Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 25, 2011, Cycle A
Green priestly vestments symbolize hope and the vitality of the life of faith.

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Liturgical Cycles A 10-11

                                     Introductory Acts Of Worship

The Entrance Prayers:   On Sunday, usually a hymn praising God is sung in place of reciting a Psalm from the Bible which invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love for us. The recited weekday Psalm expresses a youthful heart and spirit, delighted that we may come before the living God.

Entrance Song / Entrance Psalm (Antiphon)
Entrance Song
Psalm: Dan 3:31, 29, 30, 43, 42 O Lord, you had just cause to judge men as you did: because we sinned against you and disobeyed your will. But now show us your greatness of heart, and treat us with your unbounded kindness.

The Priest Approaches and Kisses the Altar: The altar is a symbol of Christ. In it are cut five crosses to recall the five wounds of Christ. The altar also represents the Church and has embedded in it the relics of her saints. The priest comes to the altar to celebrate the Sacrifice in the Church's name. Because of the glory surrounding the altar upon which the divine Sacrifice will be made, the kiss of the priest unites the Church to Christ, its Redeemer.

Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.

The Greeting: We are welcomed in God's name. Our response unites us to our neighbor, to the priest and to God. (The priest may select from several forms of greeting).

Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.

The Penitential Prayers: We recognize our guilt for past sins, express our sorrow for them, and ask that Mary, the angels, the saints, and our brothers and sisters in Christ pray for the Lord God's mercy. (The priest may select from several forms).

Priest: As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ's love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.

Priest: Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth: Christ, have mercy.
All: Christ, have mercy.
Priest: Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, leading us into everlasting life: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.

The Absolution:

Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
All: Amen.

The Gloria: The Glory of God prayers have existed from the second century. They repeat the angels praise of God which heralded the birth of Christ on earth. Our praise is lifted again through the years as we rejoice at His coming as Lord, God, the most high Jesus Christ, who at Christmas took on our human nature while at the same time being the son of Man. This ancient hymn expresses our recognition of God's glory and love. It calls upon Christ as our holy and divine mediator, and the Holy Spirit who forever binds us together in God's love.

Priest and All: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thinks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Opening Prayer: The priest lifts the united prayers and petitions of the congregation to God the Father through the merits of Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.

Priest: Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with your gifts of love. Help us to hurry toward the eternal life you promise and come to share in the joys of your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Liturgy of the Word

Christ is made known to us through the Old Testament which prepares us to recognize Him. In those days, God inspired men who spoke His message. Now, the New Testament Gospel reading announces His presence to us directly through His Son. Both readings bring God's message to us. Our responsibility is to respond.

The First Reading: From the Old Testament

Priest/Reader: A reading from the prophet Ezekiel.

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28

Thus says the Lord: You say, “The Lord’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if her turns from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Responsorial Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Cantor: Remember your mercies, O Lord.
All: Remember your mercies, O Lord.
Cantor: Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.
All: Remember your mercies, O Lord.
Cantor: Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your love are from of old. The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not; in hour kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord.
All: Remember your mercies, O Lord.
Cantor: Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, and teaches the humble his way.
All: Remember your mercies, O Lord.

The Second Reading: Taken from the New Testament, often from a letter written by St. Paul.

Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humble regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interest, but also for those of others.

Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Priest/Reader:   The word of the Lord.
All:                           Thanks be to God.

The Alleluia: An ancient expression of joy anticipating the Lord's message we will hear in the Gospel.

Cantor:    Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All:           Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Cantor:    My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
All:           Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Gospel: The Liturgy of the Word is completed by the reading of the Gospel. Before its reading, the members of the assembly trace the sign of the cross upon the forehead to indicate their mental acceptance of the Truth, on the lips to indicate their readiness to announce it, and over the heart to indicate their sincere desire to accept it into their lives. The "Good News" of the Gospel tells that God's kingdom has come for all to hear, accept, and announce to the world for its salvation. It is God who is speaking to us. Christ comes to teach us by the example of His life and by His own words.

Priest:   Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel.

Priest:   The Lord be with you.
All:           And also with you.
Priest/Deacon:   A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
All:                             Glory to you, Lord.

The Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew wrote to show that Christ was the
Messiah and fulfilled the Jewish prophecies.

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes sir.’ But did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

Priest/Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The Priest's Sermon: The priest develops, explains, and comments upon the Master's words, so our minds may be
enlightened, and our hearts enriched.

(A priestly reflection upon this Gospel)

Profession of Faith: We state in the Nicene Creed the principles of our faith in precise and definite terms.

All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

General Intercessions: We pray for the needs of the pope, civic leaders, our own needs, those of others, the sick, the dying, those who have died, the church, and the world. The response of all to each intercession: Lord, hear our prayer.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

Gifts of bread and wine symbolizing ourselves are presented to the priest who will offer them to God the Father. Through the Holy Spirit, they will become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ whom we receive in Holy Communion. Jesus unites Himself with us for our spiritual nourishment and strength. Today, when individuals do not present their own personal offerings of bread and wine, the monetary contribution symbolizes the material of their united sacrifice. The priest makes and offering of the bread and wine to God.

Preparation of the Bread and Wine:

Priest:   Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has
               given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
All:           Blessed be God for ever.

Priest:    By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to
               share in our humanity.

Priest:   Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you; fruit
               of the vine and work of human hands it will become our spiritual drink.
               All:    Blessed be God for ever.

Priest: Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.

