Whoever finds his life will lose it;
whoever loses his life will find it
Matthew 10:39
Begin with a few moments of quiet.
The intention is to open yourself to the presence of God within you and among those gathered.
Alternatively use this method of entering quiet:
Invite all present to sit comfortably.
When sitting comfortably, take three deep breaths, as you breathe in feel your lungs filling all the way up, when they are full slowly release your breath and feel your lungs emptying out fully. Repeat this three times.
Now return to breathing normally and make the sign of the cross:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Invite each person present to take a few moments to reflect on:
Where in the past week did I encounter God in my life?
Where in the past week did I inhibit God in my life?
Allow time in quiet for this and then, after a few moments, invite those present to share on this, if they are comfortable to do so.
If you like to have some quiet music playing during this click below.
Introduce the Gospel
In these days of ‘Ordinary Time’, we do not know what ordinary is, it will evolve over time. Our Gospel passages will take on a whole new meaning as we move through these ordinary days.
On this Sunday we celebrate the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
We have the saying, “goodness is its own reward” and that, no doubt, is true. We don’t do good to be rewarded but simply because it is good. At the same time, goodness leads to goodness and kindness inspires kindness. This can be true at the most mundane level: if I am courteous and obliging, say, as a driver, perhaps others on the road will be inspired to be obliging and courteous in their turn. It is even more true at a higher level. Generosity of spirit inspires the same in others.
Read the Gospel – Matthew 10:37-42
Read the Gospel aloud, even if you are on your own.
Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows:
‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me.
Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me.
Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.
‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.
‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’
Reflect on the Gospel
Sit quietly now for a few moments and allow the images created by hearing the Gospel to emerge. Use the quietening music again if you wish
Using some or all of the following questions, today and or on different occasions over the coming week reflect on this Gospel passage.
- Jesus never wanted suffering for anyone but he knew that if anyone was going to follow in his footsteps promoting love and respect for every person, they would meet with opposition. Fidelity has its price, but also rewards.
Would you agree? - The passage is a call to both radical and practical discipleship.
When have you found that in order to achieve a certain objective you had to make it a priority, and then take the practical steps necessary to reach your goal?
What were the benefits to you when you did this? - ‘Hate’ (in the Lucan version) is prophetic exaggeration for the uncompromising loyalty Jesus seeks in disciples.
There may be times when people make demands in conflict with fidelity to another relationship. This can be painful.
When have you found that being clear about your priorities helped you in that situation?
Finish this part with a Prayer
All-powerful God, your incarnate Word commands our obedience and offers us true life. Make our ears attentive to the voice of your Son and our hearts generous in answering his call, that we may take up the cross with trust in his promises.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer of the Faithful
In the Mass, the prayer of the faithful are the people’s response to their reflection on the Scripture readings and are spoken to God in the second person. The following have been prepared by Hugh Clifford, Kilquade Parish for our Masses on this weekend.
For the Church
we give thanks that in this current crisis we have not forgotten that You created us for communion and that our pastoral team have had the imagination to use the tools of modern communication to help us pray as a community. We pray that we as a people may soon gather together at mass. Lord hear us
For the relatives of the many who have died at this time
we acknowledge that as a community we have not been able to comfort those who have lost love ones in the manner we normally would. We pray that you Lord will help them take comfort in the memory of the lives of their loved ones and that, as we recover from this epidemic, we too will, in time, share those memories with them. Lord hear us ..
For our health workers
We give thanks for the unselfish work of those within our health system, many of whom became ill, and some of whom died. We pray that those who are still ill will make a speedy recovery and we pray that those in authority will ensure that the work done by all health workers is properly acknowledged. Lord hear us ..
For our essential workers
We pray that the many people working in essential services, carers, cleaners and waste collectors, transport drivers, those in our shops, and so many more, are kept safe. Lord hear us ..
For our youth
we give thanks that they have so unselfishly, accepted restrictions on their lives. By so doing they have made a vital contribution to containing COVID-19 and to saving the lives of many vulnerable people. We pray that their lives may soon resume their normal paths. Lord hear us
Lord, help us to look to the future, behave with caution, and through your grace become a stronger, caring, and more loving, people. Lord hear us ..
For our own intentions: name those intentions you specifically want to mention
Lord hear us
For all who have died ………. name those people you specifically want to remember
Lord hear us
Gathering Prayer:
Help us, Lord, to be kind and generous in our dealings with others today following the example of Jesus. Amen.
Close the time of Prayer with the Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Take a moment now to bring to mind those you want to share peace with, family, friends, those where your relationship is broken.
Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil,
graciously grant peace in our days,
that, by the help of your mercy,
we may be always free from sin
and safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Additional Resources
Fr. Kieran O’Mahony offers a scriptural analysis on the Readings in Written or on Video
Breaking Open the Word in Prayer 