Sixth Sunday B

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

The gospel for the day with commentary and questions
Some optional questions for reflection
Prayers of Intercession
Cluster Prayer
The gospel of the week ahead with commentary and questions

Mark 1:40-45 The leprosy left the man at once, and he was cured.

A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: ‘If you want to’ he said ‘you can cure me.’ Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. ‘Of course I want to!’ he said. ‘Be cured!’ And the leprosy left him at once and he was cured. Jesus immediately sent him away and sternly ordered him, ‘Mind you say nothing to anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest, and make the offering for your healing prescribed by Moses as evidence of your recovery.’ The man went away, but then started talking about it freely and telling the story everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer go openly into any town, but had to stay outside in places where nobody lived. Even so, people from all around would come to him.

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings

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)

Imagine a doctor saying, "Your cancer is completely gone - but don't tell anyone..."

Jesus is well aware that "outcasts" such as the leper will hear his message as Good News but the religious/secular authorities will see a threat in his call for radical change.

It might seem to take a mixture of courage and cunning to be a missionary disciple - a lamb among wolves... What advice can you give each other about this? (Share)
Would you have the courage to tell others to do as you do in order to be a Christian?
Why or why not? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

As we start the season of Lent we ask our heavenly Father to equip and inspire our faith communities and our leaders to humbly live by example, showing how God can transform our lives from fear and self preservation, to life-giving love. We pray especially for Pope Francis, that the Lord will protect, inspire and refresh him this Lent.

Lord Hear us.

Lord graciously hear us.

We ask that our Lord speak into the hearts of our leaders that they will seek God’s life giving wisdom in making decisions about the economy, health care and justice. We pray that the voices of the most vulnerable will be heard and decisions made that will give hope and dignity to all.

Lord Hear us.

Lord graciously hear us.

As Jesus entered the wilderness , trusting in his Father and in his Word, may we seek to trust In God’s promises when facing our own temptations and difficulties . May we be bearers of hope in a world convulsed by war, degraded environments and poverty. Guide us to make life-giving choices this Lent.

Lord Hear us.

Lord graciously hear us.

We bring before our heavenly Father , the Father of all creation, those who are suffering from the effects of war and conflict, we ask for wisdom and compassion to know how to act to alleviate suffering and how to bring about peace. We remember the conflicts in Gaza, Israel and Lebanon , The Ukraine , in Yemen, in Nigeria , Sudan, Somalia, The Congo and Latin America.

Lord Hear us.

Lord graciously hear us.

We bring before our Lord and our Lady those who are unwell in mind, body or spirit , that they and those who care for them will know God’s peace and strength especially as they await surgery or test results. We remember especially those named by the Prayer Foundation.

For those in our parishes, communities and families who have passed away recently and those whose anniversaries are at this time , that they will rest in peace in the love of God. We ask that their loved ones be comforted by God’s Holy Spirit. We remember especially ... and those named by the Prayer Foundation

Lord in your Mercy

Hear our prayer.

For our loved ones who have died and those who mourn their loss, especially Anthony Lawson, Frances Friel and Liz Milne. Grant them eternal rest.

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 - First Sunday of Lent B

Mark 1:12-15 Jesus was tempted by Satan, and the angels looked after him.

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him. 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.’

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

"Repent" seems at times a negative and unhelpful way of talking. It doesn't suggest any course of action. Jesus' words were more positive and encouraging: "change your mindset - change your way of living by listening to what I'm telling you."

Decide on some small change in your life which is positive, achievable and strengthens your relationship with God. Review it on each Sunday in Lent. (Share)
When or how could you step away from your daily responsibilities to renew yourself, so that you can do a better job of following in the footsteps of Jesus? *