Presider’s Page for 3 February (Ordinary Time 4)
SUGGESTED SONGS: ‘Yahweh, I Know You Are Near’; ‘Shepherd Me O God’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Love is His Word’.
Opening Comment
We gather as people loved by God, people called to pass on the love we have received. The love God has put into the world will never fail, but will last as long as humanity lasts. We praise God for the gifts lavished on us.
Penitential Rite
As we prepare for this celebration, let us call to mind our shortcomings in the light of God’s eternal love and forgiveness: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, leading us into everlasting life: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of salvation,
in your Prophet, Jesus the Christ,
you announce freedom
and summon us to conversion.
As we marvel at the grace and power of your word,
enlighten us to see the beauty of the gospel
and strengthen us to embrace its demands.
Grant 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
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 The call of Jeremiah is described. He is assured that nothing will defeat him. 1 Corinthians 12:31 to 13:13 (Or shorter form 1 Corinthians 13:4-13) This reading, often included at marriage ceremonies, explains what love means in practice. Luke 4:21-30 Jesus is rejected by his own – the perfect beginning for Luke’s Gospel, which was written mainly for the Gentiles.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) God is our hope, our salvation, so we bring forward all our needs.
- For the Church and all who are part of it — that all Christians may grow in love (pause and pray for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
- For Pope Francis, as he travels to the Arabian peninsula this week — that he may bring a message of hope and friendship (pause and pray for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
- For Christians and Muslims — that we may learn to live in tolerance and mutual respect (pause and pray for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
- For people called to be prophets — that may preach God’s word, no matter what (pause and pray for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
- For all who suffer from ailments of the throat — that God may deliver them from suffering (pause and pray for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
- For Catholics who gather for Mass today — that our Christianity may be seen in lives of love (pause and pray for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: for those who have died (especially the four young people who died in the car crash in Donegal during the week, and for their families — and we pray too for safety on the roads — and that all the dead may know perfect love in heaven (pause and pray for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, you are a rock where we can take refuge: hear our prayers and grant us your sustaining grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
in reverent service
we place these gifts upon your altar;
receive them into your sight
and make them the sacrament of our redemption.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time VII)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
You so loved the world
that you gave your only Son as our Redeemer.
You sent him as one like ourselves,
though free from sin,
that you might love in us what you love in Christ.
Your gifts of grace, lost when we disobeyed you,
are now restored by the obedience of your Son.
And so we join the angels and saints
in the joyous hymn of your praise: HOLY HOLY HOLY
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER III
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, 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 Blaise] 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. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Nourished with the sacrament of our redemption,
We ask you, Lord, that by its saving power
true faith may always grow and prosper.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.