Mass at Home – Spiritual Communion on 26th July 2020 for those unable to get to Church today.
✠In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Twentieth- century woman of great influence in the Spiritual lives of many,
Evelyn Underhill, wrote this:
“Penetrate these murky corners
where we hide our memories and tendencies
on which we do not care to look;
The persistent buried grudge,
the half-acknowledged enmity,
the private comfort we cling to, the secret fear of failure,
which saps our initiative and is really inverted pride,
the pessimism which is an insult to your joy.”
With her, let us bring these to the Lord,
and review them in His steadfast light.
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,through my most grievous fault;therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,and all the Angels and Saints,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
May almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
THE GLORIA
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
THE COLLECT FOR THE DAY
O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FIRST READING 1 Kings 3:5,7-12
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said,
‘Ask what you would like me to give you.’
Solomon replied, ‘O Lord my God,
you have made your servant king in succession to David my father.
But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership.
Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours
that you have chosen, a people so many its number cannot be counted
or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand
how to discern between good and evil,
for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?’
It pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked for this.
‘Since you have asked for this’ the Lord said
‘and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies,
but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself,
here and now I do what you ask.
I give you a heart wise and shrewd
as none before you has had and none will have after you.’
RESPONSORIAL PSALM - 118(119):57,72,76-77,127-130
Lord, I love your commands.
I have said, O Lord, that my part
is to keep your words.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Lord, I love your commands.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
Lord, I love your commands.
For I love your command
more than gold, however fine.
For in all your precepts I go forward;
every false way I hate.
Lord, I love your commands.
Wonderful are your decrees
therefore I observe them.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple
Lord, I love your commands.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:28-30
We know that by turning everything to their good,
God co-operates with all those who love him,
with all those he has called according to his purpose.
They are the ones he chose specially long ago
and intended to become true images of his Son,
so that his Son might be the eldest of many brothers.
He called those he intended for this;
those he called he justified,
and with those he justified he shared his glory.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Matt.11:25
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom
to mere children. Alleluia!
GOSPEL Matthew 13:44-52
Jesus said to the crowds,
‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field
which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy,
sells everything he owns and buys the field.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls;
when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns
and buys it.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea
that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore;
then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket
and throw away those that are no use.
This is how it will be at the end of time:
the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just
to throw them into the blazing furnace
where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’
They said, ‘Yes.’
And he said to them,
‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven
is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom
things both new and old.’
THE HOMILY
Michael Green, in his delightfully-easy-to-understand commentary
called “Matthew for Today” talks about our Gospel passage today
as containing “two little gems of parables that go together”.
These “gems” are about making a good investment in the Kingdom of Heaven;
guaranteed growth “thirty-fold, sixty fold, even a hundred-fold”
(to quote growth-figures from an earlier parable in chapter 13)
The treasure in the field is found by someone who came across it by accident.
In days before banks and vaults
it was common for people to bury their possessions in secret for safety.
The story Jesus tells is so short it doesn’t mention whether the “owner”
of the treasure dies, but whatever happened, the field is up for sale,
and the person who found and reburied the treasure
has his patience and hope rewarded,
and makes a “killing” investment.
Another “gem” of a very short parable…
A merchant, a pearl specialist, after a long and patient search,
finds a single pearl of great value.
He was prepared to give it all he had,
no pearl compared to this perfect piece,
and having discovered it, he cherished it.
People discover the Kingdom in many ways,
some stumble upon it by accident,
some find it after a long patient search.
They may try many ideologies, and gain from them,
but the finest is this pearl, this treasure of the Kingdom of God.
How do we find this treasure, this pearl of great price?
It is there for all to find,
and once found, to be kept under the best conditions,
to shine with lustre, to grow in value.
And what are those conditions?
Matthew, the Evangelist of the Kingdom of Heaven,
gives plenty of helpful hints all through his Gospel
in the care of this treasure…..
The Importance of Prayer (Matthew 6)
not least of all the importance of praying “Thy Kingdom come”….
The vital importance of the conditions of love –
love of God, love of neighbour, love of self…..
The need to not worry about unimportant things (Matthew 6)
not to be anxious about your own food, drink, or what to wear,
but nevertheless to be anxious on behalf of others who: (Matt:25)
are starving, thirsty, lonely, a stranger needing to be valued and welcomed;
are naked, cold, ragged, sick or in prison, and in need of care.
Matthew, the Evangelist of The Kingdom……
challenges us once again in this “Year A” devoted to his Gospel
to bring about the Kingdom where and amongst whom God has placed us
as we try our best to live-out these Kingdom values.
