Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

From God the Father
and Christ Jesus our Savior,
grace and peace be with you. [Titus 1:4].

Introduction and Litany of Praise

How quick we are to judge those who are different from us… or do not conform to our way of thinking or acting! Jesus today tells us to be open-minded and to recognize the goodness that there is in people. The Spirit of God is at work in all who do good. Let us ask the Lord to forgive us for our prejudices and our jealousies.
(pause)

Lord Jesus, your Spirit pours your gifts on all who are open to receive them:
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you reward everyone who does good to others:
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you warn us against behavior that will lead others to sin:
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Pour out your Spirit, O God, over the whole world
to inspire every heart
with knowledge and love of you.

Grant that we who confess Jesus as Lord
may avoid whatever leads others to sin
and give witness to your love
made visible in Jesus Christ,
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       Only by the power of God's Spirit can we lead holy, prophetic, and compassionate lives. Let us implore the Spirit to be with us on our journey.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Spirit of Jesus, be with us.
           (Please repeat)

1. For the Church around the world; (pause)
   that it be a Community of Disciples….
   a participative church….
   a church that takes the side of the Poor and the Oppressed:
   We pray:
   
2. For political leaders and economists; (pause)
   that they may plan and organize a just society
   where everyone will have an equitable share in the riches of this earth.
   we pray:
   
3. For those who, like the Servant of God, suffer insult and persecution for their faith: that the Lord will uphold them in their suffering.
   we pray:
4. That the rich and the powerful may be more aware that wealth and power can imprison them in selfishness and blind them to the plight of others.
   We pray:
5. On this day we celebrate National Seafarers' Day. (pause)
   And so we pray for all seafarers around the world,
   that they may be kept free from all dangers
   and that their families back home appreciate the sacrifices
   that are being made on their behalf. (pause)
   We pray:
   

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

P    Heavenly Father, help us to see others through your eyes.
      Grant us the breadth of mind
      and generosity of heart
      to recognize and accept what is good in others.
      We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord, look upon our gifts,
drawn from the good things you have given us.
Pour out on us the Holy Spirit of Christ
so that even the 'cup of cold water' given in his name
may bring comfort to those in need.
Grant this in the name of the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

We remember the words that Jesus taught his disciples
when they asked him how to pray:
Our Father ..

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil
and grant us peace in our day.
In your mercy come to our aid
so that we do not become stumbling blocks to others
as we prepare in joyful hope
for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Jesus Christ, your said to St. John:
"Whoever is not against us is for us."
Help us to appreciate the good things that others do
so that we can all enjoy the peace of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
Let us show that we are for Christ
by offering one another a sign of peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      As we share this bread,
        we proclaim our willingness
        to build a community
        where we who bear the name of Christ
        will be known for our lives of charity and service.
       
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus, the Lamb of God,
who invites us today to overlook our differences
and gather as brothers and sisters around this altar-table,
as we pray:
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   [based on 2nd Reading]

Source of life and goodness,
your love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Help us to recognize this Spirit in others
so that they will be encouraged to speak out
and perform deeds of power in the name of Jesus
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May the beauty of God be in your praises. AMEN.

May the love of God and of neighbor be in your hearts. AMEN.

May the Spirit of God guide you all your days. 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
The Mass is ended.
Go and share your gifts with your brothers and sisters.
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.