February 26, 2012 First Sunday of Lent

Call to prayer: O Holy Spirit of God, be our helper and guide. Through our prayerful meditation on Scripture, fill us with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Pour out within us the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
The gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Focus: The gospel is Mark’s version of Jesus being tempted in the desert. Jesus confronts evil but also proclaims the good news that the reign of God is now. Believe the good news and it can change your life.

Questions for reflection and faith sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you in any of this reading?
2. To what are you being called this Lent? How does the gospel speak to you about change and commitment?
3. What are some personal disciplines I can undertake this Lent to rededicate myself to an honest and vital relationship with the God who loves me? For whom and for what shall we pray?

Concluding prayer: All good and gracious God, with your loving care guide the penance we have begun this Lent. Help us to persevere with love and sincerity. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

February 19th Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Call to prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you came to free us from all that keeps us from walking in the ways of God. Open our hearts to hear your word, calling us to rise and follow you, who live and reign now and forever, Amen.

A reading from the holy gospel according to Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” —he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
The gospel of Our Lord

Focus: This is a story of healing and forgiveness. The physical cure gave public evidence of the power of Jesus over the forces of evil, both illness and sin.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you or linger in your heart?
2. Can you think of a time when you helped someone in difficulty? How does that compare to “making a hole in the roof?”
3. How does the power of physical healing relate to the sometimes overwhelming feeling of being forgiven?
4. Is the sacrament of reconciliation about joy for you? Is being forgiven a joyful experience? For what or whom shall we pray?

Concluding prayer: All forgiving God, help us to experience and feel deeply the joy of your continual forgiveness, mercy and love for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

February 12, 2012 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Call to prayer: O God of all goodness, strengthen us in faith, that we may put our trust in your love for us in every circumstance of our lives. Help us to carry this love to all we meet. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

A reading from the holy gospel according to Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I will do it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what
Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
The gospel of the Lord

Focus: Jesus cured the lepers, the outcast. He was able to continue his work because people had faith in him.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you in this gospel?
2. During the time of Jesus, lepers were considered the outcast. Who are the outcast among us today? How might we reach out to help them?
3. Jesus was moved with pity. What can we learn from Jesus about helping others?
For what/whom shall we pray?

Concluding prayer: God our Father, you promised to remain forever with those who do what is just and right. Help us to live in your presence and do what is just and right. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen

 

February 5, 2012 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Call to Prayer: O God, in faith and in love, we ask you to watch over us as we gather here. Help us let you be the center of our lives as we attempt to follow you in the ways of the gospel. Enliven us in faith, hope and love as we celebrate the gift of your life among us. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

A reading from the holy gospel according to Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
The gospel of the Lord.

Focus: Jesus cured Simon’s mother-in-law and many others. He went off to pray quietly. Jesus did not let his disciples identify him as the wonder worker. Jesus came to preach.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you in this gospel?
2. What is the stewardship message in this gospel?
3. Jesus went off to pray and came back to his disciples ready to preach. He became mission driven. Where do you find strength for your call in life?

Concluding prayer: Jesus, our Lord, you became one of us in order to teach us how to live. Help us be mission driven as you were. Nudge us to go off and pray as you did. May we bring your salvation and joy to all the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.Amen.

 

January 29, 2012 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Call to prayer: Lord our God, help us to love you with all our hearts and to love others as you love them. Make us eager and attentive listeners of your Word. We ask you who live and reign with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever, Amen.

A reading from the holy gospel according to Mark 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
The gospel of the Lord

Focus: Jesus speaks with authority and the people are stunned by his knowledge. Jesus communicated truth in simple but powerful ways.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you?
2. What is the stewardship message in this gospel?
3. Who is the most effective teacher you have known? What made this person effective?
4. How can we allow Jesus’ teachings to be more authoritative in our lives?

