SAINTS \u2021 PHILIP AND \u2021 JAMES,\r\nAPOSTLES<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSt Philip (first century) was from Bethsaida and, after being called by the Lord, introduced St Bartholomew to Him. He may have been crucified at Hierapolis in Phrygia, where he had preached the Gospel.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSt James ‘the Less’ (+ c.62) was a cousin of the Lord. As a bishop of Jerusalem, he wrote an epistle preserved in the New Testament and, legend says, was eventually martyred by being stoned, and then clubbed to death.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Christ the Good Shepherd brings us to life.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGod has appointed Christ as the Shepherd of the whole human race. He has become our gateway to eternal life because he has laid down his life for us. Even though we have gone astray through sin, still by his wounds we are healed and given a new direction in our lives.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2: 14. 36-41<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n God has made him both Lord and Christ.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOn the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd with a loud voice: “The whole House of Israel can be certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.”\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the apostles, “What must we do, brothers?” “You must repent,” Peter answered, “and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.” He spoke to them for a long time using many arguments, and he urged them, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation.” They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe word of the Lord.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Psalm 22: 1-6. R v.1<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Lord is my shepherd<\/span>;<\/strong>\r\nthere is nothing I shall want.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Lord is my shepherd;\r\nthere is nothing I shall want.\r\nFresh and green are the pastures\r\nwhere he gives me repose.\r\nNear restful waters he leads me,\r\nto revive my drooping spirit. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHe guides me along the right path;\r\nhe is true to his name.\r\nIf I should walk in the valley of darkness\r\nno evil would I fear.\r\nYou are there with your crook and your staff;\r\nwith these you give me comfort. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou have prepared a banquet for me\r\nin the sight of my foes.\r\nMy head you have anointed with oil;\r\nmy cup is overflowing. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSurely goodness and kindness shall follow me\r\nall the days of my life.\r\nIn the Lord’s own house shall I dwell\r\nfor ever and ever. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A reading from the first letter of St. Peter 2: 20-25<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You have come back to the shepherd of your souls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe merit, in the sight of God, is in bearing punishment patiently when you are punished after doing your duty.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis, in fact, is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and left an example for you to follow the way he took. He had not done anything wrong, and there had been no perjury in his mouth. He was insulted and did not retaliate with insults; when he was tortured he made no threats but he put his trust in the righteous judge. He was bearing our faults in his own body on the cross, so that we might die to our faults and live for holiness; through his wounds you have been healed. You had gone astray like sheep but now you have come back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe word of the Lord.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 10: 1-10<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n I am the gate of the sheepfold.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJesus said: “I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow s stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.”\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSo Jesus spoke to them again:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n“I tell you most solemnly,\r\nI am the gate of the sheepfold.\r\nAll others who have come\r\nare thieves and brigands;\r\nbut the sheep took no notice of them.\r\nI am the gate.\r\nAnyone who enters through me will be safe:\r\nhe will go freely in and out\r\nand be sure of finding pasture.\r\nThe thief comes\r\nonly to steal and kill and destroy.\r\nI have come\r\nso that they may have life\r\nand have it to the full.”\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Gospel of the Lord.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Apostles’ Creed<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI believe in God,\r\nthe Father almighty,\r\nCreator of heaven and earth,\r\nand in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,\r\nwho was conceived by the Holy Spirit,\r\nborn of the Virgin Mary,\r\nsuffered under Pontius Pilate,\r\nwas crucified, died, and was buried;\r\nhe descended into hell;\r\non the third day he rose again from the dead;\r\nhe ascended into heaven,\r\nand is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;\r\nfrom there he will come to judge the living and the dead.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI believe in the Holy Spirit,\r\nthe holy catholic Church,\r\nthe communion of saints,\r\nthe forgiveness of sins,\r\nthe resurrection of the body,\r\nand life everlasting. Amen,\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER SAINTS \u2021 PHILIP AND \u2021 JAMES, APOSTLES St Philip (first century) was from Bethsaida and, after being called by the Lord, introduced St Bartholomew to Him. 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\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe liturgy of the Fourth Sunday of Easter presents to us one of the most beautiful images that has portrayed the Lord Jesus since the earliest centuries of the Church: the Good Shepherd. The flock’s attitude to the Good Shepherd, Christ, is presented by the Evangelist with two specific verbs: “to listen” and “to follow”. These terms suggest the fundamental characteristics of those who live out the following of the Lord. First of all by listening to his word, from which faith is born and by which it is nurtured. Only those who are attentive to the Lord’s voice can assess in their own conscience the right decisions for acting in accordance with God. Thus the following of Jesus derives from listening: we act as disciples only after hearing and inwardly accepting the Master’s teachings in order to put them into practice every day. On this Sunday, therefore, it comes naturally to remember to God the pastors of the Church and those who are training to become pastors.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSign of the Cross<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Examen<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBefore listening to the Word of God take a moment to reflect.\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor what am I grateful to God for today? Where did I stray from God: through words, actions or things I did not do. How might I do better tomorrow? What grace do I ask from God in order to live more closely in his love?