Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.’
(Luke 6:27–38)
Points of interest and Catholic lore
This gospel contains the most challenging of all Christian commandments, as well as probably the most difficult commandment to keep: love your enemies and do good to those who hurt you.
In last week’s gospel, the disciples learned that they must be committed to a new order if they are to be faithful followers of Jesus. This week’s text reveals how they must live in that new order; in a sense, it provides the practical details of being a follower. What Jesus is suggesting should not be confused with passivity, inaction or resignation in the face of persecution and injustice. On the contrary! Jesus is suggesting radical action: that we believers act towards others without being asked, and that we offer friendship and pardon constantly, without asking or hoping for anything in return. In Jesus, we find God’s self-revelation, his actions in and for the world, and his plan for salvation and its fulfilment. Followers of Jesus must act in these ways precisely because they are the ways of God.
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
This text—along with the fifth commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill’—offers clear guidance to the Church in relation to acts of violence and war. And yet, shamefully, we can all point to some terrible events in history in which the Church seems to have disregarded such guidance.
Crucially, we must recognise that sometimes the Church—a divine institution that is also limited by human frailty in its actions and historical circumstances—must seek to redress any situations of injustice or hurt in order to move forward in a way that aligns more closely with God’s plan for the world.
This text immediately follows the Beatitudes of last week’s gospel, and it continues the theme of radical reversal that the Gospel calls for. What the world might consider simply human nature or a natural response is not the way of Jesus’ disciples, who follow a different world order. Followers of Jesus must act and respond in a certain way because that is the way of God!
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus came down with the Twelve and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. Then fixing his eyes on his disciples he said:
‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.
Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied.
Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh.
Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets.
‘But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now.
Alas for you who have your fill now: you shall go hungry.
Alas for you who laugh now: you shall mourn and weep.
(Luke 6:17; 20–26)
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Luke carefully describes who is present at this gathering, which includes the newly formed twelve special friends of Jesus, as well as many other disciples, and both Jews and foreigners who come out of curiosity. Although Jesus' words are meant for all, they are especially addressed to his disciples.
Luke does not address ‘the poor in spirit’ or ‘those who hunger and thirst for justice’ as Matthew does. Luke focuses more on the experiences of those who are literally poor, hungry and suffering. These people were persecuted as part of the status quo of their day—and they were the ones who were open to the new order that Jesus announced in his preaching of the kingdom. The powerful, who directed the established order of the day, could not bear such a challenge to their own position; therefore, they will ‘drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal’ for preaching the new order of God’s kingdom. This is the challenge that disciples must face.
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
‘The Beatitudes confront us with decisive choices concerning earthly goods; they purify our hearts in order to teach us to love God above all things’ (CCC, §1728). The Church does not teach that being wealthy is wrong—in fact, it enshrines the right to own private property. However, it does teach that wealth should be used properly. If acquiring wealth becomes an end in itself, then we have lost sight of what is truly important for our ultimate salvation—that is, our relationship with and fidelity to God. If we are fortunate enough to have more wealth than what we need (not want!), then we are obliged to share our good fortune with those who do not have enough to even meet their basic needs.
Jesus highlights a new order in this text—one in which positions will be reversed. Those who are comfortable and successful, as judged by the standards of the world, and those who pursue worldly concerns will ultimately be the ones who lose. Indeed, the kingdom of God will be for the poor, those who hunger and suffer and those who continue to confess their faith in Jesus.
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats close to the bank. The fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats—it was Simon’s—and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signalled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point.
When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were completely overcome by the catch they had made; so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.’ Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.
(Luke 5:1–11)
Points of interest and Catholic lore
In this text, Luke recounts how Simon was called to become a disciple of Jesus. Jesus already knew Simon; he had cured his mother-in-law after ‘they interceded with him about her’ (Luke 4:38). Furthermore, Jesus had also spent time in Capernaum, Simon’s hometown, and had performed miracles and cures there. The large crowd who had witnessed these events now pressed on Jesus, and he made use of the ‘pulpit’ of the boat. When Simon is asked to ‘put out into the deep water’, he complies despite his misgivings. The unprecedented catch of fish and sheer wonder in response hint that the action of God is somehow to be traced in this extraordinary event. Simon—now with his Christian name, Peter, added to his Hebrew name—confesses his unworthiness and addresses Jesus as ‘Lord’. It is only then, in the face of Peter’s faith, that Jesus reveals the vocation and mission of the disciple. Peter, along with James and John, immediately and wholeheartedly accept that mission. They leave everything and follow Jesus.
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Just as Peter became a ‘fisher of men’ and women, the Church has continued sharing the Gospel and drawing people into the net of Christ. The norm in the early church was adult baptism; however, over the centuries, the sacrament became centred on infants.
The Second Vatican Council prescribed the revision of the Rite of Baptism of adults and decreed that the catechumenate for adults, divided into several steps, should be restored.
(Decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship, 1972)
A boat and net are two symbolic images of the Church. St Cyril, a bishop of Jerusalem in the fourth century, once said to his catechumens, ‘You now find yourselves within the fishing nets of Christ. Let yourselves be caught because he wants to capture you, not to kill you, but to give you life.’ Does this image speak to you?
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Genesis 15:5–12, 17–18
God made a covenant with Abraham, his faithful servant.
Psalm 26(27):1, 7–9, 13–14
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Philippians 3:17–4:1
Christ will transfigure these bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body.
Matthew 17:5
From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: this is my beloved Son, hear him.
