We are challenged by today’s Gospel to stand ready for our Master’s return, in triumph at the end of time, or more immediately, in the least of his brothers and sisters. We gather to worship God who sustains us all the days of our life, and beyond.
Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to mind our sins: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (ICEL 1998 Missal)
O God,
on whom our faith rests secure
and whose kingdom we await,
sustain us by word and sacrament
and keep us alert for the coming of the Son of Man,
that we may welcome him without delay.
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
Wisdom 18: 6-9 These are some of the words used by the Jews to celebrate God’s deliverance of them at Passover.
Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19 For the next few weeks, the second reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews, which is more a sermon on who Christ is, rather than a letter. In today’s section, Abraham and Sarah are held up as examples of faith (Shorter form Heb 11:1-2, 8-12 recommended).
Luke 12; 32-48 Stand ready, we are told, for we do not know when Christ will return (Shorter form Lk 12:35-40 recommended).

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord is our help and our shield, so let us make our prayer to God, with confidence:

1. That the Son of Man may find us ready when he comes (we pray for this in our hearts). Lord, hear us.
2. That we may remember that we meet Christ each day, especially in the poor (we pray for this in our hearts). Lord, hear us.
3. That those on holidays may stay safe (we pray for this in our hearts). Lord, hear us.
4. That people with COVID may get better (we pray for this in our hearts). Lord, hear us.
5. That small businesses may survive in tough times (we pray for this in our hearts). Lord, hear us.
6. That God may send grace to help people who find life hard (we pray for this in our hearts). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For all who have left this world behind, (especially N. and N.) that the Lord may rescue them and bring them safely home (we pray for this in our hearts). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, your faithful love sustains your people: hear the prayers of all who put their faith in you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
accept from your Church these gifts,
which in your mercy you have given us to offer
and which by your power
you transform into the sacrament of our salvation.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time V)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
All things are of your making,
all times and seasons obey your law.
But you fashioned the human family in your own image
and set us over the world in all its wonder,
that we might be stewards of your creation,
praising you day by day
for the marvels of your might and wisdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 [with St Clare] 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 COMMUNION
Merciful God,
let our sharing in this sacrament
deliver us from evil
and make us stand firm in the light of your truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SONGS for Today’s Mass: Here I am Lord; Receive, O Father, in Thy Love; Soul of my Saviour; Sing a New Song Unto the Lord.