Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR

An ADORATION GUIDE Inspired by the Sunday Liturgy, Year A

SUNDAYS IN ORDINARY TIME: Week 2-12

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 23) 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 24) 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 25) 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 26) 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 27) 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 28) 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 29) 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 30) 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 31) 1th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 32) 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (n. 33)

Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang, PDDM

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Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 23) SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Lamb of God”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A suitable Eucharistic hymn or any other appropriate song may be sung.

WORDS OF ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA (From his Commentary on Saint John’s Gospel 2: PG 73, 191-194)

When he saw Jesus coming toward him John said: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” No longer does he say: Prepare! That would be out of place now that at last he who was prepared for is seen, is before our very eyes … So John says: Behold the Lamb of God, of whom the prophet Isaiah told us in the words: He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before his shearer he opened not his mouth … Now the true lamb, the victim without blemish obscurely prefigured in former times, is led to the slaughter for all to banish sin from the world, to overthrow the world’s destroyer, to abolish death by dying for the entire human race, and to release us from the curse: Dust you are and to dust you shall return … He will be for us the source of every blessing … One Lamb died for all to restore the whole flock on earth to God the Father.

SILENT ADORATION AND PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Leader: Loving Father, help us to be receptive to the grace of the Holy Spirit, alive and at work in us. Like John the Baptist, may we be zealous precursors of Christ and limpid witnesses of his sacrificial love. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He died for all peoples to restore the whole flock on earth to you. Strengthened by the power of the Spirit of Jesus, may we be instruments of your Son’s compassion in today’s suffering and fragmented world. Like Jesus, your beloved Son-Servant, may we live intimately in your love and give ourselves devotedly in service to others, promoting your Kingdom of justice, peace and love, especially in death-dealing situations of injustice, violence and hatred. Through him, with him, and in him, we give you glory and praise, now and forever. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

GOSPEL READING: Jn 1: 29-34 POINTS FOR REFLECTION The Epiphany theme of the messianic revelation is prolonged through Ordinary Time, a liturgical season focused on the pastoral ministry of Jesus. The liturgical color of the Sundays in Ordinary Time (“ordinary” because the Sundays are in “ordinal” or in sequence) is green, which symbolizes hope, a pervading tone throughout this longest season of the Church year. The green color of these Sundays evokes the life-giving function of the Good Shepherd who leads us to “restful waters” and “meadows of green grass”. We are nourished at the table of the Word and the Eucharist and Jesus Master- Shepherd thus revives our soul. On this second Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel puts us in contact with Jesus Savior, the central object of John the Baptist’s witnessing and the sole reason for his baptizing. The Paschal Lamb who is slain to take away the sin of the world is Jesus, the Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father. The Lamb of God – Servant of Yahweh – proves his intimate filial relationship with God by fully submitting to the divine saving will, by his death on the Cross and rising to new life.

SONG: Any suitable hymn of praise or song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Leader: Trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit who is actively and intimately involved in the baptismal scene at the River Jordan and in the task of Christian witnessing, let us now allow him to search the inmost depths of our heart.

1. What does the witnessing of John the Baptist about Jesus as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” and the “Son of God” mean to us personally and experientially? How does it affect our lives? 2. Like John the Baptist, are we also both precursors and witnesses of Christ? If yes, how? 3. Do we open up ourselves to the grace of the Holy Spirit day by day, allowing him to anoint us for the messianic task of proclaiming the Gospel message centered on the saving work of Christ, the Lamb of God and the beloved Son of God?

PENITENTIAL PRAYER Assembly: Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

SONG: Any suitable song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: Gathered at the Lord’s feet, let us ask him to make our life a living testimony of the faith we profess. Let our prayer be: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. Jesus, you chose us and called us. Make us deeply convinced of our baptismal faith so as to give witness to it by words and deeds. We pray … (R.) 4. Jesus, you said to your disciples: “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” May our Christian example shine to all so that seeing our good works, they may give glory to our Father who is in heaven. We pray … (R.) 5. Jesus, you are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world: “Love one another; by this love they will know that you are my disciples and the world will believe in you.” Help us to witness to everyone our love for each other and our unity. We pray … (R.) 6. Jesus, you made your Church the refuge of our salvation. May every Christian community live according to the Gospel spirit and become light and hope for all people. We pray … (R.) (Other prayers may be added.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: O loving Lord, you want us to give witness to you in the world. Help us for we are weak. May we put into practice your message of love, truth, justice and peace so as to build your kingdom where we all live as brothers and sisters in you. You live and reign forever and ever. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or song may be sung.

*** Text of 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 24) THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Great Light that Shone”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A suitable Eucharistic hymn or any other appropriate song may be sung.

WORDS OF JOHN JUSTUS LANDSBERG, CHURCH WRITER (Cf. Sermon 5, vol. 3, 315-317) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Everyone knows that we were all born in darkness, and once lived in darkness. But now that the Sun of Righteousness has risen for us, let us see that we no longer remain in darkness. Christ came to enlighten those who lived in darkness, overshadowed by death, and to guide their feet into the way of peace … In himself Christ brought us light which would enable us to see our sins, and hate our darkness. His freely given poverty, when there was no place for him in the inn, is for us a light by which we can now learn that the poor in spirit, to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs, are blessed … The meekness with which Christ endured hunger, thirst, cold, harsh words, lashes, and wounds, when he was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before his shearer opened not his mouth – that meekness is for us light … By it we learn how much is required of us …

Reflect then, beloved, on all the virtues which Christ taught us by his example, which he recommends by his counsel, and which he enables us to imitate by the assistance of his grace.

