Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

The grace and peace from God our Father
And the Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. (1 Cor. 1.3).

Introduction and Litany of Praise

Option A
One of the most popular songs in recent years is:
"I did it my way."
We all like to do things 'my way'!
In today's Gospel Jesus says:
'No, if you want to have life, you do it MY way'.


Option B
Today's Gospel reminds that we should
not always look for the easy way.
Jesus challenges us to take up our cross
daily and to follow him.. (pause)

Lord Jesus, you resolutely took the way to Jerusalem,
To suffer and die for us:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you were tempted by Satan
to abandon the cross:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you were obedient unto death,
and so the Father gave you a name which
is above every other name:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Option A
O God,
whose word burns like a fire within us,
grant us a bold and faithful spirit,
that in your strength we may be unafraid
to speak your word
and follow you where you lead.
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
Not by power and popularity, O God,
but in suffering and self-sacrifice
did Jesus show us the cost of discipleship.
As disciples of Jesus
may we learn how to deny ourselves,
take up our cross
and follow in his footsteps.
We ask this through the same 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        As we lift up our hands in prayer,
          we trust in the strength and the glory
          of the God whose right hand holds us fast.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, hear your people. (Please repeat)

1. For prophets and proclaimers of the word of God:
   (pause) that the fire of this word may always
   burn in their hearts.
   We pray:
   
2. For those who suffer imprisonment
   and torture for their belief in Christ: (pause)
   that they receive the grace to remain strong and faithful.
   We pray:
   
3. For those who find it difficult to take up
   their cross because they think
   not as God does, but as human beings do.
   We pray:
4. For the old, the lonely and the sick of our community.
   (pause) May they embrace their cross willingly
   and offer up their sufferings for the sake of Jesus.
   We pray:

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

P     Lord, teach us to serve you as you deserve;
       to give and not to count the cost,
       to fight and not to heed the wounds,
       to labor and not to ask for any reward
       except that of knowing that we do your will.
      We ask this through Christ, our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord God,
We wish to offer to you
Your Son Jesus Christ -
the sacrifice that pleases you.
Accept also the sacrifice of our lives,
That with your Son
We may die to sin
And rise to new life.
Grant this through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Option A
Jesus came to do the will of his Father:
let us pray that we may do likewise as we pray:
Our Father ...

Option B
With Jesus, we pray to our heavenly Father
that we may always seek his will so that
God's ways may be our ways:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
And grant us the inner peace
Which comes from doing your will
Even when it is hard to do so.
Keep us free from sin and
protect us in time of trial
as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples:
"If any want to be my followers,
let them deny themselves
And take up their cross
And follow me."
Forgive us for wanting an easy religion,
without demands, without
any cost to ourselves.
Grant us the peace of your kingdom,
Where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
Jesus has made our peace by his death on the cross.
Let us now greet each other in that peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      Our Father gives us the bread from heaven
        and the saving cup brimming with life.
        May this bread broken and cup poured
        link us together in charity and peace
        So that we may be living signs
        of the Lord's kingdom.
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is the Lamb of God
who suffered and died for us.
He is risen from the dead
And invites us to share this meal with him.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   

Gracious God,
Your word and sacrament give us life and food.
May this gift of your Son
Help us to carry our own cross
And follow him
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

Like earth that is parched may you thirst for the Lord.
AMEN

May your lips glorify and praise his holy name.
AMEN.

May the Word of the Lord be like a fire
burning within your bones. AMEN.

And may almighty God bless you
+the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Dismissal     

The Mass is ended.
Take up your cross, follow Jesus .... and go!
Thanks be to God.