Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

Blessed be the Lord who raises up those who are bowed down.
May God's love and protection be with you all.

Introduction and Litany of Praise

In today's Liturgy we hear about two widows who gave all they had to help
others. Let us ask God to help us to be generous, as they were, towards
our brothers and sisters. (pause)

Lord, you sustain the widow and orphan:
Lord, have mercy.

Lord, you bring justice to all who are oppressed:
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, you reward those who are generous:
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Option A
God, our provider,
you are hope for the orphan
and bread for the widow.
Strengthen our faith,
that with simplicity of heart
we may come to trust in you alone
and hold back nothing in serving you.

Grant 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
O God,
protector of the widow and orphan,
giver of justice for the oppressed,
you uphold the poor who hope in you
and you sustain those who place their trusting your love.
Let no one be deprived of the bread and freedom you provide,
but may all people learn to share generously
of the good gifts you have given us.
We make our prayer through our Lord 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       Jesus recognized the goodness of the poor widow.
We turn now to God, asking him to recognize the needs of our community
and answer our prayers.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Hear our prayer.
           (Please repeat)

1. For those whose work is hard and unrewarding, and who seldom
   receive recognition; (pause)
   may they be blessed by the Lord who sees their true worth. Lord, in
   your mercy:
   
2. For this community gathered here in faith: (pause)
   that we will be generous with ourselves and our resources, so that seeing
   our good works, people may glorify the Father in heaven. Lord, in your
   mercy:
   
3. For all missionaries and aid workers. (pause)
   May their hearts be open to listen to the real needs of God's people in
   every part of the world. Lord, in your mercy:
4. That we may recognize the goodness of those around us even in
   their small acts of kindness and generosity. Lord, in your mercy:
   
   

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

P    God our Father,
       you accepted the complete gift of your Son,
       who offered himself once and for all.
      Grant all our petitions in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Generous God,
as we present our gifts of bread and wine we pray:
"Teach us to be generous,
to give and not to count the cost,
to labor and not to ask for reward
except that of knowing that we do your holy will."
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Option A
In Christ's giving of himself for us, he taught us that we are
precious, so confidently we say / sing:
Our Father ..

Option B
Let us pray that we may give without counting the cost, and
forgive each other as we are forgiven:
Our Father ..

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil
and grant us the peace that comes from discovering your presence
in our sisters and brothers in need.
In your mercy,
keep us free from selfishness
as we wait in joyful hope for the coming in glory
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Jesus Christ,
at the table in your kingdom
no one is a stranger.
Help us to recognize in every person
a beloved son or daughter of your Father.
May we share your peace with everyone
as we work together for the coming of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
Let us express our love and concern for one another
by offering a sign of Christ's peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      We who eat of the same bread,
        even though varied and different
        like its many grains of wheat,
        are one in the body of Christ.
       
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Jesus
who invites us to share this meal with him
and to learn from him how to share with others.
Blessed are we who gather around this altar-table.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   [based on 2nd Reading]

Father of the poor,
from your bounty we have received the bread from heaven.
We ask that it renew our hope and strength,
so that we may be always ready to share what we have
with those who need our help.
Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

Option A
May the Lord be above you to bless you,
about you to protect you,
within you to empower you.

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

Option B
May God the Father, protector of widows and orphans,
be with you to provide for you in all your needs. AMEN.

May Christ Jesus, friend of the poor,
be with you to save you from all harm. AMEN.

May the Holy Spirit, comforter of those who mourn,
be with you in inspire you in serving your Lord. AMEN.

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

Dismissal     

In this Eucharist we have shared at the table of the Lord.
Go and learn to share with your sisters and brothers.
Thanks be to God.