SILENT ADORATION AND PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Leader: Let us pray that all mankind may be enlightened by the Gospel. (Pause for silent prayer.) God of power and life, glory of all who believe in you, fill the world with your splendor and show the nations the light of your truth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

GOSPEL READING: Mt 4:12-23

POINTS FOR REFLECTION What Isaiah utters as prophecy about “the great light” becomes full reality in Jesus of Nazareth. Hearing that John the Baptist has been arrested, Jesus withdraws from the Judean region and returns to the Gentile-permeated Galilee. In New Testament times, Galilee is at least half Gentile in population, half pagan in cult, and bilingual (using Greek and Aramaic). Leaving his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus settles in the strategically situated lakeside town of Capernaum, on the border of Zebulun and Naphtali. The location of the commercially prosperous Capernaum is ideal for reaching a larger audience, both Jews and foreigners. In fulfillment of the prophetic words of Isaiah, Galilee would be the first to hear of Yahweh’s salvation … its people would be the first to experience the public ministry of the great light, Jesus Christ. This Sunday’s Gospel passage (Mt 14:12-23) about Jesus’ public ministry that began in “Galilee of the Gentiles” is a summary presentation of “the dawning of the ages” – the messianic realization of the time of salvation. In a few power-packed verses, the evangelist Matthew sketches the gradual unfolding and realization of the messianic plan. The arrest of John the Baptist (v. 12) signals the beginning of the new Covenant to be ratified in Jesus’ blood. Jesus’ proclamation of the coming of the Kingdom to the “Galilee of the Gentiles” depicts him as the realization of Isaiah’s prophecy about the “great light” to the nations (v. 16). His call of the first disciples by the lake of Capernaum (v. 18-22) augurs the time of the Church, the community of Christian disciples. The first healings he wrought confirm the efficacious and transforming salvation he brings as the longed-for Messiah. Indeed, Jesus’ inaugural ministry in Galilee, the crossroad of pagan cultures and commerce, prefigures his universal mission and the mission of the Church to be the light of salvation.

SONG: Any suitable hymn of praise or song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART How do we concretely participate in the mission of Jesus, the great light, to dispel the darkness of sin and death from the people dwelling in the land of gloom? What is our vocation story? Do we see it as a participation in the prophetic announcement of a great light and of rejoicing?

PENITENTIAL PRAYER Leader: Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy. Assembly: Lord, have mercy. Leader: Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ have mercy. Assembly: Christ, have mercy. Leader: Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendor of the Father – the great Light to enlighten the people sitting in darkness: Lord, have mercy. Assembly: Lord, have mercy.

SONG: Any suitable song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PRAYING WITH THE WORD (Cf. Commission Francophone Cistersienne, “La nuit, le jour”, Paris: Desclee-Cerf, 1973, 29 Fiche de Chant P LH 49) Leader: You came, into our night, to turn our ways toward the dawn; your way however remains hidden, only the Spirit uncovers for us your passage. To lead us to light you took up a body in the human shadow into which you come. Many would want to see and understand: will they recognize your light? We say to them: “See the grain that dies; no eye sees it, but our hearts can divine in the shared bread his presence.” Then we carry to you, like a cry, the hope of today’s men and women; ripen the time, hurry the day, and may it rise on earth, Your kingdom. Assembly: The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; on those dwelling in the land overshadowed by death light has arisen.

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Mysteries of Light of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH Leader: Let us pray, dear brothers and sisters, for the five continents of the world so that all peoples may come to know God and his Son Jesus Christ, the great Light that enlightens all nations. (R.) Send forth your messengers, O Lord, they will spread your light. To all the world around they will sing of your glory. Alleluia! (recited or sung)

1. Lord, we are united in spirit with our brothers and sisters in the immense continent of Asia, heirs of ancient civilizations and profound spiritual heritage. We pray that the peoples of Asia may come to know the splendor of the saving plan, radically accomplished by your Servant-Son, Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Above all, we present to you the victims of the natural disaster that struck Southern Asia. May the helping hand of all nations alleviate their sufferings and assist them towards healing and rehabilitation. We pray: (R.) 2. Lord, we pray for the hopes and yearnings of the peoples of Africa. Look kindly on those who suffer on account of poverty, illiteracy, civil unrest, and other forms of exploitation. May the Church in Africa share their missionary potentials and give vitality to waning Christian communities in the secularized world. We pray: (R.) 3. We pray, Lord for the peoples of Australia and the various islands that adorn the vast Pacific. Let the Spirit of Jesus guide them that they may live in harmony and serenity. We pray: (R.) 4. We pray for the peoples of the Americas and the challenges that confront them daily. May Jesus Savior guide their aspirations and direct the progress of each nation. We pray: (R.) 5. We pray for the hopes and yearnings of the peoples of Europe. May they uphold their Christian heritage and promote the spiritual values that would give true meaning to their lives. We pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be added.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: God, all-powerful Father, your Son, the great light that dispels the darkness of gloom, called us to leave our nets, follow him and be lights to the nations. May the new life that Christ shared with us increase our love for you, deepen our selfless service to others, and keep us in the joy of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or song may be sung.

*** Text of 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 25) FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Incarnates God’s Beatitudes”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A suitable Eucharistic hymn or any other appropriate song may be sung.

