Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year B)
Welcome to the Fifth Sunday of Easter. This week we explore another beautiful metaphor used by Jesus to help us understand our relationship with him and the Father: the vine. I hope that a little liturgy will assist the process of pruning! Check out some great artwork for this topic over at: the kids bulletin
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31
Barnabas stands up for Paul (who used to be called Saul) and says that although he used to persecute the Christians, he is now one of them and bravely teaches Christ's word. Paul tried to explain himself to the Hellenists but they would not listen and started to plot to kill him.
Psalm 21
You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly.
Second reading
1John 3:18-24
St John says that we must show that we are Christians by our love and by keeping God's commandments. These commandments are "that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ" and "that we love one another as he told us to".
Gospel
John 15:1-8
Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine to describe our relationship with him: "I am the vine, you are the branches". If we stay attached to him we will bear fruit; if we leave his way we will be like withered branches that are collected and thrown on the fire. He says that God the Father is like the vinedresser.
Discussion
Just as last week we explored the shepherd metaphor, this week we are asked to think about the vine. A key phrase to think about from the Gospel might be "A branch cannot bear fruit all by itself". If we are the branches of the vine, we require the rest of the vine (Christ) to sustain ourselves and the Word of God to nourish and tend us. It is also notable that vines begin to grow again after pruning and then produce grapes. We should also think about the connection between Christ as the vine and the wine that we offer at Mass as a sacrifice which then becomes Christ's blood.
Activity during Homily
1. Draw a grape vine and label each branch with the name of someone you know who helps in your life. Label the main stem as "Jesus".
2. Read the prayer below and listen out for it at Mass today. You might like to wink discretely at who ever is with you when you hear it!
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you:
fruit of the vine and work of human hands,
it will become our spiritual drink.
3. We also hear Jesus say:
"I am the light of the world"
"I am the bread of life"
"I am alpha and omega"
"I am the door"
For each of these symbols draw a picture and try to write one sentence to describe what this symbol is saying about Jesus.
Other activities and resources
You might like to find out about different types of farming in Biblical times at:
Farming in Biblical times
Below is a beautifully illustrated hymn based on today's Gospel:
"I am the vine" youtube clip
I hope that a little liturgy has been fruitful for you this week!
Maria
Friday, 1 May 2015
Sunday, 19 April 2015
I am the good shepherd.
Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year B)
 |
| The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. |
Welcome to a little liturgy. If you haven't visited before, you might want to check out "introducing a little liturgy". This week I am concentrating on the Gospel and will look at sheep and shepherd imagery.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Acts 4:8-12
Peter tells the people and their leaders that a man has been cured in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He says that Jesus who was rejected and killed was the "keystone" or corner stone.
Psalm 117
The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone
Second Reading
1 John 3:1-2
God loves us and we can be called God's children. We cannot know what the future holds but we hope to see God as he really is.
Gospel
John 10:11-18
Jesus refers to himself as the "Good Shepherd" who is prepared to die for his sheep. A good shepherd knows his sheep and will not run away when his sheep are in danger. He also refers to "other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead aswell". However, there will only be one flock and one shepherd. He tells us that he lays down his life at his own free will.
Discussion
The readings today focus on our relationships with Jesus. He is the corner stone - the most important stone in holding a building up and the Good Shepherd who looks after his flock and even endures death to save them. St John reminds us that we are lucky to be able to call ourselves God's children. These images all demonstrate how we rely on God to sustain us in our lives - we would crumble like an unsupported building or be eaten by wolves like unprotected sheep if we did not have Jesus. It is easy to remember Jesus and ask him for help when we are in need. However, we should remember that he is always with us to accompany us at every moment of our lives and helping us with the general business of living.
Activity during Homily
Today the Communion Antiphon reflects the Gospel:
"The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock."
Why do sheep need a shepherd?
1) to protect them from predators
2) to lead them to new pastures
3) to heal their injuries
4) to make sure they have food and water
5) to keep them free from dirt and disease
6) to find them if they get lost
7) to untangle them if they get stuck in a hedge
8) to look after their young
Think about the Gospel stories below and see if you can link Jesus' actions to some of the activities above. Put the numbers of the actions next to the story:
curing the man with leprosy
feeding the five thousand
raising Lazarus from the dead
eating at Zaccheus' house
turning over the stalls of the money lenders
talking to the Samaritan woman at the well
washing the disciples' feet
telling his disciples to allow the children to listen to him
giving a new commandment "love thy neighbour as thyself"
the Crucifixion
explaining the scriptures to the disciples
the Last Supper
Last week we said that God gave us the Church as a kind of map to help us with living. One way the Church does this is by giving us the Seven Sacraments. Think about how these link to the role of a shepherd.
