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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Please join us in this prayer service patterned after the rhythm of the Mass. It is another way to unite us to Christ and to each other at Saint Hubert.
Opening Our Heart to God
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord, I know you are with me, always. Teach me your ways.
As I begin, I recall the times I have sinned and seek your forgiveness.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth, peace to people of good will.
Opening Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
direct our actions according to your good pleasure,
that in the name of your beloved Son
we may abound in good works.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.
Amen.
The Word of God: The Words of Life
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012322.cfm
First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
Ezra reads the first five books of the bible to the people as they re-assemble in Jerusalem after returning from their time of exile in Babylon.
Responsorial: Psalm 19
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
Paul uses the image of the human body to explain the relationship between God’s people, Christ and the Church.
Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
We hear why Luke wrote his gospel, followed by Jesus’ inaugural words as he begins his public ministry.
A Reflection by Fr. Mike
When Jesus was invited to read the scripture, he may have been handed the scroll of Isaiah, but Luke is clear it was Jesus who selected the passage. And the passage identifies everything he would do. With the Spirit upon him—it would be Jesus who would help the poor and the disadvantaged see that God cares for them and includes them; that those who are captive to anything or oppressed by anyone who holds them back can find freedom through a relationship with God, and that those who can’t see physically or spiritually will see again; they’ll gain insight.
And so, as we go through the rest of Luke’s gospel this year, week after week, we’ll see how Jesus does these very things. What it seems we have in this particular passage is Jesus’ mission statement; the things he’s going to do. He has a direction, a reason, a passion, a desire and will live it. He’ll make it happen; he’ll fulfill it. But it’s not just something to admire. We’re actually a part of it.
In the Church, we talk about every baptized person as having a vocation. When we use that word, we’re talking about our primary way of living out our life, which is either being married, single, or part of the religious life. We live the way of life that will help us love others the best way we can. But regardless of what form of life we live, our baptism compels us to do one thing—to continue the mission of Jesus. It doesn’t matter if we’re in business, if we’re students, accountants, civil servants, teachers, nurses, religious people, or in the trades—we’re all Catholics striving to make our corner of the world the way God envisions it to be, even in the midst of an on-going pandemic.
Tradition has it that Luke—who we heard today wrote the gospel to put the record about Jesus straight—was also a physician. But he was a doctor who knew he could use his gifts and talents to spread the world about Jesus Christ.
In the first reading, it was Ezra—a priest—who read out loud the first five books of the bible—what’s called the Pentateuch—to the people of Israel. It’s also called the Torah, which means not just teaching, but “teaching with direction”. Ezra brough the people together at a significant moment in time. As a people, they had gotten lost…which was dramatically experienced when as a people they were physically exiled to Babylon—victims of war. Spiritually, it signified, somewhere along the way that had felt the consequence for not putting God in the center of their life as a nation.
What we heard today was a new beginning as the people returned from exile to start over. It was a time to re-center, to live the Torah—the teaching with direction—the a renewed desire to live the way God shows us will help us make the most out of life. Ezra the priest became the teacher.
St. Paul was a soldier and a student. But as we know he became an apostle and took the gospel out into the world—outside of Israel—to those who wanted to share in God’s life. The soldier became an even greater soldier for Christ. And it’s Paul today who helps us see that each of us have certain gifts and talents that we’re meant to use so that every part of Jesus’ mission can be fulfilled.
We aren’t all the same, and so we don’t have to compete with one another. Instead, we build on each other’s strengths. We all have the gift to do something. Some of us are better teachers than others. Some of us are better at healing relationships or working through problems. Some of us are better listeners; others are better at presenting. Some of us can generate big ideas; others are better at realizing them and making them happen. But all of us have strengths and gifts. And each one of us are meant to do something. We’re not meant to take it all on ourselves, but each of us can contribute in some way so that the Body of Christ in the world can continue to accomplish Jesus’ mission.
So, we’re not meant just to hear about Jesus’ mission, we’re part of the mission. If we don’t know what it is we’re meant to do right now, that’s when we pray it through. Ask God for insight, and then like Jesus tells us, open your eyes and ears and you’ll discover it; God will find a way to help us know. How can I use what I’m good at to bring goodness, hope and love into my world?
Married people, single people, religious people, doctors, teachers, soldiers, students, business professionals—you name it—are working together so that through us:- The good news will be shared with the poor and those who feel left out or excluded.
- Those who are oppressed or feel captive can find the freedom that comes with faith.
- People will find insight into their lives, and
- People can make it through hard times because we have God in our lives and are part of a faith community who walks with us.
Take a few minutes to reflect on the readings and to express what has captured your attention. How are you using your gifts and talents to further Jesus’ mission?
All I Believe
As an alternative to the Nicene Creed, the Church also encourages Catholics around the world to profess the most ancient creed of our faith, The Apostle’s Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son Our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body
and life everlasting.
Amen.
