Presider’s Page for 17 January (Ordinary Time 2)
Opening Comment
There are echoes of the Christmas season in today’s liturgy, particularly in the Gospel story of the wedding feast of Cana, in which God’s glory becomes visible in Jesus, as it did at his Epiphany and Baptism. (Today is the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.)
Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves to celebrate, let us allow the glory of Christ’s love to illuminate the shadows within us: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendour of the Father: Lord, have mercy
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of wonders,
at Cana in Galilee
you revealed your glory in Jesus Christ
and summoned all humanity to life in him.
Show to your people gathered on this day
your transforming power
and give us a foretaste
of the wine you keep
for the age to come.
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
Isaiah 62:1-5 God’s relationship with us is described in terms of a wedding —God is as close as a bridegroom to a bride.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Between now and the start of Lent, the second reading each Sunday is from St Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth. He wrote to them in response to a request for practical guidance. Today’s reading outlines the different gifts needed by each community, which the Spirit provides.
John 2:1-11 The story of the wedding feast of Cana repeats the message of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord. Jesus’ glory was seen by his disciples.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us raise our prayers to God, who works wonders among all the peoples.
- For all who seek to follow Christ, that they may not be slow to do what he asks of them (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For Christians facing persecution in Africa and the Middle East, that God may be close to them (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For refugees and migrants, that Irish people may welcome the stranger (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those preparing to celebrate marriage this year, that God’s presence at their wedding may bring them joy (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all married couples, that their witness of love may show the world God’s continuing presence (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For widowed, separated and divorced people, that the support of their friends may help them in difficult times (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For our people who have died (especially N and N), that they may sing God’s praises in their eternal home (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, we proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king’: let your power be seen as you answer the prayers we make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
make us worthy to celebrate this holy eucharist,
for as often as this sacrifice is offered
in remembrance of your Son,
the work of our redemption is accomplished.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time I)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through the mystery of his cross and resurrection
he freed us from the yoke of sin and death
and called us to the glory that has made us
a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people set apart to proclaim your mighty works,
for you have called us out of darkness
into your own wonderful light.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of praise: Holy, holy, holy…
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of mercy,
pour forth upon us the Spirit of your love,
that we who have been nourished
by the one bread from heaven
may be one in mind and heart.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
SUGGESTED SONGS: Praise The Lord All You Nations, Take and Eat, Love is His Word
I wish to raise a question, and from that perhaps an awareness. The excerpt felow is from one of the “Bidding Prayers” suggested for this Sunday.
For those preparing to celebrate marriage this year, that God’s presence at their wedding…..
God’s presence is surely in them as the living Sacrament throughout their marriage, in all its aspects, in every moment of their living as Married. In an age which equates the “wedding” to a social celebration of style, lavish eating and drinking, giving gifts to order, The bride;s great day etc. as witnesses to the Presence and teaching of Jesus we must constantly uphold all celebration of love as being tied into God’s plan for all of all the time. We, clergy, or priests surely reflect the light of the couple’s love in a deeper and more authentic manner than in the “Hokey Pokey”