SILENT ADORATION AND PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Leader: Jesus Divine Master, we adore you as the Word Incarnate sent by the Father to instruct us in life-giving truths. You are uncreated Truth, the only Master. You alone have words of eternal life. We thank you for having imparted to us the light of reason and the light of faith, and for having called us to the light of glory. We believe, submitting our whole mind to you and to the Church. Assembly: Master, show us the treasures of your wisdom, let us know the Father, make us your true disciples. Increase our faith so that we may attain to the eternal vision in heaven.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

GOSPEL READING: Mt 5:1-12a POINTS FOR REFLECTION In today’s liturgy, we come in contact once again with Christ’s living Word. In the assembly of believers, we hear anew Jesus’ proclamation of the Beatitudes. As part of his inaugural discourse uttered on one of the hills near Capernaum, the Beatitudes are an exquisite revelation and “summary” of the meaning of Christian discipleship. In the Beatitudes, Jesus – the new Moses teaching on the new mountain of revelation - offers us the foundations of the law of the Kingdom and shows us the path of Christian perfection. According to Aelred Rosser: “The Beatitudes are a portrait of Jesus himself: poor, lowly, merciful, single-hearted, peaceful, persecuted, sorrowful, hungry and thirsty for holiness.” The Beatitudes, however, are not only a description of Christ, but also a portrait of the ideal Christian. In order to experience fully God’s beatitudes, the Christian disciples are called to live intensely the life of Jesus, as one who is poor, lowly, merciful, single-hearted, peaceful, persecuted, sorrowful, hungry and thirsty for holiness.

SONG: Any suitable hymn of praise or song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Leader: The Beatitudes are a portrait of Jesus himself: poor, lowly, merciful, single- hearted, peaceful, persecuted, sorrowful, hungry and thirsty for holiness. They are also a description of the ideal Christian. Let us now examine our hearts in light of the challenge of the Beatitudes. 1. Are we ready to welcome into our hearts the challenge of the Beatitudes and abide by the radical teaching of Christ on the foundations of God’s kingdom? 2. In revealing to us the principles of the Beatitudes, do we believe that Christ is calling us a deeper experience of joy and intimacy with God, our loving Father? Do we believe that we are being called to an astounding love and service of God’s people? 3. What are our experiences of joy and difficulty in the concrete daily living out of the Beatitudes? Which beatitude challenges you with greater intensity today?

PENITENTIAL PRAYER Leader: Jesus Christ has left us an example to follow. Let us ask him to renew us in spirit so that we may shape our lives according to the teaching of the Gospel. We say to him: (R.) HAVE, MERCY ON US. 1. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Yet we are preoccupied with money and worldly goods and even try to increase them at the expense of justice. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.) 2. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted.” Yet we are impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.) 3. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the land.” Yet we are ruthless with each other, and our world is full of discord and violence. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.) 4. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied.” Yet we do not thirst for you, the fountain of all holiness, and are slow to spread your influence in our private lives or in society. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.) 5. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.” Yet we are slow to forgive and quick to condemn. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.) 6. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” Yet we are prisoners of our senses and evil desires. We are not single-hearted in our devotion and are full of duality and deception. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.) 7. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Yet we fail to make peace in our families, in our country, in the world and in God’s beloved creation. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.) 8. Lord Jesus Christ, you said: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Yet we prefer to practice injustice rather than suffer for the sake of right. We discriminate against our neighbors and oppress and persecute them. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: (R.)

SONG: Any suitable song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The mysteries of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Leader: Mindful of the benefits received from the Lord, let us lift up to him our prayers of gratitude and let us say together: (R.) THANK YOU, LORD. 1. For having created a beautiful world all for us. (R.) 2, For having created us and for keeping us alive. (R.) 3. For becoming man in order to save us. (R.) 4. For the Christian faith to which we are called. (R.) 5. For giving us your holy grace. (R.) 6. For the gift of the Beatitudes. (R.) 7. For giving us your holy Word. (R.) 8. F or your Eucharistic presence in our midst. (R.) 9. For keeping us away from harm and for peace and liberty. (R.) 10. For our daily bread, for our family, friends and loved ones. (R.) 11. For the eternal joy you have promised us. (R.) 12. For being the eternal Beatitude to us. (R.) (Other prayers may be added.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: In faith and love we ask you, Father, to watch over your family gathered here. In your mercy and loving kindness no thought of ours is left unguarded, no tear unheeded, no joy unnoticed. Through the prayer of Jesus may the blessings promised to the poor in spirit lead us to the treasures of your heavenly kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or song may be sung.

*** Text of 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 26) FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Be the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A suitable Eucharistic hymn or any other appropriate song may be sung.

INTRODUCTION (cf. Jean Mouroux in Meditations on the Sunday Gospels, Year A, New York: New City Press, 1995, p. 84-85) You are the salt of the earth. Like salt, Christians act by contact. The power of purity and faithfulness and charity that is in them elevates their life … It gives a spiritual savor to all their actions and makes them an agent of purification and preservation … You are the light of the world. Like light, Christians act by presence. The light of faith, which produces every kind f good work, dissipates prejudices, lightens the way, leads to God … So for the Christian people: the more they forget themselves for God, the more they become transparent to the divine light, the more they are bound to spread God around them.

SILENT ADORATION OPENING PRAYER Leader: In faith and love we ask you, Father, to watch over your family gathered here. In your mercy and loving kindness no thought of ours is left unguarded, no tear unheeded, no joy unnoticed. Through the prayer of Jesus, may the blessings promised to the poor in spirit lead us to the treasures of your heavenly kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

FIRST READING: Is 58:7-10 RESPONSORIAL PSALM SECOND READING: I Cor 2:1-5 GOSPEL READING: Mt 5:13-16 POINTS FOR REFLECTION Today’s Gospel reading presents the role of the disciples of Jesus using the images of salt and light. The biblical scholar, Daniel Harrington explains: “In Jesus’ time, salt was used not only to improve the taste of food but also to preserve meat and fish. When Jesus compares his followers to salt, he says that they improve the quality of human existence and preserve it from destruction. In Jesus’ time, the only lamps available were small dish-like devices in which oil was burned. By our standards these lamps did not give off much light, but in the time before electricity their light must have seemed very bright. When Jesus calls his disciples the light of the world, he says that their actions serve as a beacon of light in a dark world. The disciples are challenged to let their light shine as a witness to their fidelity to Jesus and his heavenly Father.”

