We come to our loving God in all humility, secure in the knowledge that our prayers will be heard.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all the bishops of our Church. May their teaching and leadership show the world the way to peace and reconciliation.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of the world—that they will hear the cries of the poor.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who advocate and act for justice. May their work reveal those who depend on us to transform the Lord’s teaching into action.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our whole community of faith. May we pray daily, humbly and sincerely as Jesus taught us.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are ill and for all who care for them. We pray for family members, friends and parishioners who have died recently. We also remember those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they receive the rewards of their prayers and faithful service.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Compassionate God, we humbly ask for your mercy and that you hear our prayers. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Entrance
City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
Great God of mercy—CWBII 126
God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
Lord, whose love in humble service—CWB 741, CWBII 551, G 764
My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour—CWBII 212, GA 250
O God, your people gather—CWBII 574
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 33 (34): The Lord hears the cry of the poor (Kreutz/Gelineau)—CWB 438
Common Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Dean)—CWBII 609, GA 34
Common Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Guimont)—G 46
Common Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Haugen)—G 45, and in The Lyric Psalter: Year C (ship from GIA)
Common Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Proulx)—CWB 332
Common Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Willcock)—CWBII 610, GA 33, PFS 46
Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Alonso)—in The Lyric Psalter: Year C (ship from GIA)
Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 5:19
Alleluia, Alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Be reconciled as one—AOV1 162
Be with me, Lord (Haugen)—CWB 627, CWBII 286, G 65, GA 53
Come to me, all you who labour—CWBII 470
Micah’s Theme—CWB 748, GA 486
Only this I want (Schutte)—G 782, DD (OCP)
Seek ye first—AOV1 48, CWBII 594, GA 456, G 658
The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489
There is a longing—CWBII 82
The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36
Communion
Be reconciled as one—AOV1 162
Bread of life—AOVNG 15
Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
My soul is longing for your peace—CWB 751, CWBII 559, GA 519
On eagle’s wings—AOV1 153, CWBII 654, G 691, GA 452
The name of God (I will take the cup of life)—CWBII 517, G 80, GA 68
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
All creatures of our God and King—CWB 618, CWBII 446, G 611, GA 395
All creatures of our God and King (arr. Rick Modlin)—DD (OCP)
Your grace is enough—AOVNG 156, DD (OCP)
Sending forth
A new heart for a new world (Create a new heart)—AOV1 158, CWBII 477, GA 438
Amazing grace—AOV1 29, CWBII 450, G 645, GA 437
As a fire is meant for burning—G 744, GA 481, DD (GIA)
In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
Tell out, my soul—CWBII 213, GA 550
The kingdom of God—CWBII 616, G 736
Presider
Jesus has encouraged us to pray always without becoming weary. In his name, we open our hearts and pray for those who need God’s healing, justice and peace the most.
Reader
We pray in union with Pope Francis and all bishops and priests of our Church. May they be strengthened and sustained in their leadership, and may they inspire us to proclaim Jesus’ love.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the people of our world who live in extreme hardship. May they be strengthened by knowing and experiencing the life and love of Jesus.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
On this World Mission Day, we pray for all missionaries, both at home and abroad. May they be supported in their efforts to minister to those who are most in need.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community as we share in the Eucharist. May we always find hope and consolation in Jesus’ promise of God’s undying love.