Baptism
Reconciliation
Eucharist
Confirmation
Marriage
Holy Orders
Sacrament of the Sick
Every Bishop has a crozier which is like a shepherd's crook. A crook was used to rescue sheep and herd them. This is a symbol of his responsibility to look after his flock.
Other activities and resources
Pope Francis recently told priests and bishops to "be shepherds with the smell of sheep". What do you think he meant by this? You might like to see a picture of him doing just this!
Pope Francis the shepherd
Handel wrote a wonderful chorus about sheep going astray as part of "Messiah". Listen and watch on the link below:
Handel chorus on youtube
Jesus calls himself "the Good Shepherd" and we are therefore his flock. However, we also call him the Lamb of God. The Lamb was sacrificed for his flock. What do you think about these connected but very different images of the role of Jesus in our lives?
Maria
First Reading
Acts 4:8-12
Peter tells the people and their leaders that a man has been cured in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He says that Jesus who was rejected and killed was the "keystone" or corner stone.
Psalm 117
The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone
Second Reading
1 John 3:1-2
God loves us and we can be called God's children. We cannot know what the future holds but we hope to see God as he really is.
Gospel
John 10:11-18
Jesus refers to himself as the "Good Shepherd" who is prepared to die for his sheep. A good shepherd knows his sheep and will not run away when his sheep are in danger. He also refers to "other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead aswell". However, there will only be one flock and one shepherd. He tells us that he lays down his life at his own free will.
Discussion
The readings today focus on our relationships with Jesus. He is the corner stone - the most important stone in holding a building up and the Good Shepherd who looks after his flock and even endures death to save them. St John reminds us that we are lucky to be able to call ourselves God's children. These images all demonstrate how we rely on God to sustain us in our lives - we would crumble like an unsupported building or be eaten by wolves like unprotected sheep if we did not have Jesus. It is easy to remember Jesus and ask him for help when we are in need. However, we should remember that he is always with us to accompany us at every moment of our lives and helping us with the general business of living.
Activity during Homily
Today the Communion Antiphon reflects the Gospel:
"The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock."
Why do sheep need a shepherd?
1) to protect them from predators
2) to lead them to new pastures
3) to heal their injuries
4) to make sure they have food and water
5) to keep them free from dirt and disease
6) to find them if they get lost
7) to untangle them if they get stuck in a hedge
8) to look after their young
Think about the Gospel stories below and see if you can link Jesus' actions to some of the activities above. Put the numbers of the actions next to the story:
curing the man with leprosy
feeding the five thousand
raising Lazarus from the dead
eating at Zaccheus' house
turning over the stalls of the money lenders
talking to the Samaritan woman at the well
washing the disciples' feet
telling his disciples to allow the children to listen to him
giving a new commandment "love thy neighbour as thyself"
the Crucifixion
explaining the scriptures to the disciples
the Last Supper
Last week we said that God gave us the Church as a kind of map to help us with living. One way the Church does this is by giving us the Seven Sacraments. Think about how these link to the role of a shepherd.
Baptism
Reconciliation
Eucharist
Confirmation
Marriage
Holy Orders
Sacrament of the Sick
Every Bishop has a crozier which is like a shepherd's crook. A crook was used to rescue sheep and herd them. This is a symbol of his responsibility to look after his flock.
Other activities and resources
Pope Francis recently told priests and bishops to "be shepherds with the smell of sheep". What do you think he meant by this? You might like to see a picture of him doing just this!
Pope Francis the shepherd
Handel wrote a wonderful chorus about sheep going astray as part of "Messiah". Listen and watch on the link below:
Handel chorus on youtube
Jesus calls himself "the Good Shepherd" and we are therefore his flock. However, we also call him the Lamb of God. The Lamb was sacrificed for his flock. What do you think about these connected but very different images of the role of Jesus in our lives?
Maria
Thursday, 16 April 2015
He is the sacrifice that takes our sins away.
Third Sunday of Easter (Year B)
This week the emphasis in a little liturgy is the forgiveness of sins. I have tried to point to the sacrifice of the Mass and the parts of the liturgy where we ask for forgiveness.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Peter tells the people that they disowned the Holy One and killed the Prince of Life. God, however, raised him from the dead. They did not know what they were doing but they must now repent and turn to God.
Psalm 4
Lift up the light of your face on us, O lord.
Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5
John says that we need to stop sinning but that if we do sin Jesus Christ is the sacrifice that takes our sins away. He says not only our sins but "the whole world's". We must keep God's commandments to show that we know him.
Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
Jesus appears to the disciples and tries to calm them. He says "Peace be with you!" and explains that he is not a ghost. He shows them his hands and his feet and then eats a piece of fish. He explains that the scriptures said that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. He also reminds them that the scriptures say that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached.
