13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTRODUCTION

July 2, 2023

Good morning/noon/afternoon brothers and sisters in Christ. We are now 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The First Reading is taken from the Second Book of Kings. In this short excerpt from the life of the Prophet Elisha, we can hear an example of generous hospitality on the part of the couple from Shunem.

The Second Reading is taken from the Letter of Paul to the Romans. St. Paul enlightened the Romans that Baptism makes them share not only in the death but also in the resurrection of Christ.

The Gospel is taken from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. We can hear Jesus said to his disciples, "whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Let us all stand to begin our Eucharistic celebration.

FIRST READING

2Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a

Elisha is a holy man of God, let him remain.

A reading from the second Book of Kings

One day Elisha came to Shunem, One where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her.

Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine.

So she said to her husband, "I know that Elisha is a holy man of God.

Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so that when he comes to us he can stay there."

Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight.

Later Elisha asked, "Can something be done for her?" His servant Gehazi answered, "Yes!

She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years." Elisha said, "Call her."

When the woman had been called and stood at the door, Elisha promised, "This time next year you will be fondling a baby son."

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Ps 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19

R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The promises of the LORD I will sing forever, through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.

For you have said, "My kindness is established forever"; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

You are the splendor of their strength, and by your favor our horn is exalted. For to the LORD belongs our shield, and to the Holy One of Israel, our king.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

SECOND READING

Rom. 6:3-4,8-11

Buried with Christ in baptism, we shall walk in the newness of life.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

Brother rothers and sisters:

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.

If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God.

Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA

1 Pt 2:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; announce the praises of him who called you out of dark- ness into his wonderful light.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matt. 10:37-42

Whoever does not take up his cross is not worthy of me.

Whoever receives you, receives me.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to his apostles:

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,

and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Whoever receives you receives me,

and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet ban will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple-amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayer of the Faithful

July 2, 2023

Priest: We have been graciously welcomed by the Lord to the Banquet of His Son, but He still has so many other gifts in store for us. Let us confidently as the Father as we humbly pray;

WE BESEECH YOU, LORD, HEAR US.

1. For the Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, Priests and Religious men and women and the Deacons, make them inspirations of the faithful with their good example of generosity, hospitality and availability to help those in need. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. For our civil leaders, bless them with hearts full of compassion and mercy to the refugees and the migrants and to do things for the common good. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. For our parish community, may the Lord renew our hearts to be open to welcome new members and grants us solidarity and trust we need. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. For all the sick at homes and in hospitals, may the Lord grant them his generous hospitality through the people that surrounds them. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. For the faithful who offered their thanksgiving and praises to God especially may they experience Jesus' faithfulness. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. For the faithful departed especially may be granted with life everlasting. Let us pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Lord of all kindness and generosity, make us as kind and generous as you are toward all those we meet today. May we, in turn, be welcomed by you to the Kingdom of eternal happiness when you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.