Gospel for the day - 23rd Sunday B

Mark 7:31-37 'He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.


Jesus then left the neighbourhood of Tyre and went on through Sidon to Lake Galilee, going by way of the territory of the Ten Towns. Some people brought him a man who was deaf and could hardly speak, and they begged Jesus to place his hands on him. So Jesus took him off alone, away from the crowd, put his fingers in the man's ears, spat, and touched the man's tongue. Then Jesus looked up to heaven, gave a deep groan, and said to the man, "Ephphatha," which means, "Open up!"

At once the man was able to hear, his speech impediment was removed, and he began to talk without any trouble. Then Jesus ordered the people not to speak of it to anyone; but the more he ordered them not to, the more they spoke. And all who heard were completely amazed. "How well he does everything!" they exclaimed. "He even causes the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak!".


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)

The Decapolis region is a good bit north of Galilee. Jesus is among strangers when he heals a deaf and dumb man in private with the words, “Be opened” and the words reverberate around the whole region. They recognise how special Jesus is… Such a contrast between open-minded strangers and the recent antagonism from his own people…


  1. Do you see yourself as close-minded in anything?
  2. Who/what irritates you about other people’s beliefs?
  3. When has your faith in Jesus enabled you to speak out on an issue of importance?*



 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercessioner


For the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, led by Pope Frances, may he, bishops and all leaders make no distinction between people and inspire us all to live in harmony with those who appear different from us.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

 

For our troubled war-torn world, that its leaders will always model the mercy and compassion of God in the ways they treat their people. May God inspire religious and political leaders to seek dialogue and peace instead of dominance and confrontation.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


During this Season of Creation, may we recognize the imperative to be stewards, not masters and exploiters of God’s creation; to use and share its resources, its beauty and abundance justly and sustainably, for all people and future generations to enjoy and benefit. May the SEECAT Pilgrimage Walk on 21st September to commemorate the Season of Creation be supported and fruitful.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

 

For all whose eyes are closed to the possibility of seeing Christ in others, that they may look at the world, and our faith communities locally, in a new way and welcome difference, just as Jesus did.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

 

For our cluster parishes, as the move towards a Cluster Pastoral Council continues. May the wisdom, discernment, and vision, of the Holy Spirit guide Fr Alex’s decision making.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

 

For ourselves, that, as missionary disciples, our ears may be open to receive your word and our mouths to proclaim our faith.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

 

For all who are sick or suffering, burdened or bereaved.  May they experience God’s healing presence in their pain. We remember all 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.

Especially Mary Dias, Cath Porteous, Aneta Macaulay, Oscar and Charlie Burns. May the Lord welcome them into everlasting life.

May they rest in the peace of the Lord.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

 

 

We will now say the Prayer to become missionary disciples.

Cluster prayer

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 -  24th Sunday B

Mark 8:27-35  'You are the Christ. The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously.'

Then Jesus and his disciples went away to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them "Tell me, who do people say I am?"
"Some say that you are John the Baptist," they answered; "others say that you are Elijah, while others say that you are one of the prophets."
"What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."
Then Jesus ordered them, "Do not tell anyone about me."

Then Jesus began to teach his disciples: "The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law.
He will be put to death, but three days later he will rise to life." He made this very clear to them. So Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But Jesus turned round, looked at his disciples, and rebuked Peter. "Get away from me, Satan," he said. "Your thoughts don't come from God but from man!"

Then Jesus called the crowd and his disciples to him. "If anyone wants to come with me," he told them, "he must forget self, carry his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.


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

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Jesus tells his disciples openly about his rejection, suffering, death and resurrection. Peter has "a quiet word" but is told in no uncertain terms that his thinking is not God's - despite it's apparent "wisdom".


  1. There can be no "resurrection" without a form of death. Recall such an experience in your life.*



 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center