4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
This week in a little liturgy I have looked at the way God speaks to us and tried to touch upon how Church teaching is established. The extra activities section looks at St Paul. The cartoons, though light hearted, explore some of Paul's work and life.
This week we also celebrate The Feasts of St Brigid (1st Feb) and The Presentation of the lord (2nd Feb). For more information and some lovely activities designed by "sparky" click below:
The Kids Bulletin
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Moses tells the people that God will give them a prophet who they must listen to. This is because at Horeb they were overwhelmed by hearing God's voice. God says he will put words into the prophet's mouth and the people will listen.
Psalm
Ps 94:1-2,6-9. R. v9
O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.
Second Reading
Corinthians 7:32-35
Again St Paul encourages us to focus purely on the Lord. He says that a married person has to bother about the affairs of the world and about pleasing a partner. However, if you are not married you can devote yourself to God. He says that the Corinthians should give "undivided attention to the Lord".
Gospel
Mark 1:21-28
Jesus went to Capernaum with his followers and began to teach in the Synagogue. St Mark says: "His teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority."
There was a man who was possessed with an unclean spirit and it cried out - Jesus spoke to it and said "Be quiet! Come out of him!"The spirit left the man and the people were amazed. Jesus' reputation spread all over the countryside.
Discussion
Sometimes we look at the scripture readings and see stories about characters and places that feel alien to us. However, if we think carefully about the readings, we can see that God is speaking to us just as he spoke to these characters.
In the first reading God uses a prophet (Moses) to speak to his people and says that he will continue to do this by choosing people to speak his words. In the Second Reading God speaks to us through St Paul. In the Gospel we witness God's words though Jesus as described by St Mark. As Christians we can always communicate with God by reading the scriptures.
We have probably not experienced God as described in the Old Testament - speaking directly to us and in flames. We probably think of marriage as a good thing - St Paul seems to be warning us about it. We are unlikely to have seen someone who is possessed by a devil that calls out - as St Mark describes.
These ideas are strange to us but they tell us of the power of God and how he has interacted with people in the past. In each example they show how God was responding to a specific set of circumstances. He gave answers and help to the Israelites who could not bear to hear his voice, the Corinthians who were asking about marriage and the people in the temple who saw an evil spirit.
Activities during Mass
ACTIVITY A
St Mark tells us that Jesus spoke with authority. The Church tries to continue this. For example the Creed we are about to say was written by the people in the church at the Council of Nicea in the forth century (the Nicene Creed). It states the key beliefs in Christianity and is an example of the church teaching with authority. We believe that the Holy Spirit guides the church in deciding what to teach.
Try to answer these questions by picking out phrases from the creed:
Why did Jesus come down from heaven?
What happened after Jesus ascended into heaven?
Who has spoken through the prophets?
What is the effect of Baptism?
The church is described as: "holy, catholic and apostolic".
This means that it is a gift from God, it is here for everyone and that it was handed down to us from the apostles. So the church today continues the teaching of Jesus - coming to Mass is a bit like going to listen to him teaching in the synagogue.
ACTIVITY B
Because he is close to us at Mass, we state our belief and then ask God to help us in specific ways. This section of the liturgy is called:
The Prayer of the Faithful (or Bidding Prayers)
Somebody reads the prayers out and we all respond together by asking God to hear us. This helps us to connect the Church with things that we are experiencing in the world and our lives.
If you were writing these prayers today what would you ask for help with?
1)
2)
3)
4)
What response is usually used in your church?
Other Activities and Resources
The Gospel tells us that Jesus went to the synagogue in Capernaum. Click on the link below to see pictures and read more about this region.
Information about Capernaum
St Paul wrote many letters (epistles) to communities that he had visited. Sometimes he answered questions that they asked him. Make a list of all the people he wrote to. You will find the letters in the New Testament after the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, starting with his letter to the Romans.
You can check your answers here:
Youtube cartoon about St Paul's epistles
and discover some more interesting facts here:
Youtube cartoon about letter to the Romans
and (in a more serious format) here:
Interesting facts about St Paul
I hope you have enjoyed a little liturgy this week!
Best wishes
Maria
Wednesday 28 January 2015
Tuesday 20 January 2015
25/1/15 Repent, and believe the Good News!
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Hello again from a little liturgy! This week I have tried to focus on forgiveness of sins and the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. I find this very difficult to explain or indeed to understand. In Activity A, I have tried to show that coming to Mass gives us the opportunity to repent as Paul and Jesus tell us to do in the readings. However, beyond saying sorry, we are actually joining in with the sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. I hope Activity B goes some way to help understanding of this.
