Gospel for the day - 32nd Sunday B

Mark 12:38-44 'This poor widow has put in more than all.'

A large crowd was listening to Jesus gladly. As he taught them, he said, "Watch out for the teachers of the Law, who like to walk around in their long robes and be greeted with respect in the market-place, who choose the reserved seats in the synagogues and the best places at feasts. They take advantage of widows and rob them of their homes, and then make a show of saying long prayers. Their punishment will be all the worse!"

As Jesus sat near the temple treasury, he watched the people as they dropped in their money. Many rich men dropped in a lot of money; then a poor widow came along and dropped in two little copper coins, worth about a penny. He called his disciples together and said to them, "I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she had-she gave all she had to live on."

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 widow effectively carries out the request made by Jesus to the rich young man: "Give away all you have... " What will she live on if she has nothing? She trusts that God will provide.

Authentic faith arises from a transformation of our mind and heart towards God that does not know how it will end.


  1. When did you trust someone enough to do something for them - not knowing whether it would turn out good or bad? What happened?
  2. What are you willing to give out of love for God that would be a hardship for you?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession

For leaders, governments and people throughout the world that they will have a greater understanding and appreciation of the wonderful ecosystem which our loving Creator God has bestowed on us and a strong commitment to protect and preserve our beautiful planet for this and future generations.
Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

 

Today is the World Science Day for Peace and Development. We thank God for the inventive genius bestowed on so many in research and development and pray that the work of our scientists be for the betterment of our world rather than for its destruction.
Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

 

For all members of the armed forces who face danger on a daily basis and for all who suffer as a result of conflict. May all nations work towards reconciliation and peace. Grant us peace in our hearts, in our community, our country and our world.
Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

 

For peace-makers and peace-keepers, who seek to keep this world secure and free.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

 

For ourselves and all who seek to follow Christ: that we may do so with humility, gentleness and integrity of heart, so that the love of God may shine forth in our lives in all we say and do.
Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

 

For all our young people: may they grow strong in mind and body, and stay free from harmful influences. May the younger members of our families and communities grow strong in faith, wisdom and health.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

 

For all who are sick or distressed, lonely or abused: that God may be their rock and their refuge, keeping them in safety. We remember especially those named by the Prayer Foundation.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer


For all who have died. Fr. Eugen, Fr. Gordon Brown, Jean Harvey, Mary McFadden, Carolyn Fraser & Paul Devine. We remember especially those who have lost their lives through war or violence, may they enjoy eternal salvation
Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer

 

We will now say together the prayer to be 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 -  33rd Sunday B

Mark 13:24-32 'He will gather his chosen from the four winds.'

"In the days after that time of trouble the sun will grow dark, the moon will no longer shine, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in space will be driven from their courses. Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in the clouds with great power and glory. He will send the angels out to the four corners of the earth to gather God's chosen people from one end of the world to the other.

"Let the fig-tree teach you a lesson. When its branches become green and tender and it starts putting out leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to begin. Remember that all these things will happen before the people now living have all died. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

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

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


If you had a terminal illness with a clear end time - and survived it, how would you live those extra days?

Every day of our life is gift; every dawn a new beginning; resurrection is as obvious and unnoticed as our breathing.


  1. As you look in the mirror first thing in the morning (or as you open your eyes) compose a short prayer of thanks for the day that lies ahead. Make a different prayer each day for a week. Share how you get on.
  2. What would you be doing differently in your life if you truly believed you would meet Christ soon?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center