as he asks us to continue praying ’for those who suffer and to hope for paths of peace in Palestine and Israeli territories, in tormented Ukraine and in all other regions wounded by war'.

Lord in your mercy….Hear our prayer.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns against following the example of the Pharisees, who were spoiled by the vice of pride and so sought earthly glory for themselves instead of giving glory and thanks to God. He teaches us that to be great we must first be humble servants.

For those in positions of power and influence, may they exercise authentic servant- leadership, towards building a just and peaceful world.

Lord in your mercy…..Hear our prayer.

Since we celebrated All Saints Day this week, may we be guided by the saints, past and present and dedicate ourselves to our faith in their honour. Help us to lead lives that inspire and encourage those around us through our witness. May our true faith shine through in our actions, our care for one another and in our commitment to living by the values we profess.

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 all who are alone and suffering with terminal illness, in hospital or in hospice care, that they might experience the love of Jesus through their compassionate carers and that their suffering might ease. We include all on the prayer foundation list.

Lord in your mercy…..Hear our prayer.

As we mark the commemoration of all the Faithful Departed this month, may we remember those who have died recently and all who mourn their loss, in particular…Mary Deane, Tony Cuthill, Jennifer McGeever and Grace Cooney.

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 - 32nd Sunday A

Matthew 25: 1-13 The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.

Jesus told this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like this: Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible: the foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil, whereas the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their lamps. The bridegroom was late, and they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight there was a cry, “The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.”

At this, all those bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, “Give us some of your oil: our lamps are going out.” But they replied, “There may not be enough for us and for you; you had better go to those who sell it and buy some for yourselves.” They had gone off to buy it when the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall and the door was closed. The other bridesmaids arrived later. “Lord, Lord,” they said “open the door for us.” But he replied, “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.” So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

The bridegroom is here and asking us to accompany Him to the feast - the Eucharist.

So many don't go properly prepared for the feast. It's the same old same old every week.

The "oil in our lamp" provides the light by which we see how we walk with the bridegroom.

What/who would be the "oil in your lamp" to help you walk with Jesus on your faith journey?
We meet Christ sometimes when we least expect it.
How can you be ready to see him in all the ways he is present? *