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou may wish to conclude by saying:\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father:\r\nLord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth:\r\nChrist, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life:\r\nLord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Gloria<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlory to God in the highest,\r\nand on earth peace to people of good will.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe praise you,\r\nwe bless you,\r\nwe adore you,\r\nwe glorify you,\r\nwe give you thanks for your great glory,\r\nLord God, heavenly King,\r\nO God, almighty Father.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,\r\nLord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,\r\nyou take away the sins of the world,\r\nhave mercy on us;\r\nyou take away the sins of the world.\r\nreceive our prayer;\r\nyou are seated at the right hand of the Father,\r\nhave mercy on us.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor you alone are the Holy One,\r\nyou alone are the Lord,\r\nyou alone are the Most High,\r\nJesus Christ,\r\nwith the Holy Spirit,\r\nin the glory of God the Father.\r\nAmen.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Collect<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAlmighty ever-living God,\r\nlead us to a share in the joys of heaven,\r\nso that the humble flock may reach\r\nwhere the brave Shepherd has gone before.\r\nWho lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,\r\none God, for ever and ever.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
First Reading<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Responsorial Psalm<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Second Reading<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Gospel Acclamation<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAlleluia, Alleluia!<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI am the good shepherd, says the Lord;\r\nI know my own sheep and my own know me.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAlleluia!<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Gospel<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Profession of Faith<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Prayers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Intercessions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPray for family and loved ones so that they may be held in God\u2019s compassionate care. Pray for other countries who are struggling with the effects of the COVID 19 virus.\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor those in authority: may they offer advice with care and integrity, may they seek to protect the poor and vulnerable.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor all who work in healthcare: give strength to all who look after the sick so that they may bring comfort and relief to the suffering.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor the Church: may she offer prayers and consolation for all those affected.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor our local community and all for those in need: may those who are isolated know the support and service of their neighbours.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Lord\u2019s Prayer<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOur Father, who art in heaven,\r\nhallowed by thy name;\r\nthey kingdom come,\r\nthy will be done\r\non earth as it is in heaven.\r\nGive us this day our daily bread,\r\nand forgive us our trespasses,\r\nas we forgive those who trespass against us;\r\nand lead us not into temptation,\r\nbut deliver us from evil.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Prayer for Spiritual communion<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI prostrate myself at your feet, O my Jesus, and I offer you the repentance of my contrite heart, which abases itself in its nothingness in Your Holy Presence. I adore you in the Sacrament of Your Love; I desire to receive You in the poor abode that my heart offers You. While waiting for the happiness of a Sacramental Communion, I want to possess You in spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, that I may come to You. May Your love inflame my whole being, in life and in death. I believe in You. I hope in You. I love You.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Daily Prayer<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord God,\r\ngrant your people constant joy\r\nin the renewed vigour of their souls.\r\nThey rejoice because you have restored them\r\nto the glory of your adopted children:\r\nlet them look forward gladly\r\nin the certain hope of resurrection.\r\nWe make our prayer through our Lord.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Memorare<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRemember O most gracious Virgin Mary,\r\nthat never was it known that anyone\r\nwho fled to thy protection, implored thy help,\r\nor sought thy intercession was left unaided.\r\nInspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee,\r\nO Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do we come,\r\nbefore thee do we stand sinful and sorrowful.\r\nO Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not our petitions,\r\nbut in thy mercy hear and answer us.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Prayer for the Year of the Word<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLiving God, you walk alongside us and speak to us throughout the Scriptures.\r\nYour Son, Jesus Christ, listens to our hopes and fears and shows us how to live for one another.\r\nSend us the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds, so that we may be your witnesses throughout the world.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour word is our path and your truth is our light.\r\nThis day and every day.\r\nOur Lady of the Annunciation. Pray for us.\r\nSt Matthew. Pray for us.\r\nSt. Jerome. Pray for us.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A Prayer for protection in times of pandemic<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nO Mary,\r\nyou always brighten our path\r\n<\/em>as a sign of salvation and of hope.\r\nWe entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the Cross,\r\ntook part in Jesus\u2019 pain while remaining steadfast in faith.\r\nO loving Mother,\r\nyou know what we need,\r\nand we are confident you will provide for us as at Cana in Galilee.\r\nIntercede for us with your Son Jesus,\r\nthe Divine Physician,\r\nfor those who have fallen ill,\r\nfor those who are vulnerable,\r\nand for those who have died.\r\nIntercede also for those charged with protecting the health and safety of others\u00a0and for those who are tending to the sick and seeking a cure.\r\nHelp us, O Mother of Divine Love,\r\nto conform to the will of the Father\r\nand to do as we are told by Jesus,\r\nwho took upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows,\r\nso as to lead us, through the Cross,\r\nto the glory of the Resurrection.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUnder thy protection, we seek refuge, O Holy Mother of God.\r\nIn our needs, despise not our petitions, but deliver us always from all dangers,\u00a0O glorious and blessed Virgin.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.\r\nAmen.\u00a0<\/strong>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"