Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

There was a lawyer who, to disconcert Jesus, stood up and said to him, ‘Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? What do you read there?’ He replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ ‘You have answered right,’ said Jesus ‘do this and life is yours.’

But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said “and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.” Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands’ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’

(Luke 10:25–37) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• The priest and the Levite in this parable were religious professionals. They were on their way to perform their duties in the temple. If they had touched the wounded man, then they may have come into contact with blood; consequently, they would have become ritually unclean and unable to perform their duties. Their obsession with religious regulations blinded them to the even more fundamental commandment to love their neighbour.
• The denarius was a Roman silver coin equivalent to one day’s pay. The Samaritan’s action is extremely generous!
• The road from Jericho to Jerusalem was the normal route that people took when they were travelling to the holy city and the temple. Jericho was the usual crossing point of the River Jordan. 

Exploring the Word 

The parables that Jesus told were always designed to shock those who were listening. As modern listeners, we are shocked by the priest and Levite simply walking past the wounded man; however, this would not have been shocking to people who lived during Jesus’ time. These men had sacred duties to perform in the temple. If the man was dead, or even bleeding, and they came into contact with him, then they would not have been able to perform their obligations to God! The real shock to listeners in Jesus’ day was the Samaritan’s response. An enmity and suspicion existed between Jews and Samaritans that had lasted for centuries. Samaritans do not behave like that! To be so moved by compassion for the wounded man that the Samaritan bathes and dresses his wounds and pays for his further care is an outrageous scenario for the Jews to comprehend. This practical application of ‘love of neighbour’ is taken a step further when Jesus commands the lawyer to act in the same way as the Samaritan. This too would have been a shock!

• What are some modern ‘stereotyped’ images that we have of certain groups or people today?
• Explore some of the barriers that exist in our own society.
• How are we called to break down those barriers and build bridges instead?

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• Ask yourself the fundamental question: what must I do to inherit eternal life?
• Who is your neighbour? Identify those who suffer today.
• 'Go, and do the same yourself.' What does this mean in our world?
• Share an experience in your life in which someone that you least expected helped you or attended to you. Has a perfect stranger ever helped you? Share your stories. Alternatively, share an experience in which you were moved by compassion and responded positively.
• Respond with generosity to someone in need this week. Donate to an agency who works with the poor or needy. Better still, become involved in that work.
• A verse from today’s psalm is a suitable prayer for this week:
  This is my prayer to you, my prayer for your favour.
  In your great love answer me, O God,
  with your help that never fails:
  Lord, answer, for your love is kind;
  in your compassion, turn towards me.

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 story of St Francis and his life-changing encounter with the leper is just one in the Church’s treasury of stories that involve an unselfish love of neighbour. Other examples of such stories include those of Damien of Molokai and of St Martin and the beggar.

• Explore some of these stories of selfless giving.
• Are there people in your parish who work tirelessly for the disadvantaged? Arrange for them to share their stories.

One of Pope John Paul II’s greatest contributions during his papacy was his constant call to engage in interreligious dialogue to break down barriers and build bridges between all peoples of the human family. Pope Francis shares this commitment to interreligious dialogue, as he encourages us to pray that ‘sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice’ (video prayer message, 8 January 2016). What does this mean? The response to certain events such as the Christchurch mosque attacks of 2019 may offer some insights into what can be achieved through mutual respect and dialogue.

• Explore some of the Church’s initiatives in this area—such as the ecumenical World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
• You could gather information from the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue regarding local initiatives that aim to build relations with other people of faith. 

Symbols and images 

There is a timelessness in the parable told in this text. The pathos of the injured man urges us all to come to the aid of wounded humanity. We are asked to respond compassionately and generously to those in need. We are called to more deeply understand what faith in the God of life truly demands rather than rest in simple adherence to ritual obligation.

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 help break down barriers between peoples and faiths? Are there ways in which catechumens can become involved?
• This might be an appropriate time for an anointing of the catechumens given in the RCIA at §101. Use a phial of oil as a focus. Talk about how the Samaritan used oil for healing. Adapt the prayer to reflect today’s gospel. Pray for each other and for all those who care for the needy. An appropriate song could be The Servant Song (GA 487).

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.

‘Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.

