3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time  - Year C

Gospel for the day - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled.’

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.


At that time: Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.


And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll, and found the place where it was written,


‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives

and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’


And he rolled up the scroll, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

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)

With Christmastide over, we are beginning to read the story of Jesus in Cycle C: St Luke’s gospel. Today’s reading contains the opening sentence of the gospel and follows it with a reference to Isaiah which summarises Luke’s “take” on Jesus’ mission – “…to bring the good news to the poor.” As we follow Luke’s gospel each week, look out for how this message unfolds – right from mere shepherds being told of a child born in a manger to a criminal’s eternal reward as he hangs on a cross next to Jesus.


  1. Watch the video which introduces the Gospel of Luke (8 mins). What did you learn that will help you as you follow the readings in Cycle C?
  2. What do you believe that the anointing you received at baptism requires you to do?*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession


For the Church and Church leaders as we all proclaim glad tidings to the poor and proclaim liberty to captives that we may all be blessed in continuing the mission that Jesus preached.

Lord in your mercy ...


For world leaders that they will renounce violence and make the world a place of peace and justice for all people.

Lord in your mercy ...


For the poor and downtrodden in our community that they may come to know the Good News of Jesus Christ through our care and support and concern for them.

Lord in your mercy ...


For parish communities that we show those around us the goodness and compassion of God through our words and actions.

Lord in your mercy ...


We pray for all those who are sick in mind, body or soul that they will receive strength and courage from the Holy Spirit. We pray also for all those on the prayer foundation list especially Fr Alex, Fr Mike & Fr Nick.

Lord in your mercy ...


We pray that the Holy Spirit will endow our cluster parishioners with the gifts of knowledge and understanding and the fruits of love and patience as the parishioners of St. Gregory’s face difficult and uncertain times.

Lord in your mercy ...


We pray for all those who have died and for all those who mourn loved ones.

We pray especially for Leonardo Rodriguez, Andrew Muldoon, Peter O’Connor, Elizabeth Reynolds, Josie Marino Perry, George Lynch, Doreen Lamb and Marie Purden. Who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they rest in peace.

Lord in your mercy ...



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 -  The Presentation of the Lord

Luke 2:22-40 ‘The child grew, filled with wisdom.’


When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons’.


Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,


‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.’


And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed — and a sword will pierce through your own soul also — so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’


And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the Temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.


And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him.


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


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Both Simeon and Anna were prophets of hope – not the “airy-fairy” type of hope that sits back with fingers crossed. Their hope was the type that is well aware of the challenges ahead but shows the determination and the resilience of those who wait in hope for their Lord to come among them.

1.    Christian hope is often represented as an anchor – something that keeps us stable and grounded amidst the storms of life. What are the “storms” in your life at present and how will you face them? (Share in your group)

2.    Adults: What does it mean to be a light that shows others, whether Christian or not, God’s love?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center