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 pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries we remember. May God welcome them into his eternal kingdom.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of mercy, listen to our prayers of intercession and reveal your loving kindness to us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Entrance
Alleluia No. 1—AOV1 15, CWBII 350, G 524, GA 360
Great God of mercy—CWBII 126
Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
Come to the feast—AOV1 151, G 585, GA 400
Keep in mind—AOV1 180, CWB 730, CWBII 530, G 646
O Christ, the healer, we have come—CWBII 127
The Summons—CWBII 645, G 790, GA 502
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
Your hands, O Lord, in days of old—CWBII 129
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 97 (98): The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power (Ancell)—CWB 309
Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
Gospel acclamation
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Alleluia, Alleluia! For all things give thanks to God, because this is what he expects of you in Christ Jesus. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
As I have done for you (Schutte)—DD (OCP)
God has chosen me (Farrell)—AOV1 21, CWBII 495, G 761, GA 497
God of mercy (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
Heal me, O God—AOV2 52
Communion
Given for you—CWBII 118
Heal me, O God—AOV2 52
My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
Unless a grain of wheat—AOV1 35, CWBII 635, G 783, GA 500
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
Christ is risen (Maher)—DD (OCP)
For the beauty of the earth—AOV1 123, CWB 678, CWBII 487, GA 427
Give thanks—AOV2 17
In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
Give thanks to God, the Father—CWBII 492
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—AOV2 132, CWB 792, CWBII 586, G 616, GA 421
Sending forth
All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
As a fire is meant for burning—G 744, GA 481, DD (GIA)
Blest be the Lord—AOV1 179, G 686, GA 458
Go out in the world—AOVNG 54
Go to the world!—CWBII 496
Now thank we all our God—AOV1 189, CWB 755, CWBII 561, G 636, GA 425
Sing a new song, sing a new song—CWB 805, CWBII 599
Sing to God with joy and gladness—AOV2 39, CWBII 603
We have no other boast—CWBII 502, GA 491
Entrance
Holy God, we praise your name—AOV2 129, CWB 710, CWBII 504, G 615, GA 411
Jesus calls us here to meet him—CWBII 524, GA 529
Love is his word—CWB 743, CWBII 553, GA 462
O God, our help in ages past—AOV1 175, CWB 767, CWBII 568, G 688, GA 459
O God, your people gather—CWBII 574
Seek, O seek the Lord—CWB 802, CWBII 595, GA 211
There’s a Spirit in the air—CWBII 623
Word of God, come down on earth—CWBII 644
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 120 (121): Our help comes from the Lord (Joncas)—G 83
Psalm 120 (121): Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Murray/Black)—CWB 435
Common Psalm 129 (130): With the Lord, there is mercy (Gelineau)—GA 77
Common Psalm 129 (130): With the Lord, there is mercy (Haugen)—G 87
Common Psalm 129 (130): With the Lord, there is mercy (Thomas)—GA 76
Common Psalm 129 (130): With the Lord, there is mercy (Willcock)—PFS 18
Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Alonso)—in The Lyric Psalter: Year C (ship from GIA)
Common Psalm 144 (145): I will praise your name (Willcock)—CWB 337, GA 82, PFS 58
Gospel acclamation
Hebrews 4:12
Alleluia, Alleluia! The word of God is living and active; it probes the thoughts and motives of our heart. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Micah’s Theme—CWB 748, GA 486
O breathe on me, O breath of God—CWB 758, CWBII 564, G 902, GA 432
O Lord, hear my prayer (Taizé)—AOV1 17, GA 431
O Lord Jesus, Marrkapmirr—AOV2 119
Seek ye first—AOV1 48, CWBII 594, GA 456, G 658
Song for Human Rights—AOV2 135, CWBII 606
There is a longing—CWBII 82
Communion
God of mercy (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
Here I am, Lord—AOV1 90, CWBII 518, G 777, GA 496
I will lift my eyes (Alonso)—DD (GIA)
Jesus calls us to his table—CWBII 115
Shelter me, O God—AOV1 140, G 717, GA 230
Table of plenty—AOV2 20, DD (OCP)
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
God has chosen me (Farrell)—AOV1 21, CWBII 495, G 761, GA 497
Holy God, we praise your name—AOV2 129, CWB 710, CWBII 504, G 615, GA 411
Praise God from whom all blessings flow—AOV1 10, CWB 788, CWBII 394, GA 384
Priestly people, sing your praise—CWBII 590
Sending forth
Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
Go make of all disciples—CWBII 493
Lord, you give the great commission—CWBII 308, G 544, GA 313
Send down the fire—AOV2 164, CWBII 389, GA 475, G 557
Take the word of God with you—CWBII 607, GA 494, DD (OCP)
Tell out, my soul—CWBII 213, GA 550
What does the Lord require—CWBII 642
First reading
Exodus 17:8–13 As long as Moses kept his arm raised, Israel had the advantage.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 120 (121) R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Second reading
2 Timothy 3:14–4:2 The man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
Gospel acclamation
Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is living and active; it probes the thoughts and motives of our heart.
