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Presider’s Page for 8 November (Ordinary Time 32)

Opening Comment
Gathering together in the Lord’s house, we bring simple gifts into God’s presence – our love, our care for each other, our worshipping hearts and voices. We ask for the grace to continue to show love through the coming week.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
God, our provider,
you are the orphan’s hope
and the widow’s bread.
Strengthen our faith,
that with simplicity of heart
we may come to trust in you alone
and hold back nothing in serving you.
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
1 Kings 17:10-16 — A poor widow’s hospitality to Elijah the prophet is rewarded.
Hebrews 9:24-28 — Christ offers his sacrifice once and for all. When he comes in glory, he will reward those who wait for him.
Mark 12:38-44 — Unlike the showy religious leaders, the poor widow gives with generosity of heart.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord raises up those who are bowed down, so let us bring forward our prayers with confidence.

  1. For all religious leaders, that their faith may be genuine and sincere (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
  2. For Christians, that they may be generous to the poor (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
  3. For ourselves, that we may be open to dialogue with people whose convictions are different from ours (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
  4. For the pastors of the Church, that they may help their people to have hope (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
  5. For those with little to call their own, that their trust in God may bring many blessings (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
  6. For peace in Syria, and for divine protection for the Syrian refugees who seek a temporary home in Europe (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for those who have died: For all who have died, particularly those who have lost their lives through war or violence, that they, and all we have lost to death, may enjoy eternal salvation (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, you support those in sorrow or pain: help us in all our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions)  ‘Be Thou My Vision’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘On Eagle’s Wings’; ‘Abide with Me’; ‘Be Not Afraid’.

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Receiving Eucharist: a goal to achieve or something to share on the journey of life?

Articles, Liturgy, Pope Francis
8 Comments

Rocco Palmo reports that Pope Francis today, Sunday 15 November, visited Rome’s Evangelical Lutheran church for an ecumenical dialogue.
Speaking of her marriage to a Catholic, a woman member of the Lutheran congregation addressed “the hurt we’ve felt together due to [their] difference of faith” and asked about their ability “to finally participate together in Communion.”
In response Francis said “I ask myself and don’t know how to respond – what you’re asking me, I ask myself the question. To share the Lord’s banquet: is it the goal of the path or is it the viaticum [etym. “to accompany you on the journey”] for walking together?”

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