‘Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

(Luke 10:1–12, 17–20)

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• The vineyard is often used in the Old Testament as an image of God’s people; they must be tended to and cultivated well so that a rich harvest is yielded.
• The Church has always understood its main function of announcing the Gospel to others. This is the Church's mission, and missionaries conduct the work.
• All baptised people are called to be a part of this missionary activity of the Church. 

Exploring the Word 

At the end of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ final instruction to the disciples is to proclaim the Good News to all the nations (Luke 24:47). In today’s text, it seems as if Jesus is throwing the disciples into the deep end! Although they are sent on their first missionary assignment as raw recruits, with little to help them, the lessons they learn in their missions will be greatly needed later. For whatever they seek to achieve in Jesus’ name, they are given the assistance they need. However, Jesus reminds them that the crucial factor is not that they are powerful or that they are successful; it is that they are doing God's will, in Jesus’ name, which is the reason for their ultimate salvation.

• In this text, the disciples are not yet fully formed, but they are willing to undertake the mission. Explore how the catechumens are like the disciples in this story. What lessons are they learning?
• Do they feel as if they are lambs among wolves? Explore this idea. How is it ‘dangerous’ to be a Christian in today's society?

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• How have you been received into the family of God’s people?
• In what ways are you called to spread the Good News to others?
• At this early stage of the gospel, the disciples are hardly formed for the task they receive. Have you ever been given a job that set you on a ‘steep learning curve’? How did it make you feel? What was your response? How well did you achieve your task? Share your stories with others.
• Offer the gift of hospitality to someone this week. Make them feel welcome and give something of ‘the peace of Christ’ to them. Reflect on how this enriches you yourself as well as the recipient of your hospitality.
• Use the gospel acclamation as the basis of your prayer this week:
  May the peace of Christ reign in my heart
  and may the fullness of his message live in me. 

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 harvest is rich but the labourers are few.’ All the faithful are called to fulfil their vocation in the Church. For some, this means priestly vocation or religious life. For others, their vocation is fulfilled as a married couple or single layperson.

• Explore the idea of vocation in all its rich diversity. You could invite a priest or religious brother or sister to discuss their vocation. Invite a married couple or single layperson to do the same.

One specific vocation within the Church is that of the missionary, who leaves his or her own culture to work in another. 

• You could recount the story of famous saints who have ‘gone out to the nations’, such as those of St Patrick, St Columban, Francis Xavier and Mother Teresa.
• You could discuss the work of missionaries today, or even invite a returned missioner to be with the group. Resources and personnel may be available from the Catholic Mission, Melbourne Overseas Mission or St Columban’s Mission Society.

Symbols and images 

This reading makes it clear that Jesus' message is available freely to all. However, it is how people respond to the invitation to faith that differentiates them. Some accept it and peace rests with them, while others reject it and must accept the consequences of their choice.

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 manifest this missionary aspect of the Church or support missionary groups? How can catechumens become involved in these activities?
• Use an image of a pair of sandals and a staff as a focus for prayer. Pray for those who work as missionaries today. Pray for vocations to religious life. Pray for each other as you too seek to understand your vocation. A suitable song could be Take Christ to the World (GA 369). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94F.

First reading

Genesis 18:20–32
Abraham negotiates with the Lord.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 137(138):1–3, 6–8
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Second reading

Colossians 2:12–14
Christ has brought you to life with him and forgiven us all our sins.

Gospel acclamation

Romans 8:15bc
You have received the Spirit which makes us God’s children, and in that Spirit we call God our Father.

Gospel

Luke 11:1–13
How to pray.

Images from the Word

• Teach us
• Persistence
• Ask
• Give me leave 
• Been raised up

Liturgical notes

In the Lord’s Prayer a petition is made for daily food, which for Christians means preeminently the Eucharistic Bread, and also for purification from sin, so that what is holy may, in fact, be given to those who are holy.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §81 

The inclusion of the Lord’s Prayer in the Mass dates back to early times, and its inclusion during Communion draws us in two ways. First, as God’s holy people, we petition the holy one to share his holiness with us: ‘Give us today our daily bread.’ This petition then links the Eucharist with our petition for forgiveness: ‘Forgive us as we forgive.’ God’s generous gift invites us to extend the same forgiveness to those who ‘have trespassed against us’. We then move from this prayer to the sign of peace.

‘Accept, O Lord, we pray, the offerings which we bring from the abundance of your gifts, that through the powerful working of your grace these most sacred mysteries may sanctify our present way of life and lead us to eternal gladness.’ 

