20th Sunday Ordinary Time
Opening Comment
Whoever eats the flesh of the Lord and drinks his blood will live for ever. We celebrate Jesus’ promise, believing we will share the eternal destiny of all who have this divine life in them. Penitential rite: To prepare to listen to God’s Word and to share the Bread of Life, let us call to mind our sins: (pause) You raise the dead to life in the Spirit … You bring pardon and peace to the sinner … You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Proverbs 9:1-6 — Wisdom is depicted in female form, inviting the foolish to be fed from her table and thus become wise.
Ephesians 5:15-20 — Paul tells Christians to give good example and to bless God for everything.
John 6:51-58 — Jesus is the Bread of Life: whoever eats this bread will live for ever.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Those who revere the Lord lack nothing, so we bring our prayers to God with confidence.
- For all who gather to celebrate the Eucharist this weekend, that we may grow in appreciation of the Bread of Life we share (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those for feel unable or unworthy to receive Holy Communion, that they may never feel deprived of the support and friendship of the Church (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For people outside the Christian family, that the good lives of the Lord’s followers may bring them to Christ (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For our friends who drug themselves with alcohol and in other ways, that the Spirit of God may set them free from addiction (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all who sing the glory of God on earth: congregations, cantors and choirs, that they may one day join in the beautiful music of heaven (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For our brothers and sisters who have died (especially N & N), that having eaten the Bread of Life, they may live forever (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, those who seek you lack no blessing: hear the prayers we make in faith, and continue to help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Liturgical Suggestions: Penitential Act IV, page 1386 . Preface II of the Most Holy Eucharist (page 457). Eucharistic Prayer 3. Include the Sign of Peace. Solemn Blessing 13 (Ordinary Time 5, page 555). Songs: “Though we are Many’ (Eucharistic Congress song); ‘One Bread, One Body’, ‘Take and eat’, ‘I Am the Bread of Life’.