20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18 August (Presider’s Page)
Opening Comment (for the Presider)
Following Jesus may not bring us happiness in this life, but we are challenged to follow him nevertheless. We come together to worship our gracious God and to ask for help in our Christian life this week. Penitential Rite: We begin by calling to mind the past week, and all our sins and failings: (Pause) You were sent to heal the contrite of heart … You came to call sinners … You plead for us at the right hand of the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings (for Ministers of the Word)
Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10 Jeremiah, whose preaching disturbed his king, had to suffer for it. This illustrates Jesus’ words in the Gospel.
Hebrews 12: 1-4 We are encouraged us to keep struggling on.
Luke 12, 49-53 Those who follow Christ need not expect a trouble-free life.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our needs before God, asking for the assurance of divine help.
- That missionaries who suffer for preaching the Gospel, may be given the gift of perseverance (Pause). Lord, hear us.
- That the good people who fight prejudice, may continue even when they face opposition (Pause). Lord, hear us.
- That those who are tempted to give up their faith, may be encouraged by the lives of good Christians (Pause) Lord, hear us.
- That our Leaving Cert students who received their results this week, may have God’s guidance throughout their lives (Pause) Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for the dead, those who died during the weekand those whose anniversaries occur (and the person/people for whom Mass is offered): That all our dead may gain a place near God’s throne by their faithfulness (pause). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, you are always thinking of your people: Stoop down to us and hear our cry for your help, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONGS AT MASS (for ministers of Music): Be Thou My Vision; Be Not Afraid; City of God