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EXCERPTS FROM FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YR A)

Liturgy and Prayer Resources for Catholic Communities During Suspension of Liturgical Celebrations Due to Coronavirus (2020)

During the period of suspension of public liturgies in response to the Coronavirus crisis, Catholics can take heart from one of the key decrees of the (1962-1965) on Christ’s presence in the liturgy:

“Christ is always present in his Church, especially in its liturgical celebrations. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, not only in the person of his minister, ‘the same now offering, through the ministry of , who formerly offered himself on the cross’ but especially under the Eucharistic elements. By his power he is present in the sacraments, so that when a man baptises it is really Christ himself who baptises. He is present in his word, since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church. He is present, lastly when the Church prays and sings, for he promised: ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’” (Mt 18:20). [Vatican Council II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (1963) art. 7]

If parishioners pray at home at the same time they would normally be together praying at Mass, there is a very real sense in which two or three are gathering in Christ’s name, in the unity of their prayer rather than of their physical person. Individual and family prayer based on the Liturgy of the Word at Mass, the and other sources provides members of parishes and families with an opportunity to honour Christ’s presence in the domestic Church as those present pray to God in thanksgiving for gifts received, and for the needs of the Church and the world.

RESOURCE PREPARED BY THE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Excerpts from the English translation of the © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL); the English translation of the Psalm Responses, Verses, Verses and Lenten Gospel Acclamations from the for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, ICEL. All rights reserved. Extracts from Scripture (excepting Psalm texts), from Jerusalem Bible © 1966, 1967, 1968, Darton, Longman and Todd and Doubleday & Company Inc. Psalm texts from The : A New Translation, published by HarperCollins Publishers, Ltd © 1963 The Grail (England). Excerpts from The Divine Office © 1974, 1976. Hierarchies of Australia, England and Wales, Ireland. EXCERPTS FROM MASS FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

BrothersCONFITEOR and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, VARIOUS PRAYER RESOURCES and so prepare ourselves to hear God’s word. WEBSITES • Liturgy Brisbane I confess to almighty God • Liturgy Help (Creative Ministry and to you, my brothers and sisters, Resources) that I have greatly sinned, • Masses Online and Prayer Resources in my thoughts and in my words, (Australian Catholic Bishops Conference) in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, • Universalis through my fault, through my fault, • Pray with the Pope through my most grievous fault; • Universalis therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. CREATING SPACE FOR PRAYER 1. Create a prayerful, welcoming space; May almighty God have mercy on us, 2. Include familiar liturgical symbols: water, forgive us our sins, cross, Bible, greenery/flowers and others and bring us to everlasting life. as appropriate; 3. Light a candle and utilise music and OR singing; 4. Foster a reflective atmosphere of praise, thanks and intercession. LordPENITENTIAL Jesus, you were ACT lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy. If you are able, donate to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion today You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy.

You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy. SEASONAL HYMN All: Lord, have mercy.

SIGN OF THE CROSS V. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. R. Amen

V. With one heart and one mind let us bless the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. Bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit R. Blessed be God for ever.

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Acts 2:14, 22-33 (JB) GLORYGlory to God TO in theGOD highest, AFIRST reading READING from the Acts of the Apostles and on earth peace to people of Good will. It was impossible for him to be held by the power of Hades. We praise you, On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and we bless you, addressed the crowd in a loud voice: ‘Men of Israel, listen we adore you, to what I am going to say: Jesus the Nazarene was a man we glorify you, commended to you by God by the miracles and portents and we give you thanks for your great glory, signs that God worked through him when he was among you, Lord God, heavenly King, as you all know. This man, who was put into your power by O God, almighty Father. the deliberate intention and foreknowledge of God, you took Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, and had crucified by men outside the Law. You killed him, but Lord, God, , Son of the Father, God raised him to life, freeing him from the pangs of Hades; you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; for it was impossible for him to be held in its power since, as you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer: David says of him: you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. I saw the Lord before me always, For you alone are the Holy One, for with him at my right hand nothing can shake me. you alone are the Lord, So my heart was glad you alone are the Most High, and my tongue cried out with joy: Jesus Christ, my body, too, will rest in the hope with the Holy Spirit, that you will not abandon my soul to Hades in the glory of God the Father. nor allow your holy one to experience corruption. Amen. You have made known the way of life to me, you will fill me with gladness through your presence.