The Priest's Hands are Washed: This act was traditionally necessary because the priest handled the various gifts presented by the people. Now, the cleansing act using water reminds the priest and ourselves of the need to cleanse not only the hands but the soul. Soon, the priest's hands will hold the actual body of Christ, and we will become His dwelling place.

Priest:    Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleans me from my sin.
               Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

All:           May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good
of all his holy Church.

Prayer over the Gifts: Speaking in our name, the priest asks the Father to accept the gifts we offer through him.

Priest: Lord, may this holy offering bring us your blessing and accomplish within us its promise of salvation. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Eucharistic Prayer:   (Number Two: The priest may select from several forms).

Priest:    The Lord be with you.
All:           And also with you.

Priest:    Lift up your hearts.
All:           We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
All: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Preface Prayer:

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. All things are of your making, all times and seasons obey your laws, but you chose to create man in your own image, setting him over the whole world in all its wonder. You made man the steward of creation, to praise you day by day for the marvels of your wisdom and power, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We praise you, Lord, with all the angels in their song of joy:

Priest and All:   Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the
highest.   Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Priest:   Lord, you are holy indeed, the fountain of all holiness. Let your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The priest repeats the words which Christ used at his Last Supper when He changed the bread into His Body and the wine into His Blood. His Body and Blood are truly present but under the appearance of bread and wine. The death of Christ is prolonged in each of those who receive Him worthily. We apply His death to ourselves so that we may share His glory. This moment is the most solemn on earth because it is Divine act which enables us to apply to ourselves the Cross which Christ willingly took upon Himself.

We are called to die to sin and lift our very selves to God so that we become changed; to do as God would have us do, to become what God would have us become. Our own little cross can lift us into union with Christ's Cross so we may earn the joys of everlasting happiness with God the Father.

The Lord's Supper: Before he was given up to death, a death he freely accepted, he took bread and gave you thanks. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:

Take this, all of you and eat of it: this is my Body which will be given up for you.

When supper was ended, He took the cup. Again he gave you thanks and praise, gave the cup to his disciples, and said:

Take this, all of you, and drink from it; for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.

Memorial Acclamation: (The priest may select from several forms).

Priest: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Priest and All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Memorial Prayer: (The priest may select from several forms).

Priest: Recalling Christ's Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, the Church, the dead, and ourselves.
In memory of His death and resurrection, we offer you, Father, this life-giving bread, this saving cup. We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit. Lord, remember your Church throughout the world; make us grow in love, together with _____ our Pope, _____ our bishop, and all the clergy. Remember our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again; bring them and all the departed into the light of your presence. Have mercy on us all; make us worthy to share eternal life with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with the apostles, and with all the saints who have done your will throughout the ages. May we praise you in union with them, and give you glory through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through whom you continue to create all these good things, O Lord; you make them holy, fill them with life, bless them, and bestow them upon us. bestow them upon us.

Doxology:

Prayer of Praise: Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.

All:   Amen.
                                            Communion Rite

In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we symbolically offer ourselves to the Lord through the gifts of bread and wine. At the Consecration, we offer our very lives to be united the God the Father through the Cross of Christ. In Communion, we find that we have not died at all, but have come to life. We have surrendered ourselves to God through His Divine Son, Jesus Christ. In return become ennobled and enriched. We give up time and we get eternity, we give up our sin and we receive grace, we surrender our self-will and receive the strength of the Divine Will, we give up ourselves and we receive everything. For the Son of God says to us that unless we receive Him we shall not have Divine life in us. But it is not really we who receive Christ as it is Christ who receives us, bringing us into Himself.

God makes His Cross the very means of our salvation and our life. While we have crucified Him, His eternal love cannot be extinguished. Christ willed to give us the very life we crucified in our Redemption, the Consecration of Holy Thursday into Communion, His death into our everlasting life.

The Lord's Prayer:

Priest: Let us pray for the coming of the kingdom as Jesus taught us.
Priest and All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

All: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever.

Prayer for Peace:

Priest:   Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever.
All:        Amen.
Priest:   The peace of the Lord be with you always.
All:          And with your spirit.
Priest:   Let us offer each other the sign of peace.

Breaking of the Bread:

Priest and All:   Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
                                  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
                                  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Priest: May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.

Communion of the Priest:

Priestly Preparation: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit, through your death gave life to the world; free me by this your most holy Body and Blood from all my sins and from every evil; keep me always faithful to your commandments, and never let me be parted from you.

Priest: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

Priest and All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

Priest: May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.
May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.

Communion Antiphon:
Communion Song: Psalm 118:49-50
O Lord, remember the words you spoke to me, your servant, which made me live in hope and consoled me when I was downcast.

Communion of the Faithful:

Priest:              The Body of Christ.
The Faithful:   Amen.
Priest:                The Blood of Christ.
The Faithful:   Amen.

Cleansing of the Vessels:

Priest: Lord, may I receive these gifts in purity of heart. May they bring me healing and strength, now and for ever.

Prayer after Communion:

Priest: Let us pray.
Priest: Lord, may this Eucharist in which we proclaim the death of Christ bring us salvation and make us one with him in glory, for he is Lord for ever and ever.

Concluding Rite

Priest:   Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing.
Priest:   Father, look with love upon your people, the love which our Lord Jesus Christ showed us when he delivered himself to evil men and suffered the agony of the cross, for he is Lord for ever.
The Faithful:   Amen.

Priest:   May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Faithful:   Amen.

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins.

Save us from the fires of hell.

Lead all souls to heaven,

  especially those in most need of your mercy.

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Liturgical Cycles A 10-11