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Are we “the salt of the earth … the light of the world” and in what way? Is the heavenly Father being glorified by our daily acts of Christian witnessing? Do we have purity of intention and an immense “candle power” as we carry out our works as Christian disciples? What happens if our vocation-mission to be “the salt of the earth … the light of the world” seems to wane? What do we do personally to revive this vital Christian vocation-mission?

PRAYING WITH THE WORD Lord Jesus, you call us to become “the salt of the earth … the light of the world”. Help us to treasure the beauty of this vocation. As “the salt of the earth” and by our zestful Christian witnessing, help us to improve the quality of human existence and enable our brothers and sisters to relish the joy of salvation. Let the light of your grace guide us. Moved by the Holy Spirit to participate more fully in the paschal mystery of your saving love, may we be truly “the light of the world” … “the city on the mountaintop”. In sharing the heart-warming radiance of your compassion may God the Father be glorified now and forever. Amen.

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Rosary’s Glorious Mysteries may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: With trust and confidence, let us present our petitions to our loving God who raised his Son Jesus to life, and through whom all things are renewed. Let us say to him: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. For Christian disciples that they may share the bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, assist the afflicted and that the light of Christ may shine through them. We pray: (R.) 4. For today’s world in need of true witnesses and for a society surfeited by the insipid that they may savor the joy of the Gospel through Christians, who are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. We pray: (R.) 5. For the sick and suffering that they may experience the healing power of Christ and proclaim to the world the mystery of Christ crucified. We pray: (R.) 6. For the sanctity and integrity of family and married life; and for God’s abundant blessings upon married couples. We pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be included.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: Lord, we pray for your people who believe in you. May they enjoy the gift of your love, share it with others, and spread it everywhere. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Assembly: Amen

FINAL SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

*** Text of 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 27) SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Is God’s Wisdom”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A suitable Eucharistic hymn or any other appropriate song may be sung.

WORDS OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM Christ gave his life for you, and do you hold a grudge against your fellow servant? How then can you approach the table of peace? Your Master did not refuse to undergo every kind of suffering for you, and you will not even forgo your anger? Why is this, when love is the root, the wellspring and the mother of every blessing? (…) The reason the Son of God came into the world was to reconcile the human race with the Father … So as far as the human being can, you must do what Christ the Son of God did, and become a promoter of peace both for yourself and for your neighbor. Christ calls the peacemaker a child of God. The only good deed he mentions as essential at the time of sacrifice is reconciliation with one’s brother and sister. This shows that of all the virtues the most important is love.

SILENT ADORATION OPENING PRAYER Leader: Father in heaven, the loving plan of your wisdom took flesh in Jesus Christ, and changed mankind’s history by his command of perfect love. May our fulfillment of his command reflect your wisdom and bring your salvation to the ends of the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

FIRST READING: Sir 15:15-20 RESPONSORIAL PSALM SECOND READING: I Cor 2:6-10 GOSPEL READING: Mt 5:17-37 POINTS FOR REFLECTION This Sunday’s celebration of the Word is meant to help us follow through with our Christian vocation to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world”. We need to be open to the wisdom of God. The gift of wisdom offered to us in Jesus Christ enables us to be what we are called to be – “salt” that flavors and challenges an insipid, feckless world and “light” that shines and witnesses to truth, especially amidst shadows of doubt and despair. God’s immense wisdom is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Mt 5:17-37) shows that the demands of him who is “divine wisdom incarnate” are exigent, radical and authoritative. Harold Buetow remarks: “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is wisdom – not the temporary mode of fads or fashion, but the way of eternal insight … [There is] nothing automatic about being a true Christian. And it entails facing our inner motivations, desires, and priorities, and holding them up to Jesus’ new standard of honesty and love.”

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Do we ponder and allow ourselves to be touched by the immense wisdom of our loving God? Do we have the courage and humility to be confronted by Jesus’ new standard of honesty and love? Do we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit who reveals to us the depths of God’s wisdom, radically revealed in Jesus crucified?

PRAYING WITH THE WORD Loving God, we adore your infinite love and immense wisdom. He was crucified and glorified to show the fullness of your saving love. Give us the courage to respond to that love. Help us to embrace Jesus’ new standard of honesty and integrity. Teach us to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who inspires us to embrace the folly of the cross and discern in it the wisdom that saves. We praise and glorify you, now and forever. Amen.

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Rosary’s Glorious Mysteries may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: With trust and confidence, let us present our petitions to our loving God who raised his Son Jesus to life, and through whom all things are renewed. Let us say to him: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. That lawmakers and law-enforcers may be faithful instruments for the common good, and that all may have a proper understanding of the role of law in society and in the Church. We pray: (R.) 4. That the spirit of Christian love may permeate our day to day relationships and that the law of the Lord may be our wisdom and guide. We pray: (R.) 5. That Christian disciples may be highly sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit who scrutinizes everything, and that we may have the wisdom and humility to follow the moral imperatives of the teachings of the Church. We pray: (R.) 6. That the Sochi Olympics may promote the unity of the family of nations and extol what is noble and inspiring in the human spirit; for the sanctity and integrity of family and married life; for God’s abundant blessings upon married couples; for the gift of reconciliation upon those struggling with broken relationships; for the inner strength and healing needed by the sick and suffering; and for the liberation of the enslaved and the addicted. We pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be included.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: Lord, have mercy on your people. Grant us in this life the good things that lead to the everlasting life you prepare for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

*** Text of 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 28) SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Holiness Expressed in Love of Neighbor”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

INTRODUCTION (Cf. Walter Hilton in Journey with the Fathers, Year A, ed. Edith Barnecut, New York: New City Press, 1981, p. 90-91) When love acts in the soul, it does so wisely and gently … Love opens the eye of the soul to the sight of Jesus … When true lovers of Jesus suffer harm from their neighbors, they are so strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit and are made so truly humble, so patient, and so peaceable, that they retain their humility no matter what harm or injury is inflicted them … But this love and this humility, which are beyond human nature, come only from the Holy Spirit to those whom he makes true lovers of Jesus.

