Presider’s Page for 28 February (Second Sunday of Lent, Year B)
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Amazing Grace’; Here I am Lord’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘God of Mercy and Compassion’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.
Opening Comment
As we continue to celebrate Lent, we keep the goal of our journey before us. The gospel of the transfiguration is read on this lenten Sunday each year, to remind us to hold firm to a vision of glory, even on dark days. Easter will follow this season of penance, just as freedom will eventually replace this tough time of lockdown. Hope keeps us going.
Penitential Rite
Let us remember moments of doubt and fear, and bring our sins to the one who casts away all that troubles us (pause):
You were sent to heal the contrite: Lord, have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy.
You plead for us at the right hand of the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Ever-faithful God,
you were well pleased with Abraham’s obedience
and you accepted the sacrifice of your Son,
who gave himself up for the sake of us all.
Train us by Christ’s teaching
and school us in his obedience,
that, as we walk his way of sacrifice,
we may come to share in your glory.
We ask this through Christ, our deliverance and hope,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
holy and mighty God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18 — The heartbreaking story of Abraham offering up his only child Isaac teaches that true sacrifice is about faith and obedience rather than slaughter.
Romans 8:31-34 — God’s will is that we be saved, not condemned. Jesus, who died and rose for us, intercedes for us still.
Mark 9:2-10 — On the second Sunday of Lent each year, the story of Jesus’ transfiguration is read – this year, as Mark recorded it.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us call on the Lord’s name, praying with thanksgiving and trust.
- That Pope Francis may be preserved from every danger as he travels to Iraq this week (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
- That God may protect everyone with a difficult job, especially those who work in health-care (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
- That God may be close to all those who suffer because of COVID-19 (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
- That everyone going back to school this week may be safe (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
- That people suffering with mental health issues may know that God is close to them (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
- That God may send grace to everyone who is finding lockdown hard (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: for those who have gone before us in faith (especially N & N), that they may see God in glory (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, we are your servants who trust in you, even in the midst of affliction: hear our prayers and help us to walk in your presence all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
may this eucharistic sacrifice wash away our sins;
may it sanctify your people in body and soul
and prepare us to celebrate the paschal feast.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Second Sunday of Lent)
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.
Having told the disciples of his coming death,
Jesus made his glory known to them on the holy mountain.
With Moses and Elijah as witnesses,
he revealed that the Christ had first to suffer
and so come to the glory of the resurrection.
With joyful hearts we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory without end: Holy, holy, holy
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (from 1998 ICEL Missal, with interpolation for Sunday morning)
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
We give you grateful thanks, O Lord,
for this most glorious sacrament,
in which you allow us, while pilgrims still on earth,
a foretaste of the blessings of heaven.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Bow your heads for God’s blessing.
God of salvation,
let your Son’s passion and death
be for your people
protection from evil in this life
and the sure hope of glory
in the life to come.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.