Presider’s Page for 17 February (Ordinary Time 6)
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Eat This Bread’; ‘Lay Your Hands Gently Upon Us’; ‘Wait for the Lord’ (Taizé); ‘How great Thou Art’.
Opening Comment
Happy are they who their trust in the Lord: worry will not come their way, their lives will bear fruit. The prophet Jereimah’s words are reflected in the Psalm, as we are invited to trust in the one who never disappoints.
Penitential Rite
We recall moments when we failed to trust in providence, hoping that God’s mercy has no end (pause)
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart: Lord, have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
who alone can satisfy our deepest hungers,
protect us from the lure of wealth and power;
move our hearts to seek first your kingdom,
that ours may be the security and joy
of those who place their trust in you.
We make our prayer 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 17:5-8 The person who trusts in God is contrasted with the one who trusts in himself; the former thrives, the latter fails.
1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20 — The resurrection of Christ gives us hope. To fail to believe in it is a great loss.
Luke 6: 17, 20-26 — Luke’s beatitudes focus on the value of being poor; people undistracted by wealth can trust all the more in the Lord.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Sisters and brothers, trusting in God’s care, we bring forward our intentions.
- For Pope Francis, that he may continue to encourage and challenge us (10-second pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the success of the Vatican conference on abuse, being held in Rome this week (10-second pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all believers— that our trust in God’s providence may grow each day (10-second pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For people who suffer fom depression — that they may receive the help they need (10-second pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all who are sick, that they may be healed by Christ, through the Church (10-second pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For political leaders in Ireland and Britain, preparing for Brexit — that they may have the gift of wisdom (10-second pause for quiet 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 (10-second pause for quiet 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.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
may this holy sacrifice cleanse us from sin,
renew us in spirit,
and gain for us the eternal reward
promised to those who do your will.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time VI)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
In you we live and move and have our being.
Each day we experience the wonders of your love,
and receive even now a pledge and foretaste of life eternal.
Possessing the firstfruits of the Spirit,
through whom you raised Jesus from the dead,
we hope to enjoy his paschal victory for ever.
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 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
Having feasted with delight at your heavenly table,
we beg you, Lord,
that we may always hunger for that food
by which we truly live.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.