Summary of the Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Jonah 3:1-5,10
God asked Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach. Jonah went and told the people that Nineveh would be destroyed in forty days. The inhabitants believed in God and repented of their bad ways. God saw their efforts and did not destroy their city.
Psalm
Ps 24:4-9. R.v.4
Lord, make me know your ways.
Second Reading
Corinthians 7:29-31
St Paul tells the Corinthians that their time on earth is growing short. Therefore they should not be caught up in possessions and things of this world.
Gospel
Mark1:14-20
After John was arrested, Jesus proclaimed the Good News in Galilee. There he met Simon and Andrew who were fishermen. He told them that he could make them into "fishers of men" and they left their nets and followed him. He also met James and John and they left their fishing boat and went with him.
Discussion
The readings this week continue the themes established last week. Jonah and the disciples are called to preach the word of God. There is also a strong theme of repentance and the mercy of God. The people of Nineveh demonstrated their sorrow by fasting and wearing sackcloth; their city was saved. Paul tells the Corinthians to leave their bad habits behind and Jesus himself calls people to repentance: "Repent, and believe the Good News." Both St Paul's and Jesus' words can be taken to indicate that they thought that the end of time on earth was coming soon. Therefore there was an urgency to repent. Jonah was a little more specific! There was a clear deadline of forty days for the people of Nineveh. These readings remind us that there is an urgency to our lives too. We cannot claim to be followers of Christ but still cling to earthly things. We need to think about what is important in life.
Activity during Mass
Activity A
Early on in the Mass we ask God to forgive our sins. The priest says:
Throughout Mass there are other moments where we ask for forgiveness.
Complete the phrases below:
Lamb of God who takes away .............................
Lord, I am not worthy that .................................
...................................................................
Give us this day our daily bread and ....................
...................................................................
Activity B
To come to Mass is to share Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Listen carefully to the words at the consecration today. Jesus said that his blood is poured out for "the forgiveness of sins". St Thomas Aquinas said that when the priest adds water to the wine before the consecration, it symbolises us mingling with Christ and joining with the sacrifice on the altar.
Listen out for these words today:
"By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity."
Just as in the Old Testament, people sacrificed animals on an altar to apologise to God, Jesus is our sacrifice on the altar to take away the sins of the world. The altar is therefore a sacred place and we use special symbols and objects to show this.
Draw the altar at the consecration and label the things below:
altar, candles, incense
chalice, ciborium, paten
Listen out for these Old Testament names after the consecration (Eucharistic Prayer I)
Abel, Abraham, Melchizedek.
They remind us again of the sacrifice just performed. Look their names up when you get home and find out what they did.
Other activities and useful resources
A
There is a commonly quoted phrase from St Augustine which can be translated as "Lord, make me good but not just yet!" Find out more about St Augustine here:
Story of St Augustine
B
St Paul, who wrote to the Corinthians about the need to repent had direct experience of this himself. Look at his story in Acts chapter 9 or click on the link below:
Lego conversion of St Paul - you tube
I hope you found something useful this week!
Maria
Hello again from a little liturgy! This week I have tried to focus on forgiveness of sins and the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. I find this very difficult to explain or indeed to understand. In Activity A, I have tried to show that coming to Mass gives us the opportunity to repent as Paul and Jesus tell us to do in the readings. However, beyond saying sorry, we are actually joining in with the sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. I hope Activity B goes some way to help understanding of this.
Summary of the Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Jonah 3:1-5,10
God asked Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach. Jonah went and told the people that Nineveh would be destroyed in forty days. The inhabitants believed in God and repented of their bad ways. God saw their efforts and did not destroy their city.
Psalm
Ps 24:4-9. R.v.4
Lord, make me know your ways.
Second Reading
Corinthians 7:29-31
St Paul tells the Corinthians that their time on earth is growing short. Therefore they should not be caught up in possessions and things of this world.
Gospel
Mark1:14-20
After John was arrested, Jesus proclaimed the Good News in Galilee. There he met Simon and Andrew who were fishermen. He told them that he could make them into "fishers of men" and they left their nets and followed him. He also met James and John and they left their fishing boat and went with him.