Gospel
Luke 18:1–8 The parable of the unjust judge.
Images from the Word
Pray continually
I want justice
Her just rights
Arms raised
Inspired by God
Liturgical notes
Other lay persons may be commissioned to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture. They should be truly suited to perform this function and should be carefully prepared, so that the faithful by listening to the readings from the sacred texts may develop in their hearts a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §101
The ministry of proclaiming the Scriptures in our Sunday Eucharist has been a great gift to the Church. Our lectors take time during the week to prayerfully prepare their text. In some parishes, this preparation is completed as a lectio, in which other ministers of the celebration, such as the musicians and the homilist, together focus on the Word that will form their decisions regarding how the Eucharist will be celebrated. Through their preparation, they contribute to the Word being alive and active in the hearts of the assembly.
‘Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.’
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’
And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
(Luke 18:1–8)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
According to the law in ancient Israel, justice was meant to be available to all who sought it, not just to the rich or powerful. Judges were appointed and sat ‘at the city gate’, making themselves available to anyone who needed a judgment. The prophets often criticised the corruption that was sometimes associated with this office, as judgment would often go in favour of those who could pay a bribe!
Jewish law made a special provision for the care of widows and orphans, who did not have a male advocate to speak for them.
The Gospel of Luke was written at a time when believers were suffering for their faith. They also may have wondered if God heard their prayers.
Exploring the Word
It is unusual for an evangelist to be so explicit about the meaning of a parable; however, in this text, Luke states that this parable is ‘about the need to pray continually and never lose heart’. Those who listened to Jesus recount the story in this text were likely familiar with judges, who were a law unto themselves and who did not dispense justice according to the demands of God and the Jewish law. Yet even these people will be persuaded to act in the face of persistence. As is typical in the Gospel of Luke, it is not the rich and powerful who prevail, but rather the poor and the weak—in this case, a widow. How much more, then, will God act? He is not like the wicked judge; he will hear the persistent cries of people, especially those of the poor, and not delay in answering. The real test of our faith is to accept that God may answer our prayers in ways we do not expect or even desire. Prayer does not equate to making demands of God. Instead, it involves an openness to God’s presence in our lives and a willingness to accept whatever he demands of us.
Are you persistent about any specific aspects or areas in your life?
What does this persistence reveal about what you consider important?
Is prayer important to you? How do you pray?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
How do you understand the ‘need to pray continually and never lose heart’?
What cries do you think God hears every day and night in the present day?
What would our world look like if justice prevailed?
Discuss the terms ‘fear of God’ and ‘respect for people’. What do think they mean in the present day? Discuss some examples in which ‘fear of God’ and ‘respect for people’ are lacking in our lives and world. How are you being called to respond?
Spend some time contemplating what ‘fear of God’ and ‘respect for people’ mean today. This week, practice these two actions in as many ways as you can.
Use the response from today’s psalm as your prayer this week: Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Sharing the tradition
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
‘I must give this widow her just rights.’ The quest for human rights has long been a cornerstone of the Church’s social teaching. ‘The Church sees in these rights the extraordinary opportunity that our modern times offer, through the affirmation of these rights, for more effectively recognizing human dignity and universally promoting it as a characteristic inscribed by God the Creator in his creature’ (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, §152). For the Church, human rights are firmly anchored in the innate dignity of each person, who is created in the image and likeness of God. Because of this foundation, rights come with responsibilities—and human rights must be defended.