Concluding prayer: O God, the giver of all good gifts, our desire to praise you is itself a blessing you have bestowed upon us. Help us to follow you and listen to your authoritative word in our lives so that we may share it with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

January 22, 2012, 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Call to prayer: All-powerful and ever-living God, direct your love that is within us so that we can follow you more fully. You called the apostles and they followed you. Help us to follow their example. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

A reading from the holy gospel according to Mark: Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
The gospel of the Lord.

Focus: To repent means to change one’s mind, to completely change one’s attitude from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. This is a total change in one’s life.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you in this reading?
2. Have you had any experiences in your life when you felt compelled to make a significant change?
3. What would compel a person to “follow Jesus” as definitely as did these disciples?

Concluding prayer: All loving and generous God, you have called us to follow you. Help us to respond by living a life of stewardship. Help us to be good stewards of your message, sharing the word of God with everyone we meet. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

January 15, 2012, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time John 1:35-42

Call to prayer: O God, you call us daily to arise and follow Christ the Lord. Wake us up and shake us from our sleep. Help us to be your disciples and live the life of stewardship to which you have called us. May Christ, your Word and our Light, lead us in the ways of life. We ask in the name of the same Christ our Lord, Amen.

A reading from the holy gospel according to John:

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” -. which translated means Teacher .-, “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” -. which is translated Christ -.. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” .- which is translated Peter.
The gospel of the Lord

Focus: The role of John the Baptist is to identify Jesus as the Lamb of God, who forgives sins. Give us the ability to accept the word about Jesus and let our hearts be moved.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you in this reading?
2. With whom might you identify in this reading?
3. If Jesus were to ask you, “What do you seek?” what would you answer?

Concluding Prayer: God of everlasting glory, you have chosen us and loved us from before the creation of the world. Help us to respond to this everlasting love by living a life of stewardship. Help us to commit our time, talent and treasure to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

January 8, 2012 Epiphany of the Lord

Call to prayer: O Lord, our God, a star led the Magi to your Son. May the sound of your Word and the light of your Spirit lead us today to worship before him in Spirit and in truth, bringing to him the gift of our lives, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew: Matt. 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. The gospel of the Lord.

Focus: Today we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the whole world. He came for everyone. God’s love is universal and ours should be the same.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you in this reading?
2. If you were commissioned to be a modern day Magi, what gift could you or would you bring to Jesus?
3. Who or what event was the star that led you to a better understanding of Jesus?

Concluding prayer: All generous God, we come to you asking for your help as we attempt share our gifts with others. We pray that everyone in our parish will be open to sharing your gifts with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

January 1, 2012 Feast of Mary, the Mother of God

Call to prayer: O God of all, you brought to birth the day of salvation wrought through the One who is our everlasting life and peace. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, and the world’s Mother, bring to perfection that which you have begun in him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
The gospel of the Lord.

Focus: Mary is the ultimate symbol of the Christian, for what is a Christian if not one who bears Christ within our world and brings him to people.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words and phrases stand out for you in this gospel?
2. What is the stewardship message in this reading?
3. How can you learn from Mary’s pilgrimage of faith in the midst of the trials and struggles of your life?
4. What is the difference between the peace that God gives and what is valued by the world around us?

Concluding prayer: Lord Jesus, your mother bore you in tender love and gave you to us for our salvation. Let us treasure her example and her intercession as we bear you to a world which lacks your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

December 25, 2011 Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass

Call to prayer: Father, we praise you on this joyful day for your Son, born into our world of darkness and sin, to be its Savior. Send your Holy Spirit on us so that Christ may be born into our hearts and bear fruit in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

A reading of the holy gospel according to Luke: 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
The gospel of the Lord

Focus: Luke records the birth of Jesus with tender simplicity and stresses the theme of poverty.

Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. Christ came as a child. When has a child had an impact on your life?
2. Do you have family customs which make celebrating Christmas more meaningful than just merry-making?

Concluding prayer: All-powerful God, Jesus came into the world through Mary who placed her life at the service of your plan. Help us to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.