Discussion
The readings this week continue the themes established last week. Jonah and the disciples are called to preach the word of God. There is also a strong theme of repentance and the mercy of God. The people of Nineveh demonstrated their sorrow by fasting and wearing sackcloth; their city was saved. Paul tells the Corinthians to leave their bad habits behind and Jesus himself calls people to repentance: "Repent, and believe the Good News." Both St Paul's and Jesus' words can be taken to indicate that they thought that the end of time on earth was coming soon. Therefore there was an urgency to repent. Jonah was a little more specific! There was a clear deadline of forty days for the people of Nineveh. These readings remind us that there is an urgency to our lives too. We cannot claim to be followers of Christ but still cling to earthly things. We need to think about what is important in life.
Activity during Mass
Activity A
Early on in the Mass we ask God to forgive our sins. The priest says:
"let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries".Then we think of our sins and say prayers asking for forgiveness. (I confess..., Lord have mercy...)
Throughout Mass there are other moments where we ask for forgiveness.
Complete the phrases below:
Lamb of God who takes away .............................
Lord, I am not worthy that .................................
...................................................................
Give us this day our daily bread and ....................
...................................................................
Activity B
To come to Mass is to share Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Listen carefully to the words at the consecration today. Jesus said that his blood is poured out for "the forgiveness of sins". St Thomas Aquinas said that when the priest adds water to the wine before the consecration, it symbolises us mingling with Christ and joining with the sacrifice on the altar.
Listen out for these words today:
"By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity."
Just as in the Old Testament, people sacrificed animals on an altar to apologise to God, Jesus is our sacrifice on the altar to take away the sins of the world. The altar is therefore a sacred place and we use special symbols and objects to show this.
Draw the altar at the consecration and label the things below:
altar, candles, incense
chalice, ciborium, paten
Listen out for these Old Testament names after the consecration (Eucharistic Prayer I)
Abel, Abraham, Melchizedek.
They remind us again of the sacrifice just performed. Look their names up when you get home and find out what they did.
Other activities and useful resources
A
There is a commonly quoted phrase from St Augustine which can be translated as "Lord, make me good but not just yet!" Find out more about St Augustine here:
Story of St Augustine
B
St Paul, who wrote to the Corinthians about the need to repent had direct experience of this himself. Look at his story in Acts chapter 9 or click on the link below:
Lego conversion of St Paul - you tube
I hope you found something useful this week!
Maria
Thursday 15 January 2015
19/1/15 Here I am, Lord!
Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
Welcome to a little liturgy this week. As we embark on ordinary time, we see people being called to the service of God. We are called to his service and promise to do his will in Baptism, just like Samuel and the disciples. I should put a warning note here for parents with younger children - the Second Reading and discussion cover some aspects of "fornication" - so if you, or your children are not ready for this - look away now! However, I take the view that they will hear St Paul's reading in church today and, if paying attention, may well ask about the f word! So here goes! I hope you find something useful this week. Please do comment if you do, or suggest if you don't.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Samuel 3:3-10,19
Samuel is asleep and hears someone calling his name. He thinks it is Eli but eventually after asking Eli several times they realise that it is the Lord. Eli suggests that next time he hears the voice he should answer "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." Samuel answered the Lord's call and was protected from then on.
Psalm
Ps39:2,4,7-10 R.vv.8,9
Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
Second Reading
Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20
St Paul tells us that our physical bodies should be used for the glory of God. He says that is important that we use them appropriately and not simply for pleasure. He warns us against "fornication" (treating sex lightly).
Gospel
John 1:35-42
John points Jesus out to his disciples as the Messiah. They are curious and approach Jesus to find out more. Jesus invites them to come and see where he lives. They go and spend all day with him.
The next day Andrew introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. Jesus said, "You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas."
Discussion
A few weeks ago, during Advent, we looked at how Mary, John the Baptist, St Paul and Isaiah were called by God. Now we see Samuel and, in the New Testament, the disciples realising that they should answer the Lord's call. In today's Gospel we see a very early example of how Christians gathered together around Christ. They are doing exactly what we do when we go to Mass. They are spending time with God and learning about him.
St Paul tells us about how to behave as we are part of Christ's body: "your bodies are members making up the body of Christ". He says that we must respect our bodies and treat physical relationships with respect. He talks about "fornication" (treating sex without respect). We know that sex is a natural thing that is necessary to create children and to show love between married people. It is also a source of pleasure.
We could interpret St Paul as meaning that it is important to respect our bodies and the gifts of love and children and make sure that sex is not just used for our own pleasure. Much of the Church's teaching about love and relationships comes from the letters of St Paul. However, there is always a great deal of discussion about how we can apply these teachings in our lives which are so different from his.