SILENT ADORATION OPENING PRAYER Leader: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, faith in your word is the way to wisdom, and to ponder your divine plan is to grow in the truth. Open our eyes to your deeds, our ears to the sound of your call, so that our every act may increase our sharing in the life you have offered us. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

FIRST READING: Lv 19:1-2, 17-18 RESPONSORIAL PSALM SECOND READING: I Cor 3:16-23 GOSPEL READING: Mt 5:38-48 POINTS FOR REFLECTION The living Word proclaimed in today’s liturgy continues to challenge the faith community about the demands of Christian discipleship. The message of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount echoes with greater intensity and transforming power. The Divine Master calls us to holiness, expressed in non-resistance to injury and magnanimous love even of enemies. Jesus’ call to holiness is linked to love of neighbor. True holiness demands that we be holy as God is holy by loving our neighbors in his “magnanimous” way. Listening to the voice of the Lord, we thus realize what holiness entails: overcoming hatred, wholesome fraternal correction, taking no revenge, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Indeed, the merciful God gently guides his chosen people on the path of holiness. The community of believers is “holy”. We are “holy” because we belong to Christ, and through him, to God. Our vocation to holiness moves us to overcome trials, divisions and difficulties within the community. Holiness integrates the life of believers by focusing it on Jesus Christ and enabling it to rise above the vanity and wisdom of today’s world.

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Do I endeavor to be holy as God is holy? Do I strive to love my neighbor as myself? Do I renounce personal revenge? In place of vengeance, do I “choose” to love my enemies? Do I respond fully to the Christian call to holiness? Do I promote the holiness of the community of faith?

PRAYING WITH THE WORD Loving God, you are exceedingly holy. Thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ. He showed us the way of holiness by his passion and death on the cross. He teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Help us not to inflict injury for injury, but rather to respond to injury with forgiveness and magnanimity. Give us the strength to love unconditionally and to embrace with welcoming arms even our enemies. Open our eyes to the demands of discipleship and to recognize the holiness of the body of Christ. In our work for the heavenly kingdom, let us draw courage from the truth that we belong to Christ and that Christ belongs to you, now and forever. Amen.

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Rosary’s Glorious Mysteries may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: With trust and confidence, let us present our petitions to our loving God who raised his Son Jesus to life, and through whom all things are renewed. Let us say to him: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. That we may love our neighbor as ourselves, not take revenge or bear grudges against anyone, and that we may learn to reprove sinners with gentleness and humility. We pray: (R.) 4. That with the grace of God, we may learn to forgive our enemies and pray for our persecutors, and that the perpetrators of violence and crimes in today’s world may be converted. We pray: (R.) 5. That we may realize ever more that we are God’s holy temple, and that we may promote the dignity, beauty and integrity of every human person. We pray: (R.) 6. That the spirit of brotherhood, tolerance, unity and peace may grow in the family of nations; that God may bless us with gentle rain to drench the parched land and snow capped mountains to water the earth and make it fruitful; that God’s healing hand may touch the sick; that his loving providence mitigate the anxieties of the poor; that the victims of various tragedies may find strength in him; and that our beloved dead may rest in his eternal peace. We pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be included.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: Lord, bless us with your heavenly gifts and in your mercy make us ready to do your will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

*** Text of 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 29) EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Trustworthy”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

INTRODUCTION (Cf. Macarius of Egypt in Journeys with the Fathers, Year A, ed. Edith Barnecut, New York: New City Press, 1992, p. 92-93) The Lord said: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be yours as well. (…) Examine yourself, then, to see whether worldly cares may still have a hold on you; whether you are very preoccupied with feeding and clothing your body … If you believe that you will receive everlasting, eternal, abiding, and bounteous blessings, how much more should you not believe that God will provide you with these transitory, earthly benefits, which he has given even to impious people and to beasts and birds? You who have become a stranger to the world ought to possess a faith, an outlook, and a manner of life which has about it something unusual, something different from that of all worldly people. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

SILENT ADORATION OPENING PRAYER Leader: Father in heaven, form in us the likeness of your Son and deepen his life within us. Send us as witnesses of Gospel joy into a world of fragile peace and broken promises. Touch the hearts of all men with your love that they may in turn love one another. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

FIRST READING: Is 49:14-15 RESPONSORIAL PSALM SECOND READING: I Cor 4:1-5 GOSPEL READING: Mt 6:24-34 POINTS FOR REFLECTION The Word of God continues to strengthen us in our Christian discipleship. To help us respond to its exigent demands, today’s liturgy helps us focus on God’s trustworthiness. With tender and enduring love, our heavenly Father cares for us. He provides for all our needs. Indeed, God deserves to be loved. He is worthy of our faith and trust. The prophet Isaiah tells us that the love of God surpasses that of a mother for her child. God would never forsake his Chosen People though they themselves have forsaken him. The absolute trustworthiness of God’s love, which demands a personal response, is likewise delineated in the Gospel. Through his beautiful sermon on the mount, Jesus invites his disciples to respond with faith, which is a confident trust in a loving and provident God. We turn to God in faith because of his benevolence and unmitigated concern for us. Our daily choices as Christian disciples are animated by this spirit of trust in his provident care. The apostle Paul describes himself and other apostles as servants and the stewards of the sacred truths revealed in Jesus Christ. The stewards of the saving Gospel need to be “trustworthy”. The apostles of the Gospel are to rely on the grace of God in all their endeavors. Moreover, in their limpid witnessing of the Gospel, they must mirror the integrity and trustworthiness of God, fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who will come again on the last day. The Lord Jesus will then expose the deep motives of our hearts and grant us the praise and reward we deserve.

