Greeting
God speaks words of wisdom to us.
May you be attentive to God’s word
and may the Word made flesh remain always with you.
Introduction and Litany of Praise
A In today’s Gospel, we join Jesus in the house of Martha and Mary.
Martha got caught up in the details of providing food.
Mary sat at his feet and provided a “listening ear’. (pause)
During this Mass we can do what Mary did, spend some time in listening to Jesus as he speaks to us in the Liturgy.
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B Today’s Readings remind us of the importance of hospitality in our culture. To receive the stranger in our midst is to receive the Lord. As we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we ask the Lord for a heart that is always open to him and to the needs of others. [pause]
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C Sometimes our activity serves as a mere cover for the emptiness we feel inside us. Do we have the time to listen…. to God… and God’s people? Let us examine ourselves. (pause)
ABC
Lord Jesus, you tell us not to be overly worried about things:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, your presence calms our fears:
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you remind us to focus on the one thing necessary – to listen to your word:
Lord, have mercy.
Opening Prayer
A Generous and loving God,
in the person of Jesus
you graced the home of Martha and Mary
with your living Word.
Let your gracious presence here in word and at table.
remind us that one thing only is necessary,
and that in those to whom we offer hospitality,
it is you whom we receive as a guest.
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
B Wise and merciful God,
grant us a heart,
thirsting for your truth,
longing for your presence,
and ready to hear you in the word of your Son.
Let your gracious presence that we experience
in the sharing of the word
and at the altar-table
remind us that one thing only is necessary,
to listen to 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
GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
P Let us turn to the Lord and ask that our lives may be marked by a deep love for him and that this be expressed in hospitality and the service of others. Full of trust, we pray:
Lord, make your home among us.
Please repeat:
- That those who exercise authority in Church and Government may listen to the Lord and learn from him to be humble servants of God’s people: we pray:
- That those who are anxious and upset about many things at home or at work may know how to give priority to the more important things in life: we pray:
- That we may always be ready to welcome strangers, those in need, those who are lonely and have no one to listen to them: we pray:
- That God who blessed Abraham and Sarah for their hospitality, bless those nations who graciously welcome refugees in search of a new life: we pray:
[The Presider may wish to add a petition that is local / relevant]
P Father, your Son Jesus honored Martha and Mary
by coming to their home as a guest.
May we always welcome him into our lives
and have a place for him in our hearts.
We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Prayer over the Gifts
Father, may we welcome Jesus your Son
in these gifts of bread and wine.
Help us to be like Martha and Mary
always ready to see the face of Jesus
in every guest that enters our home.
And we do this in the name of the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Intro to Lord’s Prayer
With Jesus present in our midst,
we pray with him the prayer which he taught us:
Deliver Us
Deliver us, Lord, from every evil
and grant us peace in our day.
Help us to make time for people….
and be ready to listen to them
as we prepare in joyful hope
for the coming in glory
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Peace
Lord, Jesus Christ,
at the table in your kingdom
no one is a stranger.
Help us to recognize in every person
a beloved son or daughter of your Father.
May we share your peace with everyone
as we work together for the coming of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.
Exchange of Peace
May the kingdom of God come among us
in the welcome we now give to one another.
Invitation to Communion
This is the Lord who says:
“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking;
if you hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in to you and eat with you,
and you with me.” (Rev. 3:20)
Lord, I am not worthy…..
Prayer after Communion
God of love and mercy,
through Jesus Christ whom we have just received,
you have come among us as our guest.
In our daily lives help us to recognize and welcome you
in everyone who comes to us
especially the poor and needy.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Blessing
May the Lord of all kindliness
enkindle in you the fire of his love,
and make of you a welcoming people. AMEN
And may the Lord bless you,
the + Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Dismissal
God speaks to us in the events of daily life.
Be ready to listen to God’s voice.
Go in peace.
Contemporary Liturgy 