Activity during Mass:
A
In the Gospel today we hear a brief conversation between Jesus and the disciples. Copy out what they say to each other:
John: "Look,........................................................."
Jesus: "What.....................................................?"
Disciples: "Rabbi................................................?"
Jesus: "........................................................"
Jesus gives the disciples an opportunity to find out more about him by welcoming him to his house and talking to them. We find out more about Jesus by reading the scriptures, praying and thinking about God. We also learn about him by listening to other people and we meet him in a different way when we go to Mass. The church is sometimes called the "house of God". We are called to his house to find out more about Jesus, just like his disciples. The church is not a physical building but a community of people who are guided by the Holy Spirit.
B
At Mass today, look round you. You are probably inside a church building but are also part of the church which is made up of people. Remember that Jesus said: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Now think about the things that you do in the house of God. Write down the name for the part of the Mass where you think these things happen.
We listen to Jesus teaching.
We offer gifts.
We join as a family to speak to our Father.
The church is a visible expression of Jesus. It is the part we can see. We get to know Jesus by becoming familiar with the church. Just as the disciple got to know Jesus by listening to him and spending time together.
C
There are also physical objects in church that help us understand Jesus. Look around and see if you can see:
the altar
the stations of the cross
the crucifix
These things focus on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. When we come to Mass we are able to join in with this sacrifice because we are part of the church. By going to Mass we can start to understand about this sacrifice.
Other activities and resources:
A
There is a beautiful hymn about accepting God's call - "Here I am Lord"
Click here to listen (N.B. typo "fields" for "feast" on you tube lyric clip)
Think about all the different things God calls people to do. (These are known as vocations.) Some people are certain that they know what they are supposed to do, others spend their lives searching. The important thing is that we try to listen. An example of someone who try to avoid God's call was Jonah. Find his story in the Bible and see what happened to him!
B
Jesus invited the disciples to his house to show them what he was like and what they could expect if they chose to be friends with him. Look around your house and list down the things a visitor might see or experience. What do they say about you and your family? You could draw a picture of your bedroom and label it explaining how it represents your personality.
C
You might like to research Jewish houses and life at the time of Jesus and find out what sort of things the disciples would have experienced. Jewish houses today have certain traditional symbols and objects that are associated with religion. See if you can find out more about this.
That's all for this week!
Maria
Welcome to a little liturgy this week. As we embark on ordinary time, we see people being called to the service of God. We are called to his service and promise to do his will in Baptism, just like Samuel and the disciples. I should put a warning note here for parents with younger children - the Second Reading and discussion cover some aspects of "fornication" - so if you, or your children are not ready for this - look away now! However, I take the view that they will hear St Paul's reading in church today and, if paying attention, may well ask about the f word! So here goes! I hope you find something useful this week. Please do comment if you do, or suggest if you don't.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Samuel 3:3-10,19
Samuel is asleep and hears someone calling his name. He thinks it is Eli but eventually after asking Eli several times they realise that it is the Lord. Eli suggests that next time he hears the voice he should answer "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." Samuel answered the Lord's call and was protected from then on.
Psalm
Ps39:2,4,7-10 R.vv.8,9
Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
Second Reading
Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20
St Paul tells us that our physical bodies should be used for the glory of God. He says that is important that we use them appropriately and not simply for pleasure. He warns us against "fornication" (treating sex lightly).
Gospel
John 1:35-42
John points Jesus out to his disciples as the Messiah. They are curious and approach Jesus to find out more. Jesus invites them to come and see where he lives. They go and spend all day with him.
The next day Andrew introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. Jesus said, "You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas."
Discussion
A few weeks ago, during Advent, we looked at how Mary, John the Baptist, St Paul and Isaiah were called by God. Now we see Samuel and, in the New Testament, the disciples realising that they should answer the Lord's call. In today's Gospel we see a very early example of how Christians gathered together around Christ. They are doing exactly what we do when we go to Mass. They are spending time with God and learning about him.
St Paul tells us about how to behave as we are part of Christ's body: "your bodies are members making up the body of Christ". He says that we must respect our bodies and treat physical relationships with respect. He talks about "fornication" (treating sex without respect). We know that sex is a natural thing that is necessary to create children and to show love between married people. It is also a source of pleasure.
We could interpret St Paul as meaning that it is important to respect our bodies and the gifts of love and children and make sure that sex is not just used for our own pleasure. Much of the Church's teaching about love and relationships comes from the letters of St Paul. However, there is always a great deal of discussion about how we can apply these teachings in our lives which are so different from his.
