Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

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

Matthew 5:1-12a How happy are the poor in spirit.

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill.

There he sat down and was joined by his disciples.

Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit;

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:

they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:

they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:

they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:

they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:

they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:

they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you

and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

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)

A messenger from God (Gk angelos = angel) mainly brings good news and makes us feel blessed.

Think of an angel in your life whom you are convinced has been sent by God.
What difference has s/he made in your life? (Share)
When you read the Beatitudes today, which one struck you most strongly?*

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

For Pope Francis, that the Holy Spirit will continue to strengthen him

to be a messenger of love, peace and truth;

and for all the bishops as they continue to explore the themes of Communion, Participation and Mission with their people ahead of the Synod in 2023.

Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer.

In our divided world, we pray that our leaders and all who influence government policy

will see the futility of oppression and conflict

and instead be drawn by God’s generous mercy to lead courageously

and bring forth a more abundant and just life for all citizens.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For ourselves

who have been blessed with God’s unconditional forgiveness of our sins.

that it will lead us to reach out beyond ourselves and share our lives with others.

May we see in the beatitudes the seeds that God has planted in our hearts

and may we strive to make them grow and flourish into a rich harvest.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Oh God who creates, holds and blesses all things:

help us to be alert to the emergencies that human beings have generated.

and help us to respond with creativity and wisdom.

Help us to grow in hope for a blessed and just future.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our young people in schools, in work or seeking work.

Encourage them with hope in trying situations

and comfort them when they are discouraged.

Help them grow and find confidence in themselves,

and pour out your grace and mercy over them when they fall short.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are sick or in pain, mentally or physically,

and feel they are worthless or a burden to others.

We remember all those

who have asked for our prayers on the Prayer Foundation list.

May they be lifted out of their sadness

by the love and compassion of all who care for them.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who have died and those who mourn the loss of those they have loved.

We remember especially Bridie Short, Violet Glancy, Hazel Martin, Margaret McCole (Maggie), Jamie Stenhouse, Yolanda Valente, Norah Gallagher, Pope Benedict.

My they rest in the peace of their Lord.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We will now say 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 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

Matthew 5:13-16 You are the light of the world

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘You are the salt of the earth.

But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again?

It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
‘You are the light of the world.

A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub;

they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house.

In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men,

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

At our baptism a candle was lit from Jesus, the Paschal candle. That light has never gone out. At times in our lives it will have flickered; at other times, its light will have glowed bright. Could we start each day this week by mentally lighting our baptismal candle, placing it close to our heart and asking for the grace to SHINE?!

Who or what has been an important light on our faith journey? (Share)
When you heard the Beatitudes announced today, which one struck you most strongly?*