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Presider’s Page for Epiphany

Opening Comment (Presiders)

On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the three wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved. Penitential Rite: As we rejoice in God’s forgiveness, let us call to mind our own need of divine mercy: (pause) Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness: Christ, have mercy … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings (Readers)

Isaiah 60:1-6 — Isaiah refers to foreign people coming to worship the God of Israel, just as the three wise men did.

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 — Paul talks about the meaning of the feast: in Jesus, salvation is made available to Jews and pagans alike.

Matthew 2:1-12 — The events celebrated on the Epiphany are described in the Gospel.

 

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who saves the poor when they cry out for help.

  1. For the people of all the nations,that they may hear and believe the Good News of salvation (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters,that through their faithfulness to God’s word, they too may reach the Kingdom (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For people of all faiths and none, that in this New Year they may grow in faith and love (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For those in our midst who are sick or in sorrow, that our support may remind them of God’s unfailing compassion (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays ‘for our friends and relatives who have died (especially N and N), that eternal salvation may be theirs (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider): O God, you rule the earth with justice: help us according to our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS: Christmas Carols, ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’, ‘Praise the Lord all you nations’.

 

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An intimate act of love

Articles, Liturgy
3 Comments

Chris McDonnell shares some thoughts on how we could use the ‘washing of the feet’.
“It is also a liturgy that can be shared without raising contentious issues in an ecumenical setting. There need be no divisions in this mutual giving, no barriers of race, age or social status. It fundamentally cuts through these restrictions and offers an example of Christian love in a simple yet powerful manner.”

“An intimate act of love” was first published in the Catholic Times on 10 March 2017

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