Liturgy Alive, Models of Celebrations

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
to go to the poor and to set them free,
your disciples must be credible
as people who are free themselves.
We pray you today for a spirit of poverty
that makes us free and available
to all those imprisoned
by the forces of evil.
May we thus become authentic witnesses
of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
your Son and our Lord for ever.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading Introduction
Our religion today is not inspired or instilled by the fear of the terrifying signs of Mount Sinai but rests on Christ our mediator of the new covenant who sacrificed himself for us.

First Reading: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24

What you have come to is nothing known to the senses: nor heat of a blazing fire, darkness and gloom and storms, blasts of trumpets or such a voice that the people pleaded that no further word be spoken.

The sight was so terrifying that Moses said: I tremble with fear.

But you came near to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem with its innumerable angels. You have come to the solemn feast, the assembly of the firstborn of God, whose names are written in heaven. There is God, Judge of all, with the spirits of the upright brought to perfection. There is Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, with the sprinkled blood that cries out more effectively than Abel's.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 48:2-4, 9-11

R. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.

Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised
in the city of our God.
His holy mountain, fairest of heights,
is the joy of all the earth.
R. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.

Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,”
the city of the great King.
God is with her castles;
renowned is he as a stronghold.
R. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.

As we had heard, so have we seen
in the city of the LORD of hosts,
In the city of our God;
God makes it firm forever.
R. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.

O God, we ponder your mercy
within your temple.
As your name, O God, so also your praise
reaches to the ends of the earth.
Of justice your right hand is full.
R. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.

Gospel Introduction
Jesus wants his disciples to be without security and power, so as to be free to go to people in their own life situation and to be free to preach and witness to the gospel without ambiguity. Would that the Church today could give such an unambiguous witness.

Gospel Reading: Mk 6:7-13

Jesus called the Twelve to him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits. And he ordered them to take nothing for the journey except a staff; no food, no bag, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals and were not to take an extra tunic.

And he added, “In whatever house you are welcomed, stay there until you leave the place. If any place doesn’t receive you and the people refuse to listen to you, leave after shaking the dust off your feet. It will be a testimony against them.”

So they set out to proclaim that this was the time to repent. They drove out many demons and healed many sick people by anointing them.

Commentary

THE disciples have seen Jesus heal, and now they are sent out to the villages with the authority to heal and cast out any spirit that hinders people from living as the children of God, imitating his own work. They go with nothing extraneous to their mission: no food, no money, no bag, no money for things they might need, only a staff and sandals, no extra tunic for protection. This is the way of the pilgrim, the healer, the itinerant preacher who proclaims Jesus' presence and power with word of hope, the call to repent and healing touch that strengthens and turns people away from doing evil. As believers, this is our work, our calling together-some for a lifetime, others for a time of apprenticeship and learning, others to encourage and sustain those on the road for the Lord. Those who have this authority must live more simply, more truthfully and more in the service of others. Let us pray we obey the words of our Master-healer and speaker of the Truth.

General Intercessions

–   Lord, they were only stammerers and timid people, but you called Moses and Jeremiah to speak out and lead their people. Make us voice your word without hesitation, even to people not well disposed to listen, we pray:

–   Lord, they were only fishers cleaning their nets, but you called your apostles to spread your good news. Make us fearless to speak your word, we pray:

–   Lord, they are only teachers or parish priests or employees, but you call leaders and members in our communities to tolerate no injustice and to defend the poor. Speak through them and through all of us what is right and good, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord, almighty God,
you want your Son to come among us
not with splendor and power
but in the poverty of the ordinary,
in everyday food and drink.
May we too not attach ourselves
to things that tie us down
and that give us a sense of false security.
Keep reminding us
that we are people on the way
to you and to one another
and give us our food for the road,
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord God, our Father,
your Son sent out his disciples
to bring his good news and healing
to people in their everyday lives.
Help those in the Church who teach and celebrate liturgy
always to link faith and worship
to the realities of daily living,
that the unity of what we are and do
may be the gospel and life of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing

Jesus sent out his apostles to bring his message to people. They should not wear useless baggage and depend on the people’s hospitality. They are sent to heal and save. May your lives speak the message of the gospel, with the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.