TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTRODUCTION

September 3, 2023

Good noon/afternoon brothers and sisters in Christ. We are now in the twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

In the month September, the Archdiocese of Davao celebrates the Vocation Month and "National Catechetical Month 2023".

The first reading is taken from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah. In this account, Prophet Jeremiah describes that the word of God is like a fire burning in his heart.

The second reading is taken from the epistle of Paul to the Romans. He urged the Romans to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice to God.

The Gospel is taken from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. In this account, Matthew narrates that Jesus Said to his disciples "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take us his cross, and follow me.

FIRST READING

Jer. 20:7-9

The word of the Lord has brought me derision.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah

You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped; Yo you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me.

Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day.

I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Thus will I bless you while I live;

lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord God. my

SECOND READING

Rom. 12:1-2

Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL

Mt. 16:21-27

Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, "God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you."

He turned and said to Peter,

"Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

Then Jesus said to his disciples,

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?

Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct."

The Gospel of the Lord.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

September 3, 2023

Priest: Today the Lord Jesus has reminded us about the importance of living a life of generous faithfulness to God's plan for us. Aware of our weakness and of the difficulties which a life of discipleship entrails, let us humbly plead for the help we need. In every petition, we say:

LORD, HELP US FOLLOW YOU!

1. That the Holy Father, our Bishops, priests, deacons and all other spiritual leaders may be strengthened by God's grace as they bravely strive to follow the examples of Jesus in all they do. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That our civil leaders, through God's grace, may work for the Common good by serving the people with fidelity and humility. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That each family, throughout the world may the Lord grace them with

good seed of vocation that will grow in the heart of each member. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those suffer physically or emotionally, may they see and experience Jesus healing power to be strong enough to carry their crosses in union with Him and be transformed into instruments of salvation. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That our catechist and vocation promoters may receive the grace of perseverance in their apostolate of instructing in the faith to our children and youth and inspired by the Holy Spirit, draw in them the perfect example of Jesus the concrete life of disciples. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That those who offer praises and thanksgiving to God. Especially _____ may become witnesses of Jesus generosity and love to others. Let us pray to the Lord.

7. May the Lord grant eternal life to the faithful departed especially, ____ Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: Lord Jesus, grant that we may always imitate your example in doing the will of the Father, even when this entails suffering and self denial. In the midst of all difficulties, may we never lose sight of the reward that awaits us in the Kingdom of peace where you live and reign forever and ever. Amen