Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

Let us thank God our Father
who has revealed to us
the mysteries of his kingdom.
May the Spirit of wisdom
and understanding be with you all.

Introduction and Litany of Praise

The kingdom of God is near.
It is a treasure beyond price.
Let us open our hearts and minds to receive it. (pause)

Lord Jesus, show us the way to the kingdom:
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the wisdom of the ages:
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the way to everlasting life:
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Option A
Fountain of all wisdom,
in Christ you have revealed your kingdom to us -
a treasure buried in a field,
a pearl of great price.
Grant us the spirit of discernment,
that we may learn to distinguish wisely
between the passing riches of this present world
and the enduring value of your kingdom.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Option B
God of eternal wisdom,
you alone impart the gift of discernment.
Grant us an understanding heart,
that we may value wisely the treasure of your kingdom
and gladly reject all lesser gifts
to acquire the ones you alone can give.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P        God said to Solomon:
          "Ask for what you would like me to give you."
          We now ask God to hear our prayers -
          for the Church, the world, and for ourselves.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, hear our prayer. (Please repeat)

1. That we may use the material gifts necessary for
   our well-being in the proper way and not become
   victims of greed, selfishness and the pursuit of wealth.
   For this we pray:
   
2. For government leaders:
   that they may govern with wisdom
   so that the world may enjoy justice and peace.
   We pray:
   
3. For all those who are over attached to material things:
   that they may see the primary importance
   of the things of the Spirit.
   We pray:
4. For all who seek for meaning and purpose in life:
   that their search will lead them to discover
   the true treasure that is Christ our Lord.
   We pray:

[The Presider may add a Petition that is local / relevant]

P     Heavenly Father, source of all that is good in life,
       help us to use your gifts wisely
       and to rejoice in the treasures of your love.
       We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Sustainer of life,
here are our gifts of bread and wine,
signs of our faith and hope.
May we, in our quest for happiness,
never exchange what is lasting and priceless
for what is passing and cheap.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

In God's kingdom all evil will be removed,
and all our longings will be satisfied.
Let us pray for the coming of that kingdom,
as Jesus has taught us:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us Lord,
from reliance on all things that perish.
In your mercy,
grant us wisdom and understanding
so that we can discern between good and evil,
as we prepare for the coming among us
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles:
"My peace I leave you;
my peace I give you."
Look not on our sins,
but on the faith of your Church,
and grant us the wisdom
to seek always the treasure… the priceless pearl…
the kingdom where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
As children of the one God,
let us offer one another a sign of reconciliation and peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      Eternal Father,
        you invite us to your kingdom of love and compassion.
        May our sharing of this one cup and one bread
        be our pledge to live in your Spirit.
       'For when we eat this bread and drink this wine
       we proclaim the death of the Lord Jesus
       until he comes in glory.
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus, the Lamb of God.
For the gift of his love
we must never exchange what is lasting and priceless
for what is passing and cheap.
Blessed are we who are invited to eat and drink at his table.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   

All holy God,
we thank you for sharing with us the riches of your kingdom.
Hidden in the field of the Scriptures,
hidden under the sign of the eucharistic bread,
and hidden in the assembly gathered here in your name,
we have discovered Jesus your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May God bless you in his mercy;
and may you always treasure God's gift of wisdom. AMEN.

May God strengthen your faith with proofs of his love,
so that you may persevere in good works. AMEN.

May God direct your steps to win the reward,
the pearl of great price. AMEN.

And may our loving God bless you,
+ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN

Dismissal     

Our Mass is ended.
Go, seek the kingdom of God,
and everything else will be given to you.
Thanks be to God.