5th Sunday of Easter - Year C
The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.
- The gospel for the day
- Some optional questions for reflection
- Prayers of Intercession
- Cluster Prayer
- The gospel of the week ahead with commentary
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)
Jesus says, “Love one another just as I have loved you.” Perhaps this simple request is the nub of what it means to be a missionary disciple yet begs the question: “How?” One possible answer to that would be along these lines:
- Looking at how Jesus loved people require us to read carefully the New Testament, specifically the gospels – read daily and often reflect with sites such as universalis and pray as you go for example
- Using that knowledge as a basis for prayerfully discerning how we might apply its values in our daily lives - finally
- Putting it into practice: loving one another in whatever way that our Spirit-filled reflections prompt us to act.
- Recall a time when you felt that you had acted lovingly on the prompting of the Spirit and against your own misgivings.
- When have you seen the power of love overcome a bad situation?*
Prayers of Intercession
For Pope Leo, may the Holy Spirit guide him in his service to God, the Church, and to the world, to help him offer a beacon of light and love to those searching for hope, amidst the chaos of our changing planet.
Hear us Risen Lord… Our resurrection and life.
For all who have positions of responsibility in economic, political, and social life, that they be protectors of all creation, and of God’s plan to care for each other, and the natural world.
Hear us Risen Lord… Our resurrection and life.
For a spirit of justice and love in the world and an end to hatred in all areas of conflict. That those in need, the exploited, the abused, and the victims of war, may come to know freedom, relief from oppression, and receive dignity as daughters and sons of God. May the light of reconciliation and peace overwhelm the darkness of destruction.
Hear us Risen Lord… Our resurrection and life.
For refugees seeking a welcome in our country because their own is no longer a place of safety. May we greet them with care and compassion, without prejudice or judgment.
Hear us Risen Lord… Our resurrection and life.
For ourselves that we will be faithful disciples of Jesus, living out His teachings, and sharing His love with all we encounter.
Hear us Risen Lord… Our resurrection and life.
For all struggling with ill health and life’s challenges. May the Holy Spirit give them comfort and a renewed sense of hope from the care of those around them. We include the Prayer Foundation list and continue to hold Father Alex in our hearts.
Hear us Risen Lord… Our resurrection and life.
For all who have died and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. Let us give thanks for the gift of their lives and may they rest in the peace of the Lord. We remember especially – Pope Francis, Patricia Cairney, Gina O’Neill, Carmine De Feo, Eleanor Rowley, Linda Reid, Margaret Hadaway, Gerry Monaghan, Mary McAuley, Sr Christine Triay. May they rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Hear us Risen Lord… Our resurrection and life.
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
Gospel for the day - 5th Sunday of Easter
John 13:31-33a, 34-35 - ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.’
When Judas had gone out from the upper room, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you.
‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.