Activity during Mass:
A
In the Gospel today we hear a brief conversation between Jesus and the disciples. Copy out what they say to each other:
John: "Look,........................................................."
Jesus: "What.....................................................?"
Disciples: "Rabbi................................................?"
Jesus: "........................................................"
Jesus gives the disciples an opportunity to find out more about him by welcoming him to his house and talking to them. We find out more about Jesus by reading the scriptures, praying and thinking about God. We also learn about him by listening to other people and we meet him in a different way when we go to Mass. The church is sometimes called the "house of God". We are called to his house to find out more about Jesus, just like his disciples. The church is not a physical building but a community of people who are guided by the Holy Spirit.
B
At Mass today, look round you. You are probably inside a church building but are also part of the church which is made up of people. Remember that Jesus said: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Now think about the things that you do in the house of God. Write down the name for the part of the Mass where you think these things happen.
We listen to Jesus teaching.
We offer gifts.
We share a meal with others.
We greet other people as Jesus greeted them.We join as a family to speak to our Father.
The church is a visible expression of Jesus. It is the part we can see. We get to know Jesus by becoming familiar with the church. Just as the disciple got to know Jesus by listening to him and spending time together.
C
There are also physical objects in church that help us understand Jesus. Look around and see if you can see:
the altar
the stations of the cross
the crucifix
These things focus on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. When we come to Mass we are able to join in with this sacrifice because we are part of the church. By going to Mass we can start to understand about this sacrifice.
Other activities and resources:
A
There is a beautiful hymn about accepting God's call - "Here I am Lord"
Click here to listen (N.B. typo "fields" for "feast" on you tube lyric clip)
Think about all the different things God calls people to do. (These are known as vocations.) Some people are certain that they know what they are supposed to do, others spend their lives searching. The important thing is that we try to listen. An example of someone who try to avoid God's call was Jonah. Find his story in the Bible and see what happened to him!
B
Jesus invited the disciples to his house to show them what he was like and what they could expect if they chose to be friends with him. Look around your house and list down the things a visitor might see or experience. What do they say about you and your family? You could draw a picture of your bedroom and label it explaining how it represents your personality.
C
You might like to research Jewish houses and life at the time of Jesus and find out what sort of things the disciples would have experienced. Jewish houses today have certain traditional symbols and objects that are associated with religion. See if you can find out more about this.
That's all for this week!
Maria
Thursday 8 January 2015
11/1/15 Come to the water all you who are thirsty!
The Baptism of the Lord (Year B)
Welcome to a little liturgy. I have been blogging now for a few months and am certainly finding that the process is changing the way I relate to the Liturgy of the Word! I hope you are finding some useful resources. Please do leave comments and suggestions, so that I can find out which resources have worked for you. My New Year's resolution is to post some pictures and artwork and to try to make the activities a little more visual and printable. However, computer code is not my forte, so I may need to seek help from the younger generation! If this is your first visit, do click on "Introducing a little liturgy" under "popular posts" to find out a little more. Thank you for logging on!
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
(N.B. The Missal also allows for the First and Second readings and Psalm of Year A to be used along with the Gospel of Year B but I have chosen Year B.)
First Reading
Isaiah 55:1-11
In the reading from Isaiah, we are told that we should pay attention to the life of our souls. God will make an everlasting covenant with us. We should look for the Lord by giving up wicked ways and evil thoughts and turning back to him. God's word is like the rain and the snow - it falls on earth to make things grow.
Psalm
Is 12:2-6 R.v.3
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Second Reading
1 John 5:1-9
John tells us simply to love God by keeping the commandments. He says we can overcome the world by believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Gospel
Mark 1:7-11
John the Baptist had said that someone was coming after him and that he was a much greater man. He said that he baptised with water but that this other person would baptise with the Holy Spirit.
Soon Jesus came to John to be baptised in the Jordan. As he came out of the water he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. A voice from heaven said, "You are my son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you".
Discussion
In all three readings we see the theme of renewal and turning back to God. This theme is developed by references to water and in the psalm we are told of the "wells of salvation". We need to be washed from sin to become spiritually clean.
Ritual washing was a big part of Jewish life at the time of Christ. Jewish men would immerse themselves in water before entering the sacred part of the temple. Even today, those wishing to convert to Judaism may be immersed to show that they are spiritually clean. Many women also do this before they are married. Jewish men will also do ablutions with prayers before eating.
