Liturgy Alive, Models of Celebrations

1 Pt 1:10 –16; Ps 98:1, 2 – 3ab, 3cd –4; Mk 10:28 –31

Daily Gospel

First Reading: 1 Pt 1:10 –16

Beloved:
Concerning the salvation of your souls the prophets who
prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and
investigated it investigating the time and circumstances that
the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in
advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to
follow them. It was revealed to them that they were serving
not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now
been announced to you by those who preached the Good News
to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into
which angels longed to look.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and
set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at
the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act
in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as
he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of
your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2 – 3ab, 3cd –4

R./ The Lord has made known his salvation.

Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R./ The Lord has made known his salvation.

The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R./ The Lord has made known his salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R./ The Lord has made known his salvation.

Gospel Reading Introduction
What about those who give up everything for the sake of the kingdom of heaven? They will not only "inherit heaven" but find happiness on earth in the freedom from worries about losing material goods and the inner freedom of belonging to all, in the joy of winning many brothers and sisters in the community. And curiously enough but realistically, Mark adds that they will retain their happiness and reward even in the contradictions and persecutions they encounter in their endeavors for the kingdom. One must remain free and poor within oneself.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:28 –31

Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and
followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one
who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or
father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the
Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this
present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and
children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the
age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last
will be first.”

Commentary

Those who trust in the Lord are never disappointed. The life of a disciple is never without challenges, and the daily taking up of the cross is expected of one who follows the Lord. What a great consolation to hear from Jesus that our daily sacrifices are not in vain, and that we do not have to wait until we get to heaven in order to experience the blessings that come from following Him.

There is consolation knowing that our lives have a purpose, even if known to God alone. Especially in our most difficult moments, the Lord gives to those who follow Him the peace that this world cannot give.

General Intercessions

- For all Christians, that we may be generous in serving the Lord and our neighbor, we pray:

- For those who have dedicated their lives in the direct service of God, as priests, religious, ministers, that they may live fully in the loving hands of the Lord, we pray:

- For al Christians, that they may be joyful people, who do not lose their smile even when they meet difficulties, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

God our Father,
with bread and wine we remember him
who gave himself totally for others,
your Son Jesus Christ.
Everything was taken away from him
except the certainty that you were with him.
With him, then, we offer ourselves,
that we may belong to you
and to the brothers and sisters
you have placed on our way.
Let no trial keep us from remaining free
and from living in communion with you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord our God,
by the power of this Eucharist
help us to see and to practice fully
what it means to be a disciple of Jesus:
that only when we forgive we find forgiveness,
that our thirst is quenched
when we give our neighbor to drink,
that we find consolation
when we speak Words that alleviate pain,
when that we break and share bread
we will find your joy
that lasts for ever and ever.

Blessing

We are in the hands of God, a good God, a merciful God. We try to serve him well and entrust ourselves to him. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.