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART In moments of despondency or distress, do we ever cry out with reproach: “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me”? Do we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed with anxiety and worry unnecessarily about “tomorrow”? Have we cooperated with “the servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God”? Have we lived our lives according to Christ, the Wisdom of God, as servants and stewards of the Gospel?

PRAYING WITH THE WORD Loving God, you love us tenderly and constantly, as a mother loves the child in her womb, but with a love that surpasses all we could ever imagine. We are your chosen people. You will never forget nor forsake us. We thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, the full revelation of your saving love. As servants of Christ and stewards of his Gospel, may we always mirror in today’s world your trustworthy love and benevolence. Make us your docile instruments to nourish the hungry with the bread of compassion, to delight the lonely with the wine of gladness, to cloth the naked with the robe of Christ’s glory, and to fill the barren desert with the breath of life. We adore you and praise you, now and forever. Amen.

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Rosary’s Glorious Mysteries may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: With trust and confidence, let us present our petitions to our loving God who raised his Son Jesus to life, and through whom all things are renewed. Let us say to him: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. T hat the many children “forsaken” and aborted by their mothers in the womb may see light in God’s eternal day and that those who have acted unjustly in killing innocent lives may repent of their sins and turn to God for pardon and healing. We pray: (R.) 4. That the materially destitute may find comfort in divine providence and the active charity of the compassionate and that we may seek to respond to basic human rights and needs for food, shelter, employment, education and health care. We pray: (R.) 5. That the “servants and stewards of Christ” may be blessed by the Lord and that in their trials and challenges they may be found “trustworthy”. We pray: (R.) 6. That we may live each day as a privileged time for self-denial, enriching others by our own poverty. We pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be included.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: Lord God, in your great mercy, enrich your people with your grace and strengthen them by your blessing so that they may praise you always. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

*** Text of 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 30) NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Helps Us Make a Faith-Filled Choice”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

INTRODUCTION (Cf. Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Meditations on the Sunday Gospels, Year A, ed. John Rotelle, New York: New Citry Press, 1995, p. 92) [The Sermon on the Mount] … This word which issues from his saying I have known you, this word which sets us at once to work and obedience, is the rock on which to build our house. The only proper response to this word which Jesus brings with him from eternity is simply to do it … Now the storm can rage over the house, but it cannot shatter that union with him, which his word has created.

SILENT ADORATION OPENING PRAYER Leader: God our Father, teach us to cherish the gifts that surround us. Increase our faith in you and bring our trust to its promised fulfillment in the joy of your kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

FIRST READING: Dt 11:18, 26-28, 32 RESPONSORIAL PSALM SECOND READING: Rom 3:21-25, 28 GOSPEL READING: Mt 7:21-27 POINTS FOR REFLECTION Mary Ehle remarks: “The Gospel passage is eschatological … it addresses what will happen at the final judgment. Whether a person’s house collapses in the end (the house is a symbol for one’s life) coincides with the choice between blessing and curse that Moses offers to the Israelites in the First Reading. The sturdiness of one’s house in the face of life’s tribulations (the rains, floods, and winds) will be determined by one’s choice to listen and act on Jesus’ words. For Jesus, consistency between what a disciple hears and how a disciple lives is essential … The blessing of being Jesus’ disciple is the blessing of a relationship with him. This relationship buoys us for the suffering we might experience, teaches us how to align our words and actions with him, and prepares us to receive the gift of eternal life.”

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART What is our core decision as followers of Christ: to obey him and build our faith on the bedrock security of his saving word, or to negate his love and rely on the allurements and deception of this world? Knowing that we have been “justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus”, are our daily lives marked with “faith-filled choices” for God and his Son Jesus Christ?

PRAYING WITH THE WORD Loving God, give us the wisdom and strength to make “faith-filled choices” in our everyday life. Help us to choose life and not death, to embrace your blessing and not the curse, to obey your commands and never negate your saving plan, to make a radical surrender to Jesus and never be feckless and untrue to him, our divine Savior. Be with us always and pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may be consistent and faithful in our Christian discipleship. Let our words and actions manifest the faith that is evoked and prompted by your benevolence. We love you and thank you, heavenly Father, for your constant care, abounding providence, and merciful love. We give you glory and praise, now and forever. Amen.

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Rosary’s Glorious Mysteries may be prayed in part or in full.

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: Lord, grant your people your protection and grace. Give them health of mind and body, perfect love for one another, and make them always faithful to you. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

*** Text of 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. ***

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 31) TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Desires Mercy”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

WORDS OF YVES CONGAR Christ understood his mission to be a mission of mercy. He set himself to heal distress of every kind. He described himself with incomparable gentleness as the Good Shepherd: Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, for I am meek and humble of heart … God’s love, the Father’s agape is revealed to us, in the working out of his plan of salvation in the human heart of the incarnate Word

SILENT ADORATION OPENING PRAYER (A prayer composed by Michael Buckley) God, whose mercy is boundless and whose gifts are without end, help us always to thank you for everything that your loving power has bestowed on us. Make us realize that our desire to thank you is itself your gift and that our thankfulness is never-ending because your love is never-failing.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

GOSPEL READING: Mt 9:9-13 POINTS FOR REFLECTION Today’s Gospel reading (Mt 9:9-13) is not only a concise presentation of Matthew’s vocation story, but also a powerful theology of the Christ, as full of compassion and mercy. The liturgical scholar, Adrian Nocent explains: “St. Matthew records his own calling in a simple, straightforward way. The story is marked, in fact, by the moving simplicity of all vocation narratives in the New Testament: Christ chooses and calls; the person chosen and called immediately leaves everything and follows Jesus. In its very simplicity, the calling is so wonderful that it defies commentary. In this instance, however, the choice is quite unusual, and St. Matthew deliberately emphasizes this aspect of it by describing the sequel. Jesus comes to dine with Matthew and the other disciples in Matthew’s house at Capharnaum; they are joined at table by many tax collectors and sinners, to whose ranks Matthew belonged until now. It is easy to see the point Matthew wants to make, namely, that Jesus has come into the world to save not only the Jews but others as well, including sinners. When Jesus is challenged for eating with sinners, we observe that he does not justify himself but simply speaks of himself as a physician. A physician does not have to justify his presence among the sick; neither does Jesus. Matthew is thus once again offering us a theology of the Christ. Jesus is characterized by mercy, because his Father is mercy itself and he, Jesus, has been sent in order to communicate God’s mercy.”

