19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation
Opening Comment
We gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who calmed the storm on the lake. In the midst of the storms of life, we are grateful that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to our souls.
Penitential Rite: Remembering God’s enduring mercy, let us call to mind our sins (pause): Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father…
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 — God is a calming presence in both the First Reading and Gospel today. In this reading, Elijah finds God not in the storm but in the gentle breeze.
Romans 9:1-5 — Paul acknowledges the role of the Jews in the salvation history. He would do anything to help them see this.
Matthew 14:22-33 — Jesus shows us that when we keep our eyes on him, none of life’s storms can hurt us.
The General Intercessions
Introduction (by the Presider) God’s help is near for those who believe, so we can present our petitions with confidence.
- That the people living under the threat of starvation in East Africa may be reassured by the support of the whole world. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That the 480,000 who are on the dole in Ireland may receive from Christ the gift of courage and hope each day. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
- That the people who feel overwhelmed by money worries may put their trust in Christ, who calms the storms. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That those who go to sea, for work or leisure, may be preserved in rough conditions and saved from violent storms. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That those who staff the lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may find rest in the Father’s House. (We also remember N who died recently and N & N whose anniversaries occur — Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, our help and our refuge, you guide your people according to your wisdom: Accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Liturgical Suggestions Penitential Rite: c-iv. First Opening Prayer. The first reading emphasises God’s presence in silence; leave some moments for quiet prayer. Preface of Sundays in Ordinary Time 1. Eucharistic Prayer 1. Solemn Blessing 14 (Ordinary Time 5).
Songs ‘Christ Be Beside Me’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Glory and Praise to our God’.