Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

The Word of the Lord is living and active. [pause]
May you welcome God's Word today
and may he always remain with you.

Introduction and Litany of Praise

Option A
Jesus looks at us all in a loving way.
But is our heart really with him?
Or is it too attached to earthly values and possessions?
Let us now examine ourselves. (pause)

Lord, wealth is of no value compared with your gift of wisdom:
Lord, have mercy.

Lord, you know our inmost thoughts,
for nothing is concealed from you:
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, you reward those who follow you here on earth
and give them eternal joy in the life to come:
Lord, have mercy.

Option B
We are gathered here because we are disciples of Jesus.
But we don't always follow him as closely as we should - something prevents us! That something is different for each one of us.
Let us reflect for a moment on what that might be. [pause]

I confess…..

Opening Prayer

Option A
God of Wisdom,
whose Word probes the motives of our hearts -
with you all things are possible.
Let worldly treasure not keep us from Jesus,
who looks on us with love.

Free us to leave all things and follow him,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Option B
You know, O God, our thoughts and intentions,
and from your sight no creature can hide.
Pierce our inmost heart
with the two-edged sword of your Word.
Enlightened by your wisdom,
and freed from preoccupation with this world's wealth,
may we welcome the presence among us of signs of your kingdom,
a treasure beyond compare.

We ask this through Jesus,
the high priest who sympathizes with our weakness,
for he is with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

P       "I prayed, and understanding was given me;
I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me."
Let us pray to the Father to bless all his people with Wisdom and understanding.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Send forth your Spirit of wisdom.
           (Please repeat)

1. For the leaders of the Church; (pause)
   that they may commit themselves wholeheartedly to the promotion of human dignity and the values of the gospel,
   We pray:
   
2. For parents, educators and those engaged in mass media; (pause)
   that through their example they may challenge the young to pursue the things that really matter.
   We pray:
   
3. That we may all have wisdom to understand and interpret God's living and active word,
   we pray:
4. That we may continually affirm and defend the God-given dignity of indigenous peoples, especially the tribes and peoples of these islands: we pray.
   We pray:
5. That our government may protect the cultural heritage of the minorities from land-grabbers and the onslaught of globalization and profit:
   We pray:
   

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

P    God, we pray not for riches but for trust,
      not for power but for courage,
      not for pleasure but for joy.
     Make us wise with the wisdom of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord God,
no one is good but you alone.
We now present to you this bread and wine
that they may become our spiritual food and drink.
Help us to leave behind
everything that keeps us from following Jesus
so that with him we can renew all creation in your image.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord  AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Option A
The kingdom, the power and the glory belong to God alone.
Let us pray as his Son taught us.
Our Father ..

Option B
Jesus promised that if we follow him, we will have eternal life.
Let us pray to God who alone is good and say / sing:
Our Father ..

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil
and grant your peace to a world that is confused.
Give us the Spirit of wisdom
so that we may not look for happiness
in the pursuit of power or possessions
as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord Jesus Christ,
you promise eternal life
to those who, for the sake of the good news,
are able to leave everything behind
and work for the promotion of the kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be at peace with one another.
So let us now share a sign of that peace with those beside us.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      As the Holy Spirit strengthens your Church,
        may this blessed and broken bread bring life to us.
        And may this, your holy cup, poured out for all,
        be our salvation.
       
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus who asks us to leave everything and follow him.
Blessed are we if we can follow this call
for we will receive God's blessings of abundance. :
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   [based on 2nd Reading]

Lord God, you have nourished us with the Bread of Life.
May this give us the courage to rely on your power -
for with you all things are possible.
Let worldly treasure not keep us from Jesus,
who invites us to leave all things and follow him.
All this we ask through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

Option A
May God give you Wisdom and understanding. AMEN

May God keep you faithful to the Gospel. AMEN

May God grant you joy in the service of others. AMEN


Option B
May God keep you from all harm
and bless you with every good gift. AMEN

May God set his Word in your heart
and fill you with the spirit of wisdom. AMEN

May you walk in his ways always knowing what is right and good,
until you enter your heavenly inheritance. AMEN

Dismissal     

Go and be true disciples of Jesus,
sharing your gifts with others.
Thanks be to God.