Presider’s Page for Palm Sunday, 13 April

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Opening Comment (Presider’s Introduction for Mass without Procession or Solemn Entrance) Today’s liturgy gives us a preview of the events we will celebrate in the Easter Triduum later this week. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are the focus of this and every Sunday celebration.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Misal)

Almighty and eternal God,
when you sent our Saviour into the world,
you gave us all an example to follow:
in humble obedience he took upon himself a body like ours
and gave himself up to death on the cross.
In your mercy, grant us the grace to learn from the example of his passion
and to share in the glory of his resurrection.
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 (for Ministers of the Word)

Isaiah 50:4-7 — This reading describes someone putting up with a lot of suffering. Our tradition teaches us that these lines apply to Jesus. Philippians 2:6-11 — In this ancient hymn to Christ, we are taught that Jesus achieved glory through suffering. Matthew 26:14 to 27:66 — This year, the Gospel of the Passion of Jesus is the version recorded by Saint Matthew. It’s clear from it that Matthew believed the Jews were to blame for the death of the Messiah. However the Church does not hold the Jewish people of today in any way responsible for the Jesus’ death.

 

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayer to God, our strength, who makes haste to help us.

  1. For the Church of God throughout the world / that all Christians may celebrate these holy days with deep faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters / that they may continue to grow in faithfulness to the covenant (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For the city of Jerusalem, where many faiths meet / that it may be a place of forgiveness and reconciliation (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For those who suffer torture and humiliation / that the sufferings of Christ, and his glory, may bring them hope (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

 The Presider prays “for all those who gone before us in faith, especially N and N” / that they may journey through the valley of death to resurrection (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of compassion, in the death and resurrection of Jesus you show your love for us: hear our petitions, and grant them, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SUGGESTED SONGS: ‘Hail Redeemer, King Divine’, ‘Jesus Remember Me’ (Taizé), ‘Benedictus qui venit.

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