Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

Blessed be God
who reveals to the little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
May God's peace and love be with you all.

Introduction and Litany of Praise

Option A
Ambition, status, power: these are what the world values.
But Jesus says, 'I want you to live by my values.'
"Whoever wants to be first must be last of all….. and servant of all."
In today's celebration we proclaim Christ, the servant Son of God.
(pause)

Option B
One of the things that is very damaging to peace is AMBITION.
We risk putting ourselves and our own interests first.
Let us ask the Lord to pardon us and help us
to be more conscious of the rights and needs of others.
(pause)

Option A and B

'Blessed are the gentle; they will inherit the earth.':
Lord, have mercy.

'Blessed are those who serve;
they will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.':
Christ, have mercy.

You said,
'Blessed are the peacemakers; they will be called the children of God.':
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

O God,
protector of the poor and defender of the just,
in your kingdom the last become first,
and the lowly are exalted.
Give us wisdom,
that we may find in Jesus the pattern of true discipleship
and the grace to follow him,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

P       Those who serve are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Let us pray to God for our own needs and those of the Church and the world.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, hear our prayer.
           (Please repeat)

1. For those caught up in the quest for power and prestige; (pause)
   that they may discover that true greatness lies in the humble service of others.
   We pray:
   
2. That nations may renounce conflicts and disputes, and realize that a harvest of blessings is sown in peace for those who make peace.
   we pray:
   
3. For the children in our community: (pause)
   that they will grow up in the welcome of love, in the strength of care,
   and in the knowledge of acceptance.
   we pray:
4. For those who work in poorly paid jobs that are despised by others: (pause)
   that we may appreciate them for the work that they do.
   We pray:
   

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

P   Loving God,
     wonderful is your love and boundless is your compassion.
     Grant us the joy of service
     and the blessings that come from living lightly on the earth.
     We make our prayer in the name of Jesus the Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

God of mercy and compassion,
in these humble signs of bread and wine
your Son Jesus comes among us.
May he help us to overcome the temptation
to be powerful and influential.
All this we ask from the one
who came to serve, not to be served,
Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Option A
"Anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."
Let us pray to the One who sent Jesus among us:
Our Father ...

Option B
Jesus, through his gentleness and love,
showed us that we are all God's children, so we say together:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
especially the sin of envy and selfish ambition.
Give us generous hearts
so that we can share our lives
with the little ones of this earth
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:
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
they will be called children of God."
Help us put an end to conflicts and disputes,
so that we may enjoy the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
Jesus said:
"Anyone who welcomes you, welcomes me."
Let us extend the hand of welcome to the persons beside us.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      This bread which we break is the bread of life.
         It is the sign of Christ's body
         offered in a spirit of obedience to the Father's will.
         It is the sign of our unity with one another
         in the Spirit of love and peace.
       
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus Christ, our only Master.
He, the greatest among us, made himself the servant of all.
Blessed are we who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   [based on 2nd Reading]

God of love and mercy,
through Jesus Christ whom we have just received,
you have come among us as our guest.
In our daily lives help us to recognize and welcome you
in everyone who comes to us.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May the God of compassion
give you endurance when you falter. AMEN.

May the God of consolation
hold you close when you are weary. AMEN

May the God of generosity
strengthen you in humble service. AMEN

And may the blessings of our loving God,
+ Father, Son and Spirit,
come down upon you and remain with you for ever. AMEN.

Dismissal     

Option A
Our Lord calls us to be humble of heart.
Let us go and respond to others by our loving service.
Thanks be to God.

Option B
Seeking to follow the Teacher who came not to be served but to serve,
go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.