Evelyn Underhill opened our Spiritual Mass this morning –
may the Lord have the last word through her in this homily.
“To say day by day “Thy Kingdom Come”;
if these tremendous words really stand for a conviction and desire,
does not mean -
“I quite hope that some day
the Kingdom of God will be established,
and peace and goodwill prevail.
But at present I don’t see how it is to be managed,
or what I can do about it.”
On the contrary, it means, or should mean,
“Here am I! Send me!”
Active, costly collaboration with the Spirit
in whom we believe.” (Evelyn Underhill)
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe 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 to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
And he will 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 the life everlasting. Amen.
The Prayer of the Faithful (Bidding Prayers)
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I pray for those struggling financially…….
I pray for the food banks,
that supplies will keep-up with those who need help…….
I pray for those on the front line in combating this virus;
refuse workers, shop assistants, doctors, nurses, care assistants
and all other key workers. ….
I pray for those who cannot look after themselves,
those in care homes and hospitals……
I pray for local businesses,
May they come through this time safely, and those still shut
be able to open their business as soon as possible….
I pray for those worried about their jobs, their income;
families breaking-up under the strain of these difficult times…..
Pray for those who have no personal faith, or those whose faith is
challenged, that they may seek and find the One who never changes
and whose love is free, limitless and unconditional.
We ask Mary to pray with us, as we with her bring our care for the situation in which we find ourselves
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Eternal God, comfort of the afflicted and healer of the broken,you feed us at the table of life and hope: teach us the ways of gentleness and peace,
that all the world may acknowledge
the kingdom of your Son Jesus Christ.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks, holy Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, through Christ our Lord.
For by your Word you created the world
and you govern all things in harmony.
You gave us the same Word made flesh as Mediator,
and he has spoken your words to us and called us to follow him.
He is the way that leads us to you,
the truth that sets us free,
the life that fills us with gladness.
Through your Son you gather men and women,
whom you made for the glory of your name,
into one family, redeemed by the Blood of his Cross
and signed with the seal of the Spirit.
Therefore now and for ages unending,
with all the Angels, we proclaim your glory,
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.
By our partaking of this mystery, almighty Father,
give us life through your Spirit,
grant that we may be conformed to the image of your Son,
and confirm us in the bond of communion,
together with Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,
Justin our Archbishop, Norman our Bishop,
Tim, Bishop of Winchester, with all Bishops, Priests and Deacons,
and the entire people you have made your own.
Grant that all the faithful of the Church,
looking into the signs of the times by the light of faith,
may constantly devote themselves to the service of the Gospel.
Keep us attentive to the needs of all, that,
sharing their grief and pain, their joy and hope,
we may faithfully bring them the good news of salvation
and go forward with them along the way of your Kingdom.
Remember our brothers and sisters
who have fallen asleep in the peace of your Christ,
and all the dead, whose faith you alone have known.
Admit them to rejoice in the light of your face,
and in the resurrection give them the fullness of life.
Grant also to us, when our earthly pilgrimage is done,
that we may come to an eternal dwelling place
and live with you for ever; there, in communion
with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with the Apostles, Martyrs, and with all the Saints,
we shall praise and exalt you through Jesus Christ, your Son.
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours, for ever and ever. Amen.
At the Saviour’s command
and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil,
graciously grant peace in our days,
that, by the help of your mercy,
we may be always free from sin
and safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles:
Peace I leave you, my peace I give you,
look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church,
and graciously grant her peace and unity
in accordance with your will.
Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Time to sit quietly to receive the Lord’s Presence spiritually.
“My Jesus, I believe that You are present
in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment 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,”
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we, who glory in the Heart of your beloved Son
and recall the wonders of his love for us,
may be made worthy to receive
an overflowing measure of compassionate grace
from that fount of heavenly gifts.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Silent Prayer
May we who have been renewed
go now to work for the renewal of the whole creation;
and may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, ✠ and the Holy Spirit,
come down upon us and remain with us for ever. Amen.
THE ANGELUS
The angel of the Lord brought tidings unto Mary. And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary. Holy Mary.
And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us.
Hail Mary. Holy Mary.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
We beseech thee, O Lord,
pour thy grace into our hearts,
that as we have known
the Incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ
by the message of an angel,
so by his Cross and Passion
we may be brought
unto the glory of his Resurrection;
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the divine assistance remain always with us,
and the souls of the faithful departed ✠
through the mercy of God rest in peace
and rise in glory. Amen.