Luke 9:28–36
As Jesus prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightening.
The purpose of the many prefaces that enrich the Roman Missal is to bring out more fully the motives for thanksgiving within the Eucharistic Prayer and to set out more clearly the different facets of the mystery of salvation.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §364
Certain Sundays of Lent have been assigned their proper preface, and today’s preface draws its inspiration from the gospel of the Transfiguration. This prayer recalls Moses and Elijah’s affirmation that God’s plan is both faithful and continuous; even Jesus’ impending death looks beyond the failure of death to the glory of resurrection. So, we join with the choirs of heaven in offering constant worship to the ever-faithful one.
‘May this sacrifice, O Lord, we pray, cleanse us of our faults and sanctify your faithful in body and mind for the celebration of the paschal festivities.’
— prayer over the offerings
Deuteronomy 26:4–10
The confession of faith of the elect.
Psalm 90(91):1–2, 10–15
R. Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.
Romans 10:8–13
The confession of faith of the believers in Christ
Matthew 4:4
No one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Luke 4:1–13
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit through the wilderness where he was tempted.
Three readings, that is, from a Prophet, an Apostle, and a Gospel, are assigned to Sundays
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §357
and Solemnities. By these readings, the Christian people are brought to know the continuity of the
work of salvation according to the wonderful divine plan.
As we celebrate again the season of Lent in preparation for the feast of Easter, we reflect on the story of Abraham to deepen our understanding of God’s fidelity in the great work of salvation. Throughout history, from Abraham’s time to our own, his faith has framed the three religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam within God’s mysterious plan. Each tradition names Abraham as ‘our father’. May we come to know the continuity of God’s work of salvation.
‘Give us the right dispositions, O Lord, we pray, to make these offerings, for with them we celebrate the beginning of this venerable and sacred time.’
—prayer over the offerings
God shows no partiality and hears all those who cry out in need. Let us begin our prayers to our God of mercy.
We pray for Pope Francis and all Church leaders. May Christians understand and better practice the message of mercy they proclaim.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for peace in our world. May all of Abraham’s descendants respect the mutual rights of others to follow the prophet on their own journey of peace.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all catechumens and candidates who are presenting themselves for reception into the Church at the Rite of Election in the cathedral this Sunday. May we grow with them in the life Christ has shared with us.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May our Lenten practices and works for Project Compassion be the living witness of our commitment to live according to the Gospel.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We commend to your love those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries we remember at this time. May they now be in eternal peace.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
O God, may your love reach out and touch all those in need of your mercy. We offer these prayers to you through Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
As we enter the Lenten season, we recognise our need to pray each day for peace, reconciliation and healing, and for an end to violence in our world.
We pray for Pope Francis and all bishops and priests of our Church. May their voices be heard as they call for all people to reflect on the significance of the Lenten season as a time of personal reconciliation.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
In acknowledging International Women’s Day, we salute women through prayer for how they support family, community and the Church, especially in the area of pastoral care.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for Project Compassion during Lent. May peoples’ efforts and sacrifices strengthen their awareness so that they can respond to the needs of the poor.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. During this Lenten season, may we heed Jesus’ call for us to repent and believe in the Good News.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick and for all who minister to them.
We commend to your love those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be welcomed into your kingdom and find the peace and happiness that was promised to them.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, in your mercy, help us in this season of repentance remember the needy, the poor and the sick. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
St Paul reminds us that labour in the Lord is not in vain. In this spirit, we present our petitions before God.
We pray for Pope Francis and the leaders of our Church. Through their words, may we be strengthened in our faith.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all women and men who are called to work in God’s vineyard. May they be supported in their endeavours, and may they see the fruits of their labour.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all people who are looking for meaningful work. May they find employment that allows them to live with dignity.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. As we interact with others, may we take care that our words do not wound or discourage.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all the sick and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be welcomed into the eternal kingdom and receive the rewards of their faithful service.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Gracious God, through the words of our prayers and actions of our daily lives, may we be your fruitful vineyard. May your peace come to us and to all people. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
In all humility, we turn to God for mercy. We pray that our ways may be God’s ways, and our thoughts may be God’s thoughts.
We pray for Pope Francis and all leaders in our Church. May they guide us to listen to the word of Jesus and heed it.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our world leaders and lawmakers. May they responsibly enact and administer laws that enhance freedom and guard against oppression.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the peacemakers of our world—for those people who in everyday situations make life bearable for those who are victimised.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May each of us be aware of how we hurt others and forgive those who offend us.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now be at peace in the love that lasts forever.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Gracious God, hear our prayers. Remove from our hearts whatever may prevent us from trusting in your life-giving word. We ask this through your Son and our Lord, Jesus.
Amen.
Encouraged by the words of Scripture, we strive to live in ways that are pleasing to God. Thankful for the blessings of this world, we bring our prayers of petition before the Lord.
We pray for Pope Francis and the leaders of our Church. May they be strengthened in their ministry of guiding people to live their lives as true followers of Jesus.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our national and civic leaders. May they act responsibly and reach out to all people with fairness and compassion.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all people who have dedicated their lives to caring for the frail and suffering of our world. May they continue to be blessed in their endeavours.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we be enabled to take the rough as well as the smooth journey in our lives, and may we experience the sorrows as well as the joys.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those in our parish who are sick and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries we recall at this time. May their eyes now be open to the dawn of everlasting happiness.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Merciful God, we trust in your goodness and hope in the promises you have given us, and we bring these prayers before you in Jesus’ name.
Amen.