17th Sunday Ordinary Time
Opening Comment
United with Christians all over the world, we acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God as our Father. We worship as one family, and pray for greater charity and love among all the baptised. Penitential rite: To prepare ourselves to celebrate our unity, let us remember the sins that divide us: (pause) Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
2 Kings 4:42-44 — Elisha insists that the people be fed, and God multiplies the food so that all can share in it.
Ephesians 4:1-6 — Paul writes from prison, calling Christians to greater unity and charity.
John 6:1-15 — St Mark’s Gospel is read on most Sundays this year. However, between now and the end of August, the Gospel most weekends will be from Chapter Six of John’s Gospel, which presents Jesus as the Bread of Life. In today’s opening section, Jesus feeds the five thousand.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) My friends, God is aware of the needs of all people, so we can present our intentions with confidence:
- For all the followers of Jesus, that we may grow in unity and charity (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For our brothers and sisters who are hungry, that the generosity of Christians may ensure there is food for the starving (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For farmers and bakers, and all who provide bread for the world, that they may be blessed by God, who feeds people through their work (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the community that gathers here to worship God, that we may treat each other with care and respect (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the faithful departed (especially N & N) that eternal peace and light may be theirs (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For our own needs, which we remember now in silence… (long pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) You open wide your hand, O Lord, and grant our desires: hear the call of your people and be with us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Liturgical Suggestions Penitential Act I, page 1385. Preface II of the Most Holy Eucharist, page 457. Eucharistic Prayer 2. Include the Sign of Peace. Consider giving Communion under both species for the Sundays on which the eucharistic discourse from John’s Gospel is read — beginning today. Solemn Blessing 11 (Ordinary Time 3, page 554). Songs : Though we are many (Eucharistic Congress Song); ‘One Bread, One Body’, ‘See us Lord about Thine Altar’; Take and Eat’; ‘Walk in the Light’.