Presider’s Page for 25 January (Ordinary Time 3)
Opening Comment
The calling of Andrew and his brother Peter is described in today’s Gospel. Like those early disciples, we too are called. As believers, we gather here to listen to God’s word, resolving to put it into practice in the coming week.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Your sovereign rule, O God,
draws near to us in the person of Jesus your Son.
Your word summons us to faith,
your power transforms our lives.
Free us to follow in Christ’s footsteps,
so that neither human loyalty
nor earthly attachment
may hold us back from answering your call.
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
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 — Jonah’s mission to the people of Nineveh is described, and their immediate response to his call to repentance.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 — Paul wrote this letter, believing that the end of the world wasn’t far away. He asked people to concentrate their energies on things of the spirit.
Mark 1:14-20 — We begin the journey through Mark’s Gospel today, hearing Jesus’ message of repentance and his calling of the first disciples.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord has shown us love from of old, so we ask with confidence that our prayers be heard:
- That all Christians may have the enthusiasm of the early disciples in following the Saviour (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That full unity among the followers of Christ may draw closer (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That people who live in great cities may experience God’s tender love through human friendship (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That those who earn their living from the sea may be protected from every danger (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That all who teach and serve in our Catholic schools may continue to hand on the faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That our friends who are sick may experience divine healing (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for the dead: That our dead may enter the presence of God, (especially N and N who died during the week, and N and N whose anniversaries occur) (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Remember your mercy, O Lord, and the love you have shown from of old: hear the prayers we make, and grant them, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONGS AT MASS: (Suggestions) ‘Here I am, Lord’; Praise to the Lord’; ‘Go Tell Everyone’.