Leaving All Behind To Follow Jesus: 13th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction

(13^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

June 30, 2013 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, good morning!

Doing the Father’s will is Jesus’ “food,” his nourishment and delight.  The Gospel presents Him as resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, the city of His destiny.  There He will undergo His “exodus,” His liberation of the people by His passion, death, and resurrection.  Not even the close-mindedness and rejection of the Samaritans can stop Him.

The Lord expects the same kind of decisiveness from his followers.  Proclaiming the kingdom of God is so important that everything else is subordinate to it.

        Let us all stand for the entrance hymn!

Prayers of the Faithful

(13^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):                        The road to discipleship is marked by difficulties and obstacles.  Let us pray to the Father that we may have the courage and perseverance to remain faithful to Jesus, as we pray:

“Lord, be with us in our journey”

(Reader):

·       We pray for Pope Francis on the occasion of St. Peter, the Apostle Sunday, and for all bishops that they may be blessed with collaborators in the work of evangelization, forming them through Christ who is at work even today.  We pray: (R)

·       May our newly-elected officials hasten the process of healing and reconciliation so that all may work together in building a better future for our country and its people. We pray: (R)

·       May our government and religious leaders strive to help our people to take the way of peace and resolve conflicts and differences through goodwill, dialogue, and mutual respect. We pray: (R)

·       May young people called to priestly and consecrated life have the resolve of the prophets and of Jesus to persevere in their calling. We pray: (R)

·       May we be worthy to bear the name “Christians,” joyfully accepting the reality of the cross in our lives and giving priority to the values of the Gospel.  We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        Loving Father, listen to our prayers. Be with us always that we may remain faithful disciples of Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You for ever and ever.  Amen.