‘Brothers, no one can deny that the patriarch David himself is dead and buried: his tomb is still with us. But since he was a PRAYER May your people exult for ever, O God, prophet, and knew that God had sworn him an oath to make in renewed youthfulness of spirit, one of his descendants succeed him on the throne, what he so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our foresaw and spoke about was the resurrection of the Christ: adoption, he is the one who was not abandoned to Hades, and whose we may look forward in confident hope body did not experience corruption. God raised this man to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection. Jesus to life, and all of us are witness to that. Now raised to Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, the heights by God’s right hand, he has received from the who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Father the Holy Spirit, who was promised, and what you see Holy Spirit, and hear is the outpouring of that Spirit.’ one God, for ever and ever. The word of the Lord.

Amen. Thanks be to God.

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Ps 15:1-2, 5, 7-11 (JB) Luke 24:13-35 (JB) RESPONSORIAL PSALM GOSPELA reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Lord, you will show us the path of life. They recognised him at the breading of the bread. OR R. Alleluia Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were 1. Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. talking together about all that had happened. Now as they I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God. talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He it is you yourself who are m R. said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. 2. I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, Then one of them, called Cleopas answered him, ‘You who even at night directs my heart. be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know I keep the Lord ever in my sight: the things that have been happening there these last few since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm. R. days.’ ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ they answered ‘who proved he was a great prophet by the 3. And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole even my body shall rest in safety. people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed For you will not leave my soul among the dead, him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. nor let your beloved know decay. R. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have gone by 4. You will show me the path of life, since it all happened; and some women from our group have and the fullness of joy in your presence, astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, at your right hand happiness for ever. R. and when they did not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything 1 Peter 1:17-21 (JB) exactly as the women had reported, but of him they saw TheSECOND ransom READINGthat was paid to free you was the blood of nothing.’ the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Then he said to them, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe A reading from the first letter of St Peter the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the If you are acknowledging as your Father one who has no Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting favourites and judges everyone according to what he has with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained done, you must be scrupulously careful as long as you are to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were living away from your home. Remember, the ransom that was about himself. paid to free you from the useless way of life your ancestors When they drew near to the village to which they were going, handed down was not paid in anything corruptible, neither he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with in silver nor gold, but in the precious blood of a lamb without them. ‘It is nearly evening’ they said ‘and the day is almost spot or stain, namely Christ; who, though known since before over.’ So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with the world was made, has been revealed only in our time, the them at the table, he took the bread and said the blessing; end of the ages, for your sake. Through him you now have then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were faith in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from glory for that very reason - so that you would have faith and their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts hope in God. burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained The word of the Lord. the scriptures to us?’ Thanks be to God. They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, ‘Yes it is true. The Lord GOSPEL ACCLAMATION cf Luke 24:32 (JB) has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then they told their Alleluia, alleluia! story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread. Lord Jesus, make your word plain to us: make our hearts burn with love when you speak. The Gospel of the Lord. Alleluia! Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. 4 EXCERPTS FROM MASS FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

