Presider’s Page for 15 February (Ordinary Time 6)

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Opening Comment
‘Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.’ The words are St Paul’s, from today’s second reading. We gather here to give glory to God, marking the Day of Prayer for Temperance — and preparing for the Lenten Spring.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
We come before you, O God,
confident in Christ’s victory over sickness and death.
Heal us again from sin, which divides us, and from prejudice, which isolates us.
Bring us to wholeness of life
through the pardon you grant your people.
We ask 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
Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 — Jesus heals a leper in today’s Gospel, and tells the cured man to show himself to the priest. The reason he did this is explained by the first reading, which describes how lepers were to be treated.
1 Corinthians 10:31 to 11:1 — Paul offers himself as a model disciple, and preaches tolerance of non-Christians.
Mark 1:40-45 — Jesus feels sorry for a leper and heals him, even though it brings unwanted attention on himself.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) My friends, let us rejoice in God’s faithfulness, as we bring forward our intentions.

  1. For all who gather here to worship this Sunday, that their lives may be lived for God’s glory throughout the week (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For those who suffer from leprosy, that medical advances may soon rid the world of this terrible disease (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For outcasts, and people shunned by neighbours, that they may experience compassion from the followers of Christ (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For married and engaged couples, and for all those in relationships, that their love and care for each other may grow each day (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For people who are separated or divorced, that may find welcome and support in the Christian community (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For those who suffer because of addiction, that they may have the divine gifts of courage and new hope (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: for those who have died (especially N and N), that they may share the salvation won by Christ (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Faithful God, we rejoice in the mercy you show your people: hear our prayers, that we may always give you glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Eat This Bread’; ‘Wait for the Lord’ (Taizé).

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