Scripture for Mass
Isaiah 7:10-4
Psalm 24(23): 1-2. 3-4b. 5-6. Response: cf. 6
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24
PRIEST: Christ is coming, the day of the Lord brings salvation for all. We pray especially today for all expectant Mothers.
READER: As disciples of Christ we must always be present to God. May our hearts become a home for the Lord. May all parents have the means and support they need to to provide a loving and safe home for their children. Come Lord Jesus: Come.
We pray today for all expectant mothers, and especially for those who are homeless and in poverty, may they be given the care and love they need. Come Lord Jesus: Come.
As we prepare for the Day of the Lord, may all hearts be involved and filled with love, integrity and joy for God’s creation. Come Lord Jesus: Come.
We pray for the worshippers of God everywhere, May we all be prepared to do his will and work together for justice and salvation in our world. Come Lord Jesus: Come.
We pray for those, who because of conflict and violence, slavery and abuse, are in despair, May we respond to their needs with Compassion and Love. Come Lord Jesus: Come.
We remember especially the sick, those in hospital and those who are housebound, those of our own families wherever they may be. May God grant them the blessings they need at this time. Come Lord Jesus: Come.
Let us pray for those who have recently died… and for all our dead… and for all who mourn that they may be comforted. Come Lord Jesus: Come.
Let us ask Mary the Mother of the Lord to pray with us: Hail Mary…
Now let us pray for a few moments in silence for our own needs and intentions.
PRIEST: Almighty and ever-living God, as we look forward in faith to the feast of our Lord’s birth, grant that we may experience the happiness that our Saviour brings and joyfully celebrate his coming. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
How do you respond when a crisis threatens to turn your world upside down? Overwhelmed by anxiety, some people deny what is happening and cling desperately to the past. Most of us, however, think things over and consult with a few others whom we trust. Then, we decide on a cautious path forward.
But what if we were to decide not to try to re-gain control of the situation but rather allow God to lead us into a new path? Of course, this would require us to trust in God’s providence and faithfulness.
Faced with the threat of an invasion of his country, King Ahaz confronted a choice between forming a military alliance with a powerful neighbour or putting his faith in God’s protection. Despite the pleas of the prophet Isaiah and the promise of a sign from God, he decided to rely on his own judgement – with devastating consequences.
Soon after discovering that Mary was pregnant, Joseph also faced a hard choice: to rely on his own judgement and cancel his marriage plans or to trust in God’s mysterious plan. Unlike King Ahaz, he decided to place the future in God’s hands.
In a time of crisis, surrendering our control and asking God for guidance means that we become very vulnerable as we enter a new and unfamiliar path. Moreover, like Jospeh, as we travel forward, we are likely to encounter new challenges, each of which will be an invitation to deepen further our confidence that God will faithfully guide and provide for us.
Creator God, the universe reveals your wisdom and love, your mystery and providence.
Grant us eyes to recognize the magnificence and goodness of your world.
Grant us the humility to accept that your thoughts and your ways are much more wonderful than our petty opinions and small-minded schemes.
In times of difficulty, doubt and darkness, may we hold on to the certainty that your right hand holds us fast.
Open our hearts to trust that you plan a future that will bring us a real sense of purpose and true contentment.
We ask this through Christ our True Compass and Faithful Companion.
Amen.
Fr. Tim Mulroy
