Presiders’ Page 30 August (Ordinary Time 22)

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.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Father of light,
giver of every good and perfect gift,
bring to fruition the word of truth
sown in our hearts by your Son,
that we may rightly understand your commandments,
live your law of love,
and so offer you worship that is pure and undefiled.
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
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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. For those who lack food, clothing and shelter, at home and abroad, that the help they receive may always respect their human dignity (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. 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.

The Presider prays for the dead: 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.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ’Be Thour my Vision’;  O The Word Of My Lord’; ‘Christ be Our Light’; ‘Now Thank We All Our God’.

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