Presider’s Page for 12 March (Second Sunday of Lent)
Opening Comment
Now that we are ten days into the season of Lent, our goal is clarified in today’s liturgy. The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in our hearts in the dark days ahead. Resurection will follow, as surely as day follows night.
Penitential Rite
As we begin the second week of our lenten journey, we ask for pardon and strength. Let us call to mind our need of God’s grace (pause):
I confess …
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Holy God,
from the dazzling cloud
you revealed Jesus in glory
as your beloved Son.
During these forty days
enlighten your Church with the bright glory of your presence.
Inspire us by your word
and so transform us into the image of the risen Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Genesis 12:1-4 — God’s promise to Abram who became Abraham is described.
2 Timothy 1:8-10 — Paul reminds us that God is on our side, that Jesus rose from the dead for us.
Matthew 17:1-9 — The Gospel gives a glimpse of the glory promised to Jesus after his death and resurrection.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who loves justice and right.
- For all the members of the Church, as we continue on our lenten journey (pray quietly a moment). Lord, hear us.
- For children and adults preparing to become members of the Church at Easter time (pray quietly a moment). Lord, hear us.
- For Christians being persecuted, that we may not forget them (pray quietly a moment). Lord, hear us.
- For the Jewish people, the sons and daughters of Abraham (pray quietly a moment). Lord, hear us.
- For those who are starving in a world of plenty (pray quietly a moment). Lord, hear us.
- For this community, and particularly for those who are lonely or fearful (pray quietly a moment). Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for the dead: For those who have gone before us in faith (especially N & N) that the Lord may rescue their souls from death (pray quietly a moment). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O Lord, you look with kindness on those who revere you: give us your help, for all our hope is in you. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
may this eucharistic sacrifice wash away our sins;
may it sanctify your people in body and soul
and prepare us to celebrate the paschal feast.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Second Sunday of Lent)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Having told the disciples of his coming death,
Jesus made his glory known to them on the holy mountain.
With Moses and Elijah as witnesses,
he revealed that the Christ had first to suffer
and so come to the glory of the resurrection.
With joyful hearts we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory without end: Holy, holy, holy
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER III (from 1998 ICEL Missal, with Lent interpolation)
Lord, you are holy indeed,
and all creation rightly gives you praise.
All life, all holiness comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
by the working of the Holy Spirit.
From age to age you gather a people to yourself,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
a pure offering may be made
to the glory of your name.
And so, Lord God, in this, the acceptable time,
we celebrate the lenten days of salvation;
turning back to you in repentance
and to one another in reconciliation,
we humbly pray:
by the power of your Spirit sanctify these gifts
we have brought before you,
that they may become the body + and blood
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.
On the night he was handed over to death,
he took bread and gave you thanks and praise;
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 and praise,
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…..
Calling to mind, Lord God
the death your Son endured for our salvation,
his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven,
and eagerly awaiting the day of his return,
we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.
Look with favour on your Church’s offering
and see the Victim by whose sacrifice
you were pleased to reconcile us to yourself.
Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son
may be filled with his Holy Spirit
and become one body, one spirit in Christ.
Let him make us an everlasting gift to you,
that we may share in the inheritance of your saints,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Patrick], and all your saints,
on whose constant intercession we rely for help.
Lord, may this sacrifice
which has made our peace with you
advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
Strengthen in faith and love your pilgrim Church on earth:
your servant Pope Francis, our Bishop N.,
all bishops, priests, and deacons,
all ministers of your Church,
and the entire people your Son has gained for you.
Merciful Father,
hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you,
and unite to yourself all your children
now scattered over the face of the earth.
Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters
and all who have left this world in your friendship.
We hope to enjoy with them your everlasting glory,
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you give the world everything that is good.
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 COMMUNION
We give you grateful thanks, O Lord,
for this most glorious sacrament,
in which you allow us, while pilgrims still on earth,
a foretaste of the blessings of heaven.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Bow your heads for God’s blessing.
The priest prays with hands outstretched over the people.
God of salvation,
let your Son’s passion and death
be for your people
protection from evil in this life
and the sure hope of glory
in the life to come.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
SONGS AT MASS
‘Be Thou My Vision’, ‘May Your Love Be Upon Us O Lord’, ‘Christ be Our Light’.