The Body and Blood of Christ – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment

Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on God’s care for the family of faith, especially through the gift of divine nourishment on our pilgrimage through life.

Penitential Rite: As we enter into this celebration, let us praise God who sustains us all our days (pause):  Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life…

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 — Contains Moses’ reminder of how God sustained his people in the desert with the gift of manna.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 — Paul reminds us that in sharing the bread of life at Mass, we become one body.

John 6:51-58 — In the Gospel Jesus says he himself is the living bread for believers.

 

The General Intercessions

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers before the Lord, whose sons and daughters are blessed.

  1. For all who hold the Catholic faith, that their belief in the presence of Christ may grow stronger each time they receive the Eucharist. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  2. For those who rarely join in the Mass, that the loving embrace of the Father may draw them into the community of faith. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  3. For all who are hungry in a world of plenty, that those who worship the God of compassion may continue to share with those in need. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  4. For people who suffer, in mind, body or spirit, that the Bread of Life they receive may bring them comfort and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  5. For those have gone before us in faith (especially N & N), that they may be raised up at the last day. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of infinite generosity, you sent your Son to share our burdens and our hopes, to be our life and strength: hear the prayers we make in his name, who lives and reigns with you, forever and ever. Amen.

 

Other Liturgical Suggestions

Communion under both species might be given today. It’s also a suitable day for First Communion and for commissioning Ministers of the Eucharist. If ministers usually bring Communion to the Sick, send them out solemnly from Mass today with words like these: ‘May the Lord bless you N, as you bring the body and blood of Christ to our brothers and sisters who are sick. Tell them they are in our prayers: ask them to remember us before God.’

Penitential Rite c-vi. Alternative Opening Prayer. Shorter form of Sequence (last three verses) may be prayed by many voices or sung. Preface of the Holy Eucharist 2. Eucharistic Prayer 2. Solemn Blessing 13 (Ordinary Time 4).

 

Songs: ‘One Bread, One Body’; ‘See Us Lord About Thine Altar’; ‘I am the Bread of Life’.

 

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Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2021, we acclaim Mary as Mother of God and ask her to mind us and those we love during this new year. We pray that the world may be freed from COVID-19 through a global programme of vaccination. And as this is also World Peace Day, we pray for peace.

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