22nd Sunday Ordinary Time
Opening Comment
As we move from summer to autumn, we praise God who sustains us all year round. We ask for help with new undertakings and perseverance with continuing projects, knowing that nothing will work well without God’s grace. Penitential Rite: To prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to mind our sins: (pause) Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life … you forgive us our sins … you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 — Moses tells the people of Israel to keep faithful to God’s law.
James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27 — For the next five Sundays, the second reading will be from the letter of James. This is a collection of popular moral teachings, similar in style to the Sermon on the Mount. The faith is explained in a simple, down-to-earth way.
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 — Having read from John’s Gospel for the last few Sundays, we resume the continuous reading of the Gospel of Mark today. Jesus reminds the religious leaders that what’s on the inside of people is more important than externals.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to the Lord with confidence.
- For those in leadership positions in the Church, that they may avoid the condemnations heaped by Jesus on the religious leaders of his day. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For all who are part of the Christian family, that they may show their faith by coming to the aid of the poor. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For young people returning to school, and their teachers, that this first term may be happy and peceful. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For our community, as parish activities resume after the summer break,that God may be with us, as we make a new start together. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For the faithful departed, especially those who died over the summer months: (pause to remember the recently deceased) and for N. and N. whose anniversaries occur: that the dead may live in the presence of the Lord. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God our creator, your love for your people has no end: hear our prayers and give us your supporting grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Liturgical Suggestions: Preface VII of Sundays in Ordinary Time (page 452). Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon: page 502. Solemn Blessing 10 (Ordinary Time II, page 553). Songs: ’Be Thou my Vision’; O The Word Of My Lord’; ‘Christ be Our Light’; ‘Now Thank We All Our God’.