Use paragraphs 155, 156 and 157 of the compendium as a source from which to discuss human rights and responsibilities. Paragraph 155 lists several rights as specified by Pope John Paul II in Centesimus Annus (published to mark the 100th anniversary of the first social encyclical of the modern Church). You could explore these rights and identify examples of such rights being violated in our world today.
You could also explore the human responsibilities and duties that correspond to those rights. How are these duties being performed? What is our personal responsibility?
Symbols and images
The widow’s persistence is the heart of this gospel text. Despite her lack of status, she persistently raises her voice to plead for what she needs—and her need is finally met. In the same way, God will also hear the cries of those who call on him. However, God may sometimes not answer our prayers in the way we want!
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How does your community recognise and promote the rights and duties of all members? Are your community members familiar with the social teaching of the Church? Does your community provide a forum through which to explore these teachings? Is there a social justice group to which catechumens could be invited?
Use the open Scriptures as a focus for your prayer. Pray for all people who suffer injustice and the loss of human dignity. Pray for each other, for strength on your journeys. A suitable song could be The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor (GA 36). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97I.
First reading
2 Kings 5:14–17 Naaman the leper returned to Elisha and acknowledged the Lord.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 97(98):1–4 R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Second reading
2 Timothy 2:8–13 If we hold firm then we shall reign with Christ.
Gospel acclamation
1 Thessalonians 5:18 For all things give thanks to God, because this is what he expects of you in Christ Jesus.
Gospel
Luke 17:11–19 No-one has come back to praise God, only this foreigner.
Images from the Word
Take pity
Praising God
This foreigner
Immersed himself
The Good News
Liturgical notes
For this people is the People of God, purchased by Christ’s Blood, gathered together by the Lord, nourished by his word. It is a people called to bring to God the prayers of the entire human family, a people giving thanks in Christ for the mystery of salvation by offering his Sacrifice. Finally, it is a people made one by sharing in the Communion of Christ’s Body and Blood.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §5
Our Sunday Eucharist invites everyone to participate in the heart of the celebration. Each member contributes to the celebration through his or her active participation in the action. Summoned by God’s calling, all members choose to come to this sacred assembly—in which they are open to being formed by the Word proclaimed—to intercede for the needs of the world and to offer their unique sacrifice so that, in Communion, they may form the one Body of Christ.
‘The rich suffer want and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.’
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered one of the villages, ten lepers came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, ‘Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.’ When he saw them he said, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ Now as they were going away they were cleansed. Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan. This made Jesus say, ‘Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they? It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.’ And he said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.’
(Luke 17:11–19)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
In the text, the term ‘leper’ probably referred to people who suffered from a variety of skin disorders.
Under Jewish law, lepers were ostracised and forced to live outside the city limits. It was thought that they would contaminate others in both a physical and religious sense.
Leprosy was perceived as a punishment for sin, so lepers were considered moral outcasts as well as physical outcasts.
When a leper was ‘cured’, the priests performed certain purification rites (Leviticus 14). It was only after purification that lepers could again come into contact with friends and relations, and once again participate in the religious life of Israel.
An ancient animosity existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. It originated in the period after King Solomon’s reign, when his death prompted civil war and the kingdom’s division into two. The break-away northern kingdom of Samaria rejected the temple in Jerusalem and built a new temple on Mount Gerizim. Those in the southern kingdom of Judah considered the Samaritans apostates.
