Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

The grace and peace of God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.

Introduction

The Lord's ways are not our ways.
We should not be surprised, therefore,
if those whom we think are the least deserving
of God's blessings are the ones who actually receive them.
In fact they receive more! God
is never outdone in generosity! (pause)

Litany of Praise

For the times we have been envious of others
to whom God has apparently given more:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

For the times we have resented newcomers
coming into our part of the Lord's vineyard:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

For sometimes thinking that we have
more right to God's favors than others:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Option A
God most high,
your ways are not our ways,
for your kindness is lavished equally upon all.
Teach us to welcome your mercy towards others,
even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves.
We ask 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
To the last as to the first, O God,
you are generous and just,
for as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so high are your ways above our ways.
Let us never begrudge your generosity towards others
while we work without ceasing for the coming of your kingdom.
We ask 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       Let us pray now to God our Father whose generosity
          is always greater than we can expect or imagine.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Loving Father, hear our prayer. (Please repeat)

1. That countries rich in agricultural
   or technological resources may be generous
   in sharing these benefits with nations in need.
   We pray:
   
2. That laborers faced with poor working
   conditions or unjust wages may find support
   in Christian social teaching
   and solidarity in the Christian community.
   We pray:
   
3. That those who are out of work may
   not lose the hope of being able to provide
   for themselves and their familiest.
   We pray:
4. That in our Christian communities
   we may not be jealous of each other's gifts
   and talents but use our own in the service of all.
   We pray:

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

P     Heavenly Father,
       help us to be always thankful for the many gifts
       you have showered upon us. Bring us closer to
      one another in understanding and love.
      We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Generous God,
in these signs of bread and wine
we bring to you the fruits of our labor.
May your Son Jesus,
who worked as a carpenter in Nazareth,
help us to bear the burden of our daily work,
and to seek your will in all we do.
We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

The Lord is close to all who call him,
especially to those who can say:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil
and keep us from applying to you
our human thoughts and ways.
Help us to appreciate the immensity of your generosity
as we prepare with hope and joy
for the full coming among us
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles:
"Peace, I leave with you,
my peace I give you."
Help us to put an end to all envy and quarreling
so that we can work without concern for the reward of our labors,
and enjoy the peace of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

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

Option B
We are all co-workers of the Lord;
let us greet each other in his name.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      When we break this bread and share this wine,
        we declare that we are willing to see all people
        as our brothers and sisters.
       With God as our Father
       we are all members of his one family.
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus who says:
'Come here and take your place at table'
Blessed are we who come
even though we are unworthy servants.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   

Generous God,
everything we have and everything we are
is a gift from you.
Let us not begrudge your generosity to others,
knowing that we too are undeserving of your favors,
and stand more in need of your mercy than of your justice.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May you always be aware of God's great love for you.
AMEN

May that love always live in your hearts.
AMEN.

May it show forth in your actions. AMEN.

And may the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
+ bless you now and forever. AMEN.

Dismissal     

Option A
The Lord has assured us of a generous reward.
Let us go now and joyfully work for the spread of his kingdom.
Thanks be to God.

Option B
As laborers sent into the vineyard to work for
an abundant harvest, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.