(Lec. 221) AFTER 1) Isaiah 58:1-9a ASH WEDNESDAY 2) Matthew 9:14-15 God desires true fasting. Fasting plays an important part in many of the world’s major religions. Today’s Scripture readings teach us that while there are appropriate times to fast, this external act needs to be practiced with love and sincerity to be acceptable to the Lord. True fasting involves performing acts of mercy. LITURGY OF THE WORD In the first reading, Isaiah describes the fasting God desires. He wants us to free the oppressed and give to those in need. In the Gospel, John’s disciples ask Jesus why his disciples do not fast. Jesus answers by asking if wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is present. He says they will fast when he is taken away. UNIVERSAL PRAYER PRIEST: to offer a fast acceptable to the Lord, we join together for the needs of our Church and the good of the world. 1) For Pope Francis, may his practice of merciful love become a model for Christians around the world, let us pray to the Lord. 2) For political leaders, may the grace of God guide them in their leadership roles, let us pray to the Lord. 3) For those who do not believe in Christ, may they be enlightened by the Holy Spirit and discover the fullness of life in Jesus, let us pray to the Lord. 4) For our parish, that this Lenten season may inspire us to practice the true fasting our Lord desires, let us pray to the Lord. 5) For those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, may they be mercifully welcomed to the wedding feast of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord. 6) (Special petition/s) PRIEST: Glorious Lord, hear the prayers of your people. Let our light break forth like the dawn so we may do your will here on earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. * * * Saturday, February 17, 2018 SATURDAY (Lec. 222) 1) Isaiah 58:9b-14 ASH WEDNESDAY 2) Luke 5:27-32 (Opt. Mem. The Seven Holy Founders
(Lec. 221) AFTER 1) Isaiah 58:1-9a ASH WEDNESDAY 2) Matthew 9:14-15 God desires true fasting. Fasting plays an important part in many of the world’s major religions. Today’s Scripture readings teach us that while there are appropriate times to fast, this external act needs to be practiced with love and sincerity to be acceptable to the Lord. True fasting involves performing acts of mercy. LITURGY OF THE WORD In the first reading, Isaiah describes the fasting God desires. He wants us to free the oppressed and give to those in need. In the Gospel, John’s disciples ask Jesus why his disciples do not fast. Jesus answers by asking if wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is present. He says they will fast when he is taken away. UNIVERSAL PRAYER PRIEST: to offer a fast acceptable to the Lord, we join together for the needs of our Church and the good of the world. 1) For Pope Francis, may his practice of merciful love become a model for Christians around the world, let us pray to the Lord. 2) For political leaders, may the grace of God guide them in their leadership roles, let us pray to the Lord. 3) For those who do not believe in Christ, may they be enlightened by the Holy Spirit and discover the fullness of life in Jesus, let us pray to the Lord. 4) For our parish, that this Lenten season may inspire us to practice the true fasting our Lord desires, let us pray to the Lord. 5) For those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, may they be mercifully welcomed to the wedding feast of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord. 6) (Special petition/s) PRIEST: Glorious Lord, hear the prayers of your people. Let our light break forth like the dawn so we may do your will here on earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. * * * Saturday, February 17, 2018 SATURDAY (Lec. 222) 1) Isaiah 58:9b-14 ASH WEDNESDAY 2) Luke 5:27-32 (Opt. Mem. The Seven Holy Founders