SONG: Any Eucharistic hymn or suitable song of praise may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Leader: Our God is full of mercy and compassion. Aware of his gentle presence enfolding us like a morning dew that drenches the face of the earth, let us now look deep into our hearts and ask ourselves: 1. What is our response to Jesus’ call addressed personally to each of us, “Follow me” (Mt 9:9)? 2. Are we willing to welcome fully into our hearts Jesus and the gift of divine mercy that he brings into our fragile, often times broken self-destructive lives? 3. Are we ready to incarnate God’s compassionate hear tin today’s distressed world so needful of healing and mercy?

PRAYER FOR COURAGE (A prayer composed by Rabindranath Tagore)

Assembly: This is my prayer to thee, my Lord – strike, strike at the penury in my heart. Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knees before insolent might, and give me the strength to surrender my strength to thy will with love.

SONG: Any suitable song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Mysteries of Light of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: Nourished by the bread of life, we tread the way of solidarity and become intercessors for the needs of today’s world. We therefore turn to God in supplication and say: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. That our hearts may always be filled with thankfulness for God’s mercy and compassionate love; we pray: (R.) 4. That those who endeavor to incarnate God’s transforming mercy and healing compassion in today’s needy world may be abundantly blessed and strengthened in their apostolic tasks; we pray: (R.) 5. That the millions of refugees in the world may receive brotherly love and concrete aid from all Christians; we pray: (R.) 6. That all may come to an ever-deeper realization that the Most Holy Eucharist is the pulsing heart of the Church; we pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be added.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: Lord, may your healing love turn us from sin and keep us on the way that leads to you. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or song of praise may be sung.

** Text of 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. **

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 32) ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Ministry”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

WORDS OF LUCIEN CERFAUX God has a habit of doing great things with nothing. God loves to create. The saints understood this and they accomplished great works with nothing at all, like God, because in their work they followed God’s methods … When the apostolate is thus understood, it weighs heavily in the balance of God and the spiritual destiny of the world … It is neither the surface nor the width that counts. It is the depth. The apostolate is measured by the plumb line, not the tape measure. Jesus chose the twelve that they might be always with him, and that he might send them out to preach. An apostle is truly an apostle only when he remains united to our Lord … The apostolate is just the glow of sanctity. Apostles should be doubly holy, once for themselves, and once for others.

SILENT ADORATION AND PRAYER OPENING PRAYER (From the prayer, “Way of Humanity”, composed by Blessed Alberione) Assembly: Divine Master, send good laborers into that great harvest of yours. Jesus, Apostle of the Father, make me feel the longing of your heart: that there be only one fold, only one shepherd. There are the apostolates of the interior life, of suffering and of prayer, of example and of social communications, of word and of vocations, the apostolate of charity in truth. Mary, arouse in everyone a strong desire for salvation in Christ and in the Church. Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

GOSPEL READING: Mt 9:36-10:8 PERSONAL REFLECTION This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Mt 9:36-10:8) helps us to reflect on the vocation to ministry, the origin of this ministry, and our responsibility to promote the call to service in the Church and society. The source of the vocation to service is Jesus Christ, the compassionate Shepherd and the Lord of the Harvest. As the ultimate Shepherd and Harvest Master, Jesus needs the cooperation of those who have accepted his call to discipleship. Harold Buetow comments: “Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for the crowds, a pity that went to the depths of his being. Jesus has been moved like this before: for the sick, for the blind, for those in the power of demons, for lepers whose life was a living death of isolation, for the widow mourning the death of her only son. Now he is moved by the sight of the crowds, who were exhausted from poor people’s thousand petty persecutions. Jesus sees in these people all the marginalized: the tired, the abused, the sad, and the abandoned. The Pharisees’ idea of leadership was to deal only with those who are profitable. Jesus saw the poor in a completely different way. These people are persons, and they are worthwhile.” Hence, Jesus responded with love and mercy to the helpless and vulnerable crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd. The genesis of his commitment to pastoral ministry was his direct experience of the people’s need for healing and spiritual leadership.”

SONG: Any Eucharistic hymn or suitable song of praise may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Leader: Jesus is the compassionate Shepherd and the ultimate Harvest-Master. Enfolded by his gentle and transforming presence, let us now look deep into our hearts and ask ourselves: 1. Are our hearts moved with pity at the sad plight of today’s troubled and abandoned crowds, who are like sheep without a shepherd? Do we imitate Jesus’ compassionate response? Do we pray to obtain vocations? 2. Do we believe that Jesus calls us anew and gives us “authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and illness” (Mt !0:1)? How do we make use of this God-given power to alleviate the world’s afflictions? 3. Do we fully embrace the Christian vocation to ministry and service? Do we regard with value the role of today’s Church-related vocations? How do we take heed of Jesus’ exhortation: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give” (Mt 10:8)?