John's baptism with water could be seen as an extension of this ritual immersion. We might wonder why it was necessary for Christ to receive this baptism because he was already free from sin. When John is uncertain about this, Jesus insists that he should continue. Symbolically, we could see this as Jesus highlighting the importance of baptism and turning from sin. He also participated in many Jewish traditions, showing that his way was a continuation of the Jewish way.
One of the important things about this scripture passage is that it shows God the Father speaking, God the Son being baptised and God the Holy Spirit being present. Many scholars use this passage to illustrate the belief in the Trinity.
Activities for Mass
Most of us cannot remember our own baptisms but we know that our parents and God parents made promises for us. They replied "I do" to these questions:
3) Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
4) Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
In the creed at Mass we repeat these beliefs. Look at the words of the creed below and see if you can underline those that express the baptismal promises.
Amen.
Now put a cross by any phrases you don't understand. Check their meanings at home.
Other activities and useful resources
When we are baptised we are not baptised "Catholic" but as Christians. We are baptised "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". This is called the Trinitarian formula and reflects our belief in God as three persons.
In the Gospel today, the Holy spirit is referred to as being "like a dove" and God's voice comes from heaven.
Try to gather some other images that we associate with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
Below are some pictures to help. Try and link these to passages in the Bible.
picture A
picture B
Think about how you might choose to represent Go the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
I hope you have enjoyed a little liturgy this week.
All the best!
Maria
Welcome to a little liturgy. I have been blogging now for a few months and am certainly finding that the process is changing the way I relate to the Liturgy of the Word! I hope you are finding some useful resources. Please do leave comments and suggestions, so that I can find out which resources have worked for you. My New Year's resolution is to post some pictures and artwork and to try to make the activities a little more visual and printable. However, computer code is not my forte, so I may need to seek help from the younger generation! If this is your first visit, do click on "Introducing a little liturgy" under "popular posts" to find out a little more. Thank you for logging on!
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
(N.B. The Missal also allows for the First and Second readings and Psalm of Year A to be used along with the Gospel of Year B but I have chosen Year B.)
First Reading
Isaiah 55:1-11
In the reading from Isaiah, we are told that we should pay attention to the life of our souls. God will make an everlasting covenant with us. We should look for the Lord by giving up wicked ways and evil thoughts and turning back to him. God's word is like the rain and the snow - it falls on earth to make things grow.
Psalm
Is 12:2-6 R.v.3
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Second Reading
1 John 5:1-9
John tells us simply to love God by keeping the commandments. He says we can overcome the world by believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Gospel
Mark 1:7-11
John the Baptist had said that someone was coming after him and that he was a much greater man. He said that he baptised with water but that this other person would baptise with the Holy Spirit.
Soon Jesus came to John to be baptised in the Jordan. As he came out of the water he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. A voice from heaven said, "You are my son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you".
Discussion
In all three readings we see the theme of renewal and turning back to God. This theme is developed by references to water and in the psalm we are told of the "wells of salvation". We need to be washed from sin to become spiritually clean.
Ritual washing was a big part of Jewish life at the time of Christ. Jewish men would immerse themselves in water before entering the sacred part of the temple. Even today, those wishing to convert to Judaism may be immersed to show that they are spiritually clean. Many women also do this before they are married. Jewish men will also do ablutions with prayers before eating.
John's baptism with water could be seen as an extension of this ritual immersion. We might wonder why it was necessary for Christ to receive this baptism because he was already free from sin. When John is uncertain about this, Jesus insists that he should continue. Symbolically, we could see this as Jesus highlighting the importance of baptism and turning from sin. He also participated in many Jewish traditions, showing that his way was a continuation of the Jewish way.
One of the important things about this scripture passage is that it shows God the Father speaking, God the Son being baptised and God the Holy Spirit being present. Many scholars use this passage to illustrate the belief in the Trinity.
Activities for Mass
Most of us cannot remember our own baptisms but we know that our parents and God parents made promises for us. They replied "I do" to these questions:
1) Do you reject Satan? And all his works? And all his empty promises?
2) Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
3) Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
4) Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
Now put a cross by any phrases you don't understand. Check their meanings at home.
When we are baptised we are not baptised "Catholic" but as Christians. We are baptised "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". This is called the Trinitarian formula and reflects our belief in God as three persons.
In the Gospel today, the Holy spirit is referred to as being "like a dove" and God's voice comes from heaven.
Try to gather some other images that we associate with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
Below are some pictures to help. Try and link these to passages in the Bible.
picture A
picture B
Think about how you might choose to represent Go the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
I hope you have enjoyed a little liturgy this week.
All the best!
Maria
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