SCRIPTURAL REFLECTION

THE WISE AND LIFE-GIVING PRESENCE OF GOD LORD, YOU ARE MY PRIZE In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles St Today, the story of Jesus risen is told and retold as a way to Peter quotes a number of lines from Psalm 16(15), the psalm help us to grasp its meaning. we pray as our responsorial psalm today. In Acts, Peter shows that Jesus is the focus of conflict This reading from Acts offers us an interesting example of between God and human beings. Human beings killed how the New Testament writers used the ancient biblical Jesus but God raised him to life. Peter uses Psalm 15 to texts. Following tradition, Peter attributes the authorship of express Jesus’ faithful relationship with God. Traditionally, this psalm to King David. He argues that David had Jesus the Psalms are David’s prayers to God. Yet Peter points out in mind when he spoke of a person who was sustained by that while David died and remains buried, Jesus was raised the wise and life-giving presence of God. God was at the from the tomb. Not only that, but Jesus is with God and has right side of Jesus through all his difficulties. When he was sent God’s Holy Spirit upon the people all around Peter. put to death God did not abandon him to Hades but raised In the first letter of Peter we hear Peter’s voice again, him to life. reminding us through a variety of images of the immense The wonderful message of today’s liturgy is that God is also sacrifice Christ made so that we can have faith and hope in beside each one of us on our journey through life, though God. we often fail to recognise God’s presence. We are like the From the Gospel of Luke we hear a journey story. On the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who experienced the way to Emmaus, a village outside Jerusalem, two disciples wise and life-giving presence of God in the stranger who go over with each 'all that had happened' in the death and walked by their side and explained the Scriptures to them. resurrection of Jesus. When Jesus joins these two It was only at the breaking of the bread, however, that they disciples, they tell the story again for him. In words, Jesus recognised who the stranger was. himself then shows them the deep meaning of this event. May our hearts burn within us today as we hear the At table at the end of the day’s journey, Jesus puts this scriptures proclaimed and explained. May our eyes be deep meaning into action, when he breaks bread and opened at the breaking of the bread. Transformed, may prays in such a way that the disciples recognise him fully. we, like the two disciples, joyfully proclaim to others that Immediately they return to Jerusalem, to find that others the Lord is truly risen. have met this same Jesus. For them the Psalm speaks with fresh meaning: God’s own self is now our prize. Michael Goonan SSP

Michele Connolly RSJ

St Pauls Publications and the authors have allowed the publication of this reflection to support the spiritual needs of Catholics unable to attend Mass at this time.

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We pray for all countries of the world affected by the APOSTLE'S CREED COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the United States of America, I believe in God, Italy, Spain and China. That God will grant wisdom to their the Father almighty, leaders, healing to the sick and successful outcomes for Creator of heaven and earth, those testing vaccines. We pray to the Lord. and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, R. Christ who is risen from the dead, have mercy on us. At the words that follow, up to and including ‘the Virgin We pray for all regions of the world affected by destruction Mary’, all bow. through pollution and careless abuse of natural resources, particularly the atmosphere, rainforests and waterways. That who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, all people will treasure God’s creation to enrich the lives of born of the Virgin Mary, present and future generations. We pray to the Lord. suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; R. Christ who is risen from the dead, have mercy on us. he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; We pray for all who have lost their lives in war, particularly he ascended into heaven, our ANZAC members. That their example of self-sacrifice and and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; service of their country will inspire others to work towards from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. peace and freedom. We pray to the Lord. I believe in the Holy Spirit, R. Christ who is risen from the dead, have mercy on us. the holy , the of saints, We pray for all who have died recently, especially the victims the forgiveness of sins, of the pandemic and the four police officers killed in Victoria. the resurrection of the body, That they will rest in the peace of Christ and enjoy eternal and life everlasting. Amen. happiness with God. We pray to the Lord. Amen R. Christ who is risen from the dead, have mercy on us.

Conclusion GENERAL INTERCESSIONS Introduction Ever-living God, as we celebrate the joyful Easter mystery, we ask you to hear the prayer of your Church that we place Dear brothers and sisters, inspired by Jesus Christ’s before you with confidence. resurrection from the dead, let us offer our intentions to God, confident that he accompanies us on our journey through life. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Intentions We pray for all ministers of God’s word, especially Pope Francis, the bishops, clergy, religious and lay faithful. That they will be strengthened in their lived witness to the Gospel in our contemporary culture. We pray to the Lord. R. Christ who is risen from the dead, have mercy on us.

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LetTHE us joinLORD'S our prayers PRAYER with the prayer Jesus gave us: CONCLUSION Leader: Look with kindness upon your people, O Lord, Our Father, who art in heaven, and grant, we pray, hallowed by thy name; that those you were pleased to renew by eternal thy kingdom come, mysteries may attain in their flesh thy will be done the incorruptible glory of the resurrection. on earth as it is in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Give us this day our daily bread, Amen. and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; In the name of the Father, and Son, and of the Holy and lead us not into temptation, Spirit. Amen. but deliver us from evil. Let us go in peace. Alleluia, alleluia. All: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