—prayer over the offerings

First reading

Genesis 18:1–10
‘Next year your wife Sarah will have a son.’

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 14(15):2–5
R. The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

Second reading

Colossians 1:24–28
A mystery hidden for generations has been revealed to God’s saints.

Gospel acclamation

cf. Luke 8:15
Happy are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Gospel

Luke 10:38–42
Martha works; Mary listens.

Images from the Word

• Welcomed
• Distracted
• Few are needed
• Visit you again
• Christ among us  

Liturgical notes

For in the celebration of Mass, in which the Sacrifice of the Cross is perpetuated, Christ is really present in the very assembly gathered in his name, in the person of the minister, in his word, and indeed substantially and continuously under the Eucharistic species.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §27

When we gather for Sunday Mass, much more happens than meets the eye. To recognise the depth of what we do, we need attentive faith. Sunday after Sunday, we come to church—and it is all too easy to let this become a routine or empty ritual. Yet, we stand in the very presence of God when we are in the sacred assembly of his beloved people, to whom he speaks through word and sacrament.

‘O God, who in the one perfect sacrifice brought to completion varied offerings of the law, accept, we pray, this sacrifice from your faithful servants and make it holy, as you blessed the gifts of Abel, so that what each has offered to the honour of your majesty may benefit the salvation of all.’ 

—prayer over the offerings

First reading

Deuteronomy 30:10–14
The Law is not beyond your strength or beyond your reach.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 68(69):14, 17, 30–31, 33–34, 36–37
R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

Second reading

Colossians 1:15–20
All things were created through Christ and for Christ.

Gospel acclamation

cf. John 6:63c, 68c
Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.

Gospel

Luke 10:25–37
The good Samaritan.

Images from the Word

• My neighbour
• Half dead
• Compassion
• Obey
• Unseen God 

Liturgical notes

The celebration of Mass should be planned: 

With due regard for the nature and the particular circumstances of each liturgical assembly, the entire celebration is planned in such a way that it leads to a conscious, active, and full participation of the faithful both in body and in mind, a participation burning with faith, hope, and charity, of the sort which is desired by the Church and demanded by the very nature of the celebration, and to which the Christian people have a right and duty by reason of their Baptism.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §18

The faithful participating at Mass is the heart of its celebration. However, this participation should involve much more than mere actions. What we do must touch our hearts—we need to be ‘living with faith, hope and charity’ as we engage in the celebration. We also need to carry the spirit of the celebration into our lives, and similarly burn to recognise and serve the Christ among us.

‘Look upon the offerings of the Church, O Lord, as she makes her prayer to you, and grant that, when consumed by those who believe, they may bring ever greater holiness.’ 

—prayer over the offerings

Presider

Jesus teaches us to ask and we will receive, to seek and we will find, to knock and the door will be opened to us. Trusting in his words, we come with confidence before the throne of mercy.

Reader

We pray for Pope Leo and the priests of our Church who lead us in prayer. May Jesus foster in them a deep sense of response to the Spirit, as he did for his disciples.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are oppressed by any need. When life seems difficult, may Jesus’ encouragement to persevere in prayer help them pray in good faith.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the needs of the local community. May the Lord’s Prayer be a source of inspiration, especially for those who struggle to find their own words to pray.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone in this community of faith. May we pray daily as Jesus taught us, praising God, thanking him for all we have been given, asking him for forgiveness and remembering to forgive others.

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 take care of them.
We pray for those who sleep in Christ, especially those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be brought to a full life with Christ.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

Gracious Father, receive our prayers of petition. Whenever we call on you, we believe that you will answer us.
Amen.

Presider

God has made known the riches of Christ’s glory in us. As a people of prayer, we proclaim our hope to all who are hurting or suffering in some way.

Reader

We pray for Pope Leo and the College of Bishops. May they be strengthened in their ministry of inspiring all people to open their hearts to the word of God.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the pastoral role of the Church. May it always and everywhere be a house of welcome to all people, regardless of race, beliefs, skin colour, sexual orientation or religion.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of nations throughout the world. May they be driven by a sense of duty and service to their people.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for a sense of collaboration in our faith community. May the aspirations of both Martha and Mary continue to be shared in goodwill and mutual service.

