Presider’s Page for 8 March (Lent 3)

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Opening Comment
The Lord has the message of eternal life: in Lent we come to know this message and deepen our relationship with the Saviour of the world.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Holy God,
the folly of the cross mocks our human wisdom,
and the weakness of the crucified puts worldly power to shame.
Banish from our hearts every pretence of might and of knowledge,
that by the power flowing from Christ’s resurrection your people may be raised up from the death of sin and fashioned into a living temple of your glory.
Grant this through Christ, our liberator from sin, 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 (Year B)
Exodus 20:1-7 — The ten commandments give the foundation on which a life of Christian love is built. 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 — Christ crucified is our focus; Christ draws us together — beyond our factions, beyond our disputes. John 2:13-25 — Jesus purifies the Temple of commercial defilement, but then proclaims himself the New Temple, the fulfilment of everything the old order stands for.

Scripture Readings  of Year A may be used today (e.g. in the Do This In Memory programme) Exodus 17:3-7 A thirsty people complain to Moses, and God gives them water from the rock. Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 A reflection on God’s love, which was proved, Paul says, by Jesus’ death on the cross. John 4:5-42 The Gospel story of the woman at the well contains the promise of living water to those who believe.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Sisters and brothers, let us bring our prayers to the Lord.

  1. For the baptised, as they continue their journey to renewal at Easter (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For adults and children preparing to join the Church through baptism (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For Christians being persecuted for their faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For an end to hatred and violence, in our country and in our world (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For  people who need our care: the starving, homeless and lonely (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For this community, and particularly for those who are sick in mind, body or spirit (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For all our people who have died (especially N & N who died recently and N & N whose anniversaries occur) (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of wisdom and light, your words guide our lives: hear the prayers we make in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Praise to the Holiest’; ‘Jesus Remember Me (Taizé)’;’A Íosa Glan Mo Chroíse’.

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