SONG: Any suitable song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Mysteries of Light of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: Filled with the compassionate mercy of the Good Shepherd and the ultimate Harvest-Master, let us turn to the Father in supplication and say: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. That those who are troubled and abandoned may experience the compassionate mercy of the true Shepherd; we pray: (R.) 4. That those who are called to a life of intimate Christian discipleship may be filled with spiritual power to heal the broken-hearted and to vanquish all forms of evil and injustice; we pray: (R.) 5. That we may rejoice in the vision of an abundant harvest and that our ardent prayer, “Send good laborers to the Lord’s harvest” may be answered; we pray: (R.) 6. That our apostolic workers may always heed Jesus’ exhortation, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give”; we pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be added.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER (Prayer to Obtain Vocations, composed by Blessed Alberione) Assembly: Jesus, Divine Master, who said: “The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few”, we lovingly accept your invitation: “Pray the Heavenly Father to send forth laborers into his harvest.” Inspire a devout crusade for vocations: “All the faithful for all vocations.” More priests! May they be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the city placed on the mountaintop for the salvation of humanity redeemed by your blood. More religious, both men and women, to fill the earth with religious houses which welcome your favored children, and which will be centers of light and warmth, sources of piety, gardens of saints, singing “glory to God and peace to men and women of good will”. Mary, “God’s chosen one”, Mother and guardian of holy vocations, pray with us, pray for us, and for all those called by God. Amen.

FINAL SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or song of praise may be sung.

** The text 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. **

Adoration Guide: Sundays in Ordinary Time, Year A

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (n. 33) TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A “JESUS SAVIOR: He Tells Us Not to Be Afraid”

(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (A moment of silence)

SONG: A Eucharistic hymn or another appropriate song may be sung.

WORDS OF EUGENE MALY (Cf. Eugene Maly, The Word Alive, New York: Alba House, p. 71) The Kingdom message is explosive. It will make people rise up and try to stop those who preach it. It is a message that, once understood, people either accept wholeheartedly or reject violently. The Lord tells us to speak out our Kingdom convictions in public. Jesus was able to reach only a tiny part of the Near Eastern world. His followers must be his voices down through the ages and throughout the world. Despite the risk, our confidence and assurance lie, not in the acceptance of what we stand for by others, but solely in the Lord’s concern for us. He takes care of his own. That, too, is a feature part of the Kingdom message. It is what makes the whole missionary task possible.

SILENT ADORATION AND PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Leader: Loving Father, by his public ministry and his paschal mystery, your Son Jesus Christ proclaimed courageously the absolute importance of the Kingdom value. In our missionary task and Kingdom ministry, help us to respond positively to his exhortation: “Do not be afraid.” May we always trust in your divine solicitude for us, knowing that we are worth more than many sparrows. Fill us with courage and strength that we may fully welcome our mission as witnesses to Christ and fearlessly exercise our ministry as heralds of the Good News in today’s anguished and fragmented world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

Part I JESUS MASTER TRUTH Listening to the Word

GOSPEL READING: Mt 10:26-33 PERSONAL REFLECTION The missionary discourse of Jesus encourages the Christian followers to fearless confession in the face of opposition, contradiction and persecution. This Sunday’s Gospel passage is composed of three sayings and each saying is introduced by a “Do not fear” exhortation meant to overcome the fears that may cause the disciples to abandon their mission. The Kingdom of God has arrived in Jesus’ person and in his message, and the disciples look forward to its final inward breaking at the time of the Lord’s second coming. Indeed, through the missionary and evangelizing work of Christian disciples, Jesus Truth will be widely proclaimed to all peoples and nations. The all-knowing and compassionate God who cares for the sparrows has even greater care for the faithful disciple who sacrifices his life for the spread of the Gospel. God who knows when a small bird dies and perceives the destiny of each creature is mindful of the trials and anguish endured by the disciples on behalf of God’s kingdom. Those who make the Lord’s cause their own will be assured of Jesus’ support for them on Judgment Day. At that dreadful hour, they will hear again his assurance, Do not be afraid.”

SONG: Any Eucharistic hymn or suitable song of praise may be sung.

Part II JESUS MASTER WAY Confrontation with the Word

POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART Leader: Jesus Christ, the source and strength of our mission, is present here with us. In light of the missionary discourse he has spoken, let us now look deep into our hearts and ask: 1. In our Christian mission, are we brave and fearless in proclaiming the truth that is Jesus? Trusting in the irresistible power of the Kingdom of God, do we respond positively to Jesus’ exhortation: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetop.” (Mt 10:26-27)? 2. Do we trust in the divine solicitude that is called “providence”? Do we respond positively to Jesus’ exhortation: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the souls; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Mt 10:28-30)? 3. Are we ready to be faithful to Jesus in the midst of conflicts and trials that are part and parcel of the Christian mission? Do we respond positively to Jesus’ exhortation: “So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” (Mt 10:31-33)?

SONG: Any suitable song may be sung.

Part III JESUS LIFE Acting upon the Word

PERSONAL PRAYER CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Mysteries of Light of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.

THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Leader: Trusting in the Lord’s providential care for his faithful disciples, let us turn to him in prayer and say: (R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER. 1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of _____. We pray: (R.) 2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of ______. We pray: (R.) 3. That those who champion the rights of the oppressed may be blessed; we pray: (R.) 4. That those who promote reverence for life in all forms may rejoice in the fullness of life; we pray: (R.) 5. That those who assist helpless migrants and refugees may be filled with God’s providence; we pray: (R.) 6. That those who proclaim Christ’s message of truth and justice may speak with the power and wisdom of God; we pray: (R.) 7. That those who are persecuted, tortured and killed for the sake of the Kingdom value may inherit the Kingdom of God; we pray: (R.) (Other prayers may be added.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER CONCLUDING PRAYER Leader: Almighty and eternal God, Father of the world to come, your goodness is beyond what our spirit can touch and your strength is more than the mind can bear. Lead us to seek beyond our reach and give us the courage to stand before your truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Assembly: Amen.

FINAL SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or song of praise may be sung.

* The text of 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, ends here. *