MyPRAYER Lord Jesus FOR Christ, SPIRITUAL I believe that COMMUNIONyou are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I long for you in CONCLUDING SEASONAL HYMN OR my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already SONG OF PRAISE/THANKSGIVING come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen. St Alphonsus Liguori, alt. (1696-1787)

7 PSALM AND CANTICLES FOR

6. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, Ps 65:1-7. 16. COMMON PSALM FOR EASTER and to the Holy Spirit: 20. R. see v.1 R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. as it was in the beginning, OR is now, and will be forever. Amen. R. Alleluia

) 1. Cry out with joy to God all the earth, Luke 1:46-55 (ICET tr.) O sing to the glory of his name. AllMAGNIFICAT make the sign of (Evening the cross. O render him glorious praise. Say to God: ‘How tremendous your deeds! R. 1. My soul + proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour 2. ‘Before you all the earth shall bow; for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant. shall sing to you, sing to your name!’ Come and see the works of God, 2. From this day all generations will call me blessed: tremendous his deeds among men. R. the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 3. He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod. 3. He has mercy on those who fear him Let our joy then be in him; in every generation. he rules for ever by his might. R. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. 4. Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul: 4. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer and has lifted up the lowly. nor withhold his love from me. R. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 5. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, Luke 1:68-79 (ICET tr.) BENEDICTUSAll make the sign of (Morning) the cross. the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. 1. Blessed be + the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. 6. Glory to the Father, and to the Son He has raised up for us a mighty saviour, and to the Holy Spirit: born of the house of his servant David. as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. 2. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers Lk 2:29-32; (ICEL tr.) and to remember his holy covenant. R.NUNC Protect DIMITTIS us, Lord, as (Night) we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, 3. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: that awake we may keep watch with Christ, to set us free from the hands of our enemies, and, asleep, rest in his peace. free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. 1. Lord, + now you let your servant go in peace: 4. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most your word has been fulfilled. Ant. High, 2. My own eyes have seen the salvation for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, which you have prepared in the sight of ev’ry people. Ant. to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. 3. A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Ant. 5. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, 4. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be fore ever. shadow of death, Amen. Ant. and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

8 PRAYER RESOURCES

PRAYER FROM VOTIVE A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE Almighty and all-merciful God, [RomanMASS Missal FOR (2010) THE p.SICK 1378] lover of the human race, healer of all our wounds, in whom there is no shadow of death, Let us pray: save us in this time of crisis; O God, who willed that our infirmities grant wisdom and courage to our leaders; be borne by your Only Begotten Son watch over all medical people to show the value of human suffering, as they tend the sick and work for a cure; listen in kindness to our prayers stir in us a sense of solidarity beyond all isolation; for our brothers and sisters who are sick; if our doors are closed, let our hearts be open. grant that all who are oppressed by pain, By the power of your love destroy the virus of fear, distress or other afflictions that hope may never die may know that they are chosen and the light of Easter, the triumph of life, among those proclaimed blessed may shine upon us and the whole world. and are united to Christ Through Jesus Christ, the Lord risen from the dead, in his suffering for the salvation of the world. who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Amen. who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Holy Mary, health of the sick, pray for us. one God, for ever and ever. St Joseph, guardian of us all, pray for us. Amen. The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge Archbishop of Brisbane

ECUMENICAL PRAYER FROM THE POPE FRANCIS' PRAYER TO MARY DURING NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC The National Council of Churches, who have invited all of O Mary, us to pray this prayer at 7pm each day: you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. Gracious God, We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, We give thanks anew for your providence and presence. who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and firm. overseas. You, Salvation of the Roman People, We pray for those in need of healing. know what we need, We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or and we are sure you will provide grieving. so that, as in Cana of Galilee, We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain we may return to joy and to feasting all those who are serving in response. after this time of trial. We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment Help us, Mother of Divine Love, amidst the many choices and decisions to conform to the will of the Father facing our national, community and medical leaders. and to do as we are told by Jesus, We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do who has taken upon himself our sufferings to help those who are vulnerable. and carried our sorrows This prayer for our nation in the family of nations, to lead us, through the cross, with all that is on our hearts, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen. we gather now and pray Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, Amen. but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Translation by Catholic News Service

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