The Prayers of the Faithful
Good and gracious God, in union with my brothers and sisters at St. Hubert, we bring our prayers to you.- For the Church, that we value that we are one in the Body of Christ, honoring all members of our diverse community, and rejoicing in the guidance offered to us by the Holy Spirit, we pray to the Lord.
- For world leaders and those in power, that they defend and protect communities threatened by violence, famine, and decimation; and for our nation that it will uphold the legal protection of human life from the moment of conception, we pray to the Lord.
- For our community, that we heed the Word of the Lord, supporting our brothers and sisters by sharing our time, talent, and treasure with all those in need, we pray to the Lord.
- For the unemployed, the underemployed, those without adequate insurance, the anxious and depressed, that they find the resources necessary to live with dignity, we pray to the Lord.
- For the sick and injured, those suffering from COVID or other serious illnesses, and for those awaiting test results or in rehab, that they may draw strength for their journey from the Holy Spirit through those reaching out to them. We pray for Stacey Selim, Carolina Solìz, Stephanie Voeller, Maureen Knipp, Vince Wroblewski, for Fr. Rizzo’s sister and brother-in-law, Carol & Joe Napoleon, and for your intentions, we pray to the Lord.
- For those who have died, that they may be held in our Lord’s loving arms, including victims of violence and natural disasters, and for Kathy Santini, Marilyn Havemann, Lois Angerame, Joseph Staszel, Rose Guccione, Samuel Sapitro, Joyansor Gueco and for those you would like to remember, we pray to the Lord.
- For the needs of those listed in the book of prayer intentions, for the silent prayers within your hearts, and for those for whom we are offering Masses for this weekend: Mary DeAngelis, Rancy Doculara, Josephine Cavaliero, Joan Rafacz, Nancy Gervaiso, Andrew Nies, Rosemary & Ed Jaraczewski, Esther Velazquez, Addolorata & Giovanni Falco, Joyansor Gueco, and our St. Hubert Parishioners, we pray to the Lord.
A Spiritual Offering
During the Mass, we bring up gifts of bread and wine and thank God for them, because he gave them to us. Those gifts are then returned to us. God gives himself to us through Jesus Christ. What do you offer to God today of yourself, that can be returned as a gift to others? For whom would you like to remember or offer this time of prayer?
Longing for Communion
As we contemplate our desire to have Jesus Christ in our life, we prepare our hearts—knowing the angels and the saints are in communion with the One we long to be with. Let us lift up our hearts to the Lord.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God
through Christ our Lord.
For in you we live and move and have our being,
and while in this body we not only experience the daily effects of your care,
we even now possess the pledge of eternal life.
For having received the first fruits of the Spirit,
through whom you have raised up Jesus from the dead,
we hope for an everlasting share in the Paschal Mystery.
And so, with all the Angels we praise you,
as in joyful celebration we acclaim:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
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.
The Prayer that Unites Us
United with my brothers and sisters at St. Hubert and with Catholics around the world, with one voice we pray the prayer Jesus teaches us to pray together.
Our Father, who art in heaven…
A Time for Peace
Lord, Jesus Christ,
You said to your apostles, “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you”.
Please graciously grant peace to all of us,
to those in our family
and to everyone in our parish.
Allow us to be of one mind and heart.
Allow us to be an instrument of your peace.
(If praying with others, offer a sign of peace to one another.)
A Time for Spiritual Communion
As we long for the Eucharist, we long to be with Christ and share in his life. Let us spend some moments now in prayer uniting our life to the life of Jesus Christ. (You may even want to look upon a crucifix or hold it, or look upon an image or statue of Jesus Christ.)
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there,
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
A Prayer to Know My Vocation
Lord, my God, you have made me to know you,
to love you, to serve you,
and thereby to find and to fulfill my deepest longings.
I know that you are in all things,
and that every path can lead me to you.
Since I will do what you want of me,
I pray you send your Holy Spirit to me:
into my mind, to show me what you want of me;
into my heart, to give me the determination to do it
and to do it with all my love, with all my mind,
and with all of my strength right to the end.
Jesus, I trust in you.
Amen
Pastoral Note:
For those who may want to experience a more contemplative form of prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to pray within you. One way is to center ourselves by being conscious of our own breathing. Slowly breathe in. As you hold your breath for a second or two, picture Jesus Christ or even his name in your mind. Then slowly breathe out. You can repeat this type of spiritual exercise until you are ready to close in prayer. This can be done as easily with children as with adults. It can be very comforting, peaceful and a way to find communion with God by feeling His presence.
A Closing Prayer
Lord,
As we seek this spiritual communion
and desire Your presence,
we pray, that You will protect us in these uncertain times.
Please give us the hope we need day by day,
strengthen our desire to help one another,
and keep our Saint Hubert Parish community close to You.
We long to gather together again
without fear and uncertainty;
one family of faith, united, and of one mind and heart,
worshipping You at your altar of praise.
In the meantime, please give us the strength
and connection we need
as we seek to be with you and one another.
We ask all our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Going Forth
Thank you, God, for this time we have shared.
I know you are with me.
Send me forward to go
and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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