Seventh 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: 38-48 Love your enemies

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.

But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance.

On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well;

if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him.

Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.

‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy.

But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you;

in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven,

for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good,

and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike.

For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit?

Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not?

And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional?

Even the pagans do as much, do they not?

You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

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)

All laws are based on the need for justice but Jesus wants more than justice.

To be in Kinship with God is to live with love, compassion and forgiveness.

Impossible for us to achieve? Yes (by ourselves) and No (by God's power)

When did you have (or not have) the courage to go the extra mile? What did you learn from this?
What is the point of “turning the other cheek” in an argument, and why is it so hard to do?*

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

As we begin our Lenten journey this week, we are reminded ,in the scripture readings ,that Jesus asks us to live lives of love ,compassion and forgiveness.

He responded to the injustices of his time out of love and not fear and without blame.

We pray for world leaders that the Spirit may guide them to speak out for what is right and take just action to build a better future for all of Gods creation.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

For all the organisations in Turkey and Syria working tirelessly to bring relief and comfort to those suffering from the devastating effects of the earthquake.

May all the humanitarian action bring hope to those who are in the midst of darkness, and may we stand in solidarity with them, through our prayers and generosity.

Lord in your mercy Hear our Prayer

For the people of Ukraine and Russia as this week sees the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As the violence continues we hold in our hearts those involved in the European Peace Movement and Pope Francis

as he offers to do everything possible to mediate and put an end to the conflict.

May we dare to believe that a just peace is possible

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

For God’s blessing on the Alpha group as they come together for their retreat day next Saturday. May they experience the spirit moving amongst them to enrich their lives.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

For our parish community, that, the time we spend with God in prayer , helps us to do what is right, to love mercy ,and to walk humbly with our God throughout Lent, reaching out to others in our turn ,so no one need feel forgotten or lonely.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

For those in pain, physically or emotionally that they experience God’s healing touch through those who care for them.

We also remember in love those on the prayer foundation list.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

For those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries fall at this time.

We give thanks for the gift of their lives.

For Rebecca, Evelyn Jamieson, Betty Dickinson and Pauline Howie.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

We will now say the Missionary Prayer together.

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 in Lent A

Matthew 4: 1-11 The temptation in the wilderness

Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry,

and the tempter came and said to him,

‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.’

But he replied, ‘Scripture says:
Man does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

The devil then took him to the holy city

and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple.

‘If you are the Son of God’ he said ‘throw yourself down; for scripture says:
He will put you in his angels’ charge,
and they will support you on their hands
in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’
Jesus said to him, ‘Scripture also says:
You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Next, taking him to a very high mountain,

the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour.

‘I will give you all these’ he said, ‘if you fall at my feet and worship me.’

Then Jesus replied, ‘Be off, Satan! For scripture says:
You must worship the Lord your God,
and serve him alone.’
Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Some believe that Jesus had to come because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve - God's Plan B...

Yet it's possible to see Jesus as part of God's self-revelation which began with the creation of the universe.

The essence of God is relationship between persons - and God says "Come join us in eternal love."

Like Adam and Eve we are tempted and we fall short, but all is not lost. Jesus is the proof of that.

Recall an experience when you had to trust someone without any assurance. (Share in your group)
What helpful advice could you offer someone faced with a temptation?*