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 remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries we recall at this time. May God welcome them into the eternal kingdom and reward them for their faithful service.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

Merciful God, as with Abraham and Sarah, you give us what we most deeply need. May our prayers, like theirs, find favour in your sight. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Presider

God has brought us reconciliation through Christ. Today, we pray for God to continue helping all who need healing, freedom and peace.

Reader

We pray for Pope Leo and all Church leaders. May they constantly be inspired to proclaim Christ through their ministry of humble service.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our Church agencies that work throughout the world. May they respond to those in need in the spirit of the Good Samaritan—may they be ever willing to challenge the ‘priests and Levites’ of our day.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

On this Apostleship of the Sea Sunday, we pray for all seafaring men and women who work on the oceans. May they be protected from all dangers and return safely to their homes.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who need healing and support in our community. In the spirit of the Good Samaritan, may we do everything we can to improve their lot, whatever it may cost 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 care for them.
We remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be led to the fullness of eternal life.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

Merciful God, your Son Jesus has helped us see our neighbour in everyone who is in need. May we fulfil the Gospel’s command by loving God and our neighbour. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Presider

God offers comfort, consolation and hope to all people. May our prayers today bear witness to our faith in God, who imparts kindness to everyone.

Reader

We pray for Pope Leo and all Church leaders who answer the call to be labourers for the Lord’s harvest. May more of us respond to this call and become labourers for the mission of the Church.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray that we may all be comforted by the image that Isaiah described, in which God’s love for us is likened to a mother’s love for her child.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Today, in preparation for NAIDOC Week, let us acknowledge and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as their many contributions to this country. May they see an end to their ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the land we share.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our faith community. May each of us, in our own way, commit to bearing witness to our faith in God in our daily lives.

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 those whose anniversaries we remember at this time. May they now be rejoicing in God’s kingdom.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider

God of love, may your peace and mercy reach all those who cry out to you today. Grant us the grace to rejoice in your saving word. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Entrance

• At the Lamb’s high feast we sing—CWBII 341
• Forgive our sins as we forgive—CWB 680, CWBII 120
• Good Christians all, rejoice—CWB 697, CWBII 261, G 440
• Holy Father, God of might—CWBII 503
• Praise, my soul, the King of heaven—AOV1 78, CWB 789, CWBII 588, G 613, GA 392
• Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—AOV2 132, CWB 792, CWBII 586, G 616, GA 421
• Tell out, my soul—CWBII 213, GA 550
• There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
• This day God gives me—CWB 840, CWBII 625, G 856, GA 536

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

• Psalm 137 (138): On the day I called (Cooney)—DD (OCP)
• Psalm 137 (138): On the day I called for help, you answered me, Lord (Heagney)—CWB 399
• Common Psalm 18 (19): Words of everlasting life (Palabras de vida eternal) (Alonso)—G 32
• Common Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Thomas)—GA 21
• Common Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Willcock)—PFS 38

Gospel acclamation

Romans 8:15bc

Alleluia, Alleluia!
You have received the Spirit which makes us God’s children,
and in that Spirit we call God our Father.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• Eye has not seen—AOV1 146, G 728, GA 466
• Seek, O seek the Lord—CWB 802, CWBII 595, GA 211
• Seek ye first—AOV1 48, CWBII 594, GA 456, G 658 
• Shelter me, O God—AOV1 140, G 717, GA 230
• Pray with confidence (Chepponis)—DD (GIA)

Communion

• Bless the Lord, my soul (Taizé)—AOV2 142, G 620
• God is rich in mercy—AOV2 27
• God of mercy (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
• Jesus calls us to his table—CWBII 115
• O Father, I know I can count on your mercy—CWBII 122
• Shepherd me, O God—AOV1 33, CWBII 597, G 35, GA 24

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
• Sing of the Lord’s goodness—AOV1 131, CWBII 601, G 610, GA 413
• Sing praise to our creator—CWBII 393
• Sing praise to the Lord all our days—CWBII 602
• Sing praises to the Lord—AOV1 32
• Sing to God with joy and gladness—AOV2 39, CWBII 603 

Sending forth 

• Blest be the Lord—AOV1 179, G 686, GA 458
• Sing to the mountains—AOV1 92, CWBII 604, G 519, GA 362
• Strong and constant—AOV1 110, CWB 812, CWBII 515
• There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
• This day God gives me—CWB 840, CWBII 625, G 856, GA 536
• Though the mountains may fall—AOV1 182, G 689, GA 453