Third Sunday 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

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.

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)

This gospel and last week's differ somewhat about 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...

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

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession


We are called to be witnesses to Christ. We do this by our actions and our words towards others. We need to leave our past ways behind and to follow Jesus; we have to take people more seriously than things. God’s love reaches out to us. He cares for us, loves us, and has compassion for us. He forgives.


For Pope Francis, the clergy, religious and the whole church – may we work together in our calling to be faithful witnesses.

Lord in your mercy.  Hear our prayer.


We pray for political leaders that they may be blessed with wisdom to make difficult decisions in a just and fair way 

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For vocations to the priesthood and religious life. May the Holy Spirit guide the hearts and minds of those called by the Lord and give them courage to commit their lives to the service of others.         

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For all those in war torn countries that they receive the international aid to find resolutions to end conflict and the bloodshed.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For the sick, elderly, housebound and all those on the Prayer Foundation list and for all doctors, nurses and carers that they will receive comfort and strength from God’s healing power.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For all those who have died recently…Lorraine Sherlock, Annie Ogden, Stevie Donald, Helen Thompson & Gillian Hawkins …And those whose anniversaries occur at this time - may Christ draw them to a new life and fullness of redemption in the heavenly kingdom.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


Let us now say together our 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 -  Fourth Sunday B

      Mark 1:21-28   He taught them with authority.


Jesus and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

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


The gospel speaks to every age and generation but the message has to come through the culture and language of that audience. The people heard something "new" - yet Jesus was explaining their own scriptures - but speaking with authority.

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

  1. Who are the authentic Christian teachers of your generation and what have you learned from them? (Share)
  2. What can you tell others about Jesus with the most assurance? *

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center