Exploring the Word
This text conveys another teaching from Jesus about what real faith entails. It is not simply another miracle story. First, the lepers recognise their own need for healing—and it is this recognition that prompts them to cry out to Jesus and implore him for mercy. In their need, they turn to Jesus as their hope. He responds with compassion and sends them to the priests to fulfil Jewish law. Nine assumedly complete that journey and re-enter the religious and social world of the Jews. However, one does not continue with the priests and cultural practices of Israel. Instead, he turns back towards Jesus after realising the true source of his wholeness. The recognition that his salvation came through Jesus and not through the fulfilment of Jewish law is what assures him that he is saved. His response is appropriate: he falls to his knees, praising God loudly and thanking Jesus for all that he has done for him. The fact that he is a Samaritan, a foreigner, may have resonated with Luke’s community, which primarily comprised non-Jewish believers in Christ.
How do you respond to Jesus?
How do you give praise to God?
What needs healing in you?
How do you offer thanks and praise?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Have you ever been an ‘outcast’ through no fault of your own?
‘Master! Take pity on us.’ Have you ever been moved by pity or compassion to do something for another?
What reasons do you have to give thanks to God?
Jesus’ act in this text would have completely transformed the lives of the lepers. Share stories of when your life reached a significant turning point. How did it affect you and those close to you?
Be more inclusive of people who are sometimes treated as ‘outcasts’ in our society. Say thank you to someone who has done something for you.
Use the following lines from the ‘prayer’ in the Epistle to Timothy, which is today’s second reading: If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we hold firm, then we shall reign with him.
Sharing the tradition
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 leprosy in this text can be regarded as a symbol for anything that places a barrier between people. Jesus’ ministry has numerous examples of him breaking down barriers and drawing people into the fullness of life that lies at the heart of the Gospel.
Brainstorm examples of barriers that Jesus sought to break down.
The Church is called to imitate Christ in terms of breaking down barriers, and all of Jesus’ followers are called to do the same. Brainstorm some of the barriers that exist between people in our world, such as ethnicity, disability, religious intolerance and levels of affluence. Discuss how the Church is working to break down such barriers and promoting an attitude of ‘one human family’.
You could recount the stories of great figures in church history who worked to include the ‘outcasts’ of their society, such as Damien of Molokai and Mother Theresa.
You could discuss recent trends in the Church that involve promoting peace and religious dialogue in troubled places in the world.
Symbols and images
Today’s gospel includes another example of an outsider—in this case, both a leper and a Samaritan—recognising Jesus, while those who should have known him, his own compatriots, failed to respond appropriately. We often witness ‘acts of faith’ from surprising quarters!
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How does your own parish work to break down the barriers in our society? Are there occasions in which the community could pray for peace or unity in our divided world, such as in prayers of intercession? Is this done as effectively as it could be?
Invite those gathered to consider what aspects of their lives cut them off from others or from God. Use reflective music and a period of quiet contemplation. A suitable song could be Out of the Depths (GA 227). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94K.
First reading
Habakkuk 1:2–3, 2:2–4 The upright man will live by his faithfulness.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 94(95):1–2, 6–9 R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Second reading
2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14 Never be ashamed of witnessing to our Lord.
Gospel acclamation
1 Peter 1:25 The word of the Lord stands for ever; it is the word given to you, the Good News.
Gospel
Luke 17:5–10 Say, ‘We are merely servants.’
Images from the Word
A mustard seed
Wait on me
Merely servants
Upright man
Something precious
Liturgical notes
The Second Vatican Council … [was] able to grant that ‘the use of the vernacular language may frequently be of great advantage to the people’ and gave the faculty for its use. The enthusiasm in response to this measure has been so great everywhere that it has led, under the leadership of the Bishops and the Apostolic See itself, to permission for all liturgical celebrations in which the people participate to be in the vernacular, for the sake of a better comprehension of the mystery being celebrated
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §12
Since the reform, we have been able to listen to the Scriptures and liturgy in our own language. However, given our multicultural society, peoples of many cultures and languages join us when we assemble. Throughout the year, how does your parish acknowledge this diversity of languages? Are there opportunities for individuals to hear their own language during the liturgy?
‘The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the soul that seeks him.’