21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A
Christ in Our Neighborhood is an evangelization program of the Diocese of Phoenix.
Prayer
Loving and Generous God, You call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us grow in the love and service of our Church. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future. Grant us faith-filled leaders who embrace Christ’s Mission of love and justice. Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. Amen.
Commentary
1st Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
Questions
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- Have you heard God’s call in your life?
- To what vocation or ministry do you think He calls you?
2nd Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Questions
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- What are some of the gifts that God has blessed you with?
- How have you put those gifts to use?
- Have you helped others recognize their talents?
Gospel: Matthew 16:30-20
Church. Although the message has not changed since the time of Christ, the Church herself is a living being, constantly renewing and growing. It requires constant effort to uphold the teachings of Christ while integrating with the changes in the world. The Church “is upheld infallibly in the truth: Christ governs her through Peter and the other Apostles, who are present in their successors, the Pope and the college of bishops.” (CCC 870)
Questions
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- Do you know and fully follow all Church teachings?
- Are there any that you struggle with?
This Week’s Task
Group Prayer
The leader invites the group to pray the following words together:
O God, who hast appointed Thine only begotten Son to be the eternal High Priest for the glory of Thy Majesty and the salvation of mankind, grant that they whom He hath chosen to be His ministers and the stewards of His mysteries, may be found faithful in the fulfillment of the ministry which they have received. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The leader will guide the group in praying Psalm 138.
Psalm
Response: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing
your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple.
R: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
because of your kindness and your truth:
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
and the proud he knows from afar.
Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
Conclude with an Our Father
Used with permission. All rights reserved. Christ in Our Neighborhood is a Scripture program designed by Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix.