Presider’s Page for 23 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Opening Comment
The Word of God is the focus this Sunday, read by Ezra the priest in the Old Testament reading, and by Jesus in the Gospel. By his Word, God reassures the people of his closeness, especially in the Word made flesh, Jesus of Nazereth.
• Catholic Schools Week begins today in Ireland. ‘Sunday of the Word of God’ is observed in the universal Church. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity continues until Tuesday 25 January.

Penitential Rite
As we prepare to open our hearts to God’s healing word, let us call to mind our weakness — and God’s strength: (pause).
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord God,
whose compassion embraces all peoples,
whose law is wisdom, freedom, and joy for the poor,
fulfil in our midst your promise of favour,
that we may receive the gospel of salvation with faith
and, anointed by the Spirit, freely proclaim it.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Nehemiah :2-6,8-10 The Word of God proclaimed by Ezra the priest is so powerful that his listeners weep.
I Corinthians 12:12-30 Paul urges believers to use all their different gifts in service of the Church.
Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21 The first words of Luke’s Gospel are included, as well as the first act of Jesus’ preaching ministry.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) My dear friends in Christ, let us present our prayers with confidence to the Lord.

1. That the people of Tonga may get all the help they need  (pray quietly for 10 seconds, then…. ) Lord, hear u
2. That war between Russia and Ukraine may be averted (pray quietly for 10 seconds, then…. ) Lord, hear us
3. That our Catholic Schools make keep the faith — and share it (pray quietly for 10 seconds, then…. ) Lord, hear us.
4. That the children attending our schools may live life to the full (pray quietly for 10 seconds, then…. ) Lord, hear us.
5. That COVID-19 may be kept under control as restrictions ease (pray quietly for 10 seconds, then…. ) Lord, hear us.
6. That those who are sick may get better (pray quietly for 10 seconds, then…. ) Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For our brothers and sisters who have left this world behind (especially N and N), that God’s promises to them may be fulfilled (pray quietly for 10 seconds, then…. ) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Your words are spirit, Lord and they are life: we rely on your help all our days. Let your grace continue to sustain us, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
In your kindness, Lord,
accept our gifts and make them holy,
that they may become the sacrament of our salvation.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time 6)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

In you we live and move and have our being.
Each day we experience the wonders of your love,
and receive even now a pledge and foretaste of life eternal.
Possessing the firstfruits of the Spirit,
through whom you raised Jesus from the dead,
we hope to enjoy his paschal victory for ever.

And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy…

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (with interpolation for Sunday mornings)
Lord, you are holy indeed,
you are the fountain of all holiness.

[In communion with the whole Church,
we have assembled on this day which you have made holy,
and, rejoicing that you have made us a new creation in your risen Son,
we pray:]
Send down your Spirit upon these gifts to make them holy,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Before he was given up to death,
a death he freely accepted,
he took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.

When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL,
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.

The mystery of faith…..

Remembering therefore his death and resurrection,
we offer you, Lord God,
this life-giving bread, this saving cup.
We thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.
We pray that all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ
may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, remember your Church throughout the world:
perfect us in love
together with Francis our Pope and N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all who minister to your people.

Remember our brothers and sisters
who have gone to their rest
in the sure hope of rising again;
bring them and all who have died in your mercy
into the light of your presence.

Have mercy on us all:
make us worthy to share eternal life,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles and with all the saints,
who have found favour with you throughout the ages;
in union with them
may we praise you and give you glory
through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through him, with him, In him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father,
for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUION
Grant, all-powerful God,
that we who receive in this eucharist
your life-giving grace
may always delight in your blessings.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SUGGESTED SONGS: ‘Here I Am, Lord’; ‘Oh the Word of My Lord’; ‘Bind us Together, Lord’; ‘How Great thou Art’.