Planning: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Lawrence Mick — 2018

Sometimes those who serve in “background” roles in the liturgy can view their efforts as less important than the ministries of others who are clearly visible, like cantors and lectors and presiders. That can lead some to question whether what they do really matters.

It is to be hoped that planners never reach the depths of despair that Job expresses in today’s first reading. It is a passage that seems to have no hope  — in fact, it says so explicitly: “My days … come to an end without hope.” Maybe Job would be diagnosed today with clinical depression. Certainly, he was having a bad day, a whole series of bad days. Lectors might get depressed just from practicing this passage!

The liturgy responds to this depressing text with a psalm that reminds us that God has the power to heal the brokenhearted as well as the will to do so. This is a good reminder to all of us, lectors included, to read the whole of the Liturgy of the Word to put each part of it in context.

St. Paul speaks today about his responsibility to preach the good news, whether he wants to or not. Remember that he suffered often for doing so. Planners and sacristans and other “behind the scenes” ministers might remind themselves that they are also involved in the preaching of the word of God. That word needs to be preached in every corner of the world, but it is also preached in church to those who seek to deepen their faith. Those who prepare things for the liturgy, those who create schedules for ministers, those who clean the church and provide suitable décor for liturgy all contribute to the effective proclamation and preaching of the word.

We tend to think of preachers as those who speak the word of God to the assembly. A quote often attributed (erroneously, it seems) to St. Francis of Assisi calls us to “Preach the word always; when necessary, use words.” St. Francis did preach by his life, but he also used words regularly. The admonition reminds us, in any case, that our actions do speak and our efforts to create a space for the word to be preached and heard are important.

In today’s Gospel, it is Peter’s mother-in-law who provides service for Jesus and his disciples, right after she is healed. We may not often consider how Jesus and his roving band of followers found food to eat and places to stay. The Gospels note that some women provided for them. Without that kind of help, their mission of preaching would have been significantly limited.
So, whatever your contribution to the worship of your parish, remember that you are important for the continued preaching of the good news.

©2018 National Catholic Reporter. All Rights Reserved.

Presider’s Introduction

by Joan DeMerchant — 2018

To those who suffer, words (and actions flowing from them) really do matter. In today’s readings, God hears suffering and heals the brokenhearted. That is what Jesus was about in his ministry. That is what the disciples and all his followers have always been about. That is what we, too, are called to be doing. Hearing, preaching and living the Gospel are ultimately about life, love and healing. There are as many ways to do this as there are committed Christians.

Penitential Act

by Joan DeMerchant — 2018

• Lord Jesus, you healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law: Lord, have mercy.
• Christ Jesus, you preached in the synagogue and drove out demons: Christ, have mercy.
• Lord Jesus, you call us to live the Gospel and heal the suffering and brokenhearted: Lord, have mercy.

Prayer of the Faithful

by Joan DeMerchant — 2018

Presider Let us pray now for all who suffer in our community and throughout the world.

Minister For the church: that it may be faithful to preaching the Gospel and healing the brokenhearted at all times and in all places … we pray,

• For those whose suffering goes beyond words and is caused by indifference, injustice or violence … we pray,
• For those who have misused or misinterpreted the Gospel for personal or political gain; and for the courage to challenge them … we pray,
• For those who preach the Gospel and attend to those in need, especially in difficult and challenging situations … we pray,
• For all humanitarian organizations and programs that serve suffering people in our neighborhoods and around the globe … we pray,
• For all who touch the suffering through kindness, companionship, generosity or any simple acts of consolation in this community and beyond … we pray,

Presider Loving God: you have spoken to us in mercy and love throughout the ages, and you sent your only Son as love incarnate. Empower us to carry your healing message forward through our words and actions. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the divine Healer. Amen

©2018 National Catholic Reporter. All Rights Reserved. Presiders are encouraged to adapt these prayers to reflect Covid 19.