Discussion
All three readings today stress Christ's role in the forgiveness of sin. St Peter says we must repent, St John says that Christ's sacrifice was for the whole world and Christ himself explains that the scriptures say repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached. St Peter refers specifically to the sin of rejecting the Messiah. However, it is not just the people of Jesus' time who reject him. We too reject him when we do not follow his teaching and when we fail to show love. Fortunately, God gives us Jesus to make up for our failures and to show us that death does not need to be the end.
Activity during the homily
Jesus' sacrifice takes away our sins. Every time we go to Mass we join him in that sacrifice and can share in the Resurrection.
After the consecration we say the Lamb of God. Fill in the words below:
Lamb of _ _ _, you take _ _ _ _ the _ _ _ _ of the_ _ _ _ _ , have _ _ _ _ _ on us.
_ _ _ _ of God_ _ _ take away the sins of the world, _ _ _ _ mercy on _ _ .
There is another special prayer where we ask God to forgive our sins. See if you can write it out here:
key word clues: trespasses, temptation
Other activities and resources
The Jewish religion has a tradition of sacrificing animals for the forgiveness of sins. Read more about one example on the link below:
Scapegoat story
I have just come across a wonderful poem and blog entry that would have been perfect to link to for last week - so here it is. Better late than never!
Doubting Thomas poem
Maria
This week the emphasis in a little liturgy is the forgiveness of sins. I have tried to point to the sacrifice of the Mass and the parts of the liturgy where we ask for forgiveness.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Peter tells the people that they disowned the Holy One and killed the Prince of Life. God, however, raised him from the dead. They did not know what they were doing but they must now repent and turn to God.
Psalm 4
Lift up the light of your face on us, O lord.
Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5
John says that we need to stop sinning but that if we do sin Jesus Christ is the sacrifice that takes our sins away. He says not only our sins but "the whole world's". We must keep God's commandments to show that we know him.
Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
Jesus appears to the disciples and tries to calm them. He says "Peace be with you!" and explains that he is not a ghost. He shows them his hands and his feet and then eats a piece of fish. He explains that the scriptures said that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. He also reminds them that the scriptures say that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached.
Discussion
All three readings today stress Christ's role in the forgiveness of sin. St Peter says we must repent, St John says that Christ's sacrifice was for the whole world and Christ himself explains that the scriptures say repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached. St Peter refers specifically to the sin of rejecting the Messiah. However, it is not just the people of Jesus' time who reject him. We too reject him when we do not follow his teaching and when we fail to show love. Fortunately, God gives us Jesus to make up for our failures and to show us that death does not need to be the end.
Activity during the homily
Jesus' sacrifice takes away our sins. Every time we go to Mass we join him in that sacrifice and can share in the Resurrection.
After the consecration we say the Lamb of God. Fill in the words below:
Lamb of _ _ _, you take _ _ _ _ the _ _ _ _ of the_ _ _ _ _ , have _ _ _ _ _ on us.
_ _ _ _ of God_ _ _ take away the sins of the world, _ _ _ _ mercy on _ _ .
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, _ _ _ _ _ us _ _ _ _ _ .
key word clues: trespasses, temptation
Other activities and resources
The Jewish religion has a tradition of sacrificing animals for the forgiveness of sins. Read more about one example on the link below:
Scapegoat story
I have just come across a wonderful poem and blog entry that would have been perfect to link to for last week - so here it is. Better late than never!
Doubting Thomas poem
Maria
Friday, 10 April 2015
My Lord and my God!
Second Sunday of Easter (Year B)
Last week in a little liturgy the activity involved writing "I do" to the questions asked in the baptismal rite. In our discussions at home, we felt that for some answers we considered putting "not so sure". Today we discover that Thomas also felt this way and that Christ was there to answer his doubts. This week, I have tried to explore how Christ is also there to answer our doubts.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Acts 4:32-35
Everyone in the group of believers was united, heart and soul. They shared everything they had so that no one went without.
Psalm 117
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.
Second Reading
1 John 5:1-6
If we love God and follow his commandments, we can overcome the world.
Gospel
John 20:19-31
The disciples were hiding from the Jews in a locked room when Jesus came and stood among them. He greeted them, saying, "Peace be with you". Next he said: "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you."
Thomas was not with the others when this happened and he did not believe that they had seen Jesus. Eight days later, Jesus returned and spoke especially to Thomas. He said that he could touch his wounds and then said "Doubt no longer but believe". Thomas answered "My Lord and my God." Then Jesus said "You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Discussion
Thomas famously found it difficult to believe that Christ had risen so he earned the name "Doubting Thomas". Jesus sought him out and helped him to believe. We may think that it was easy for the disciples to believe because they "were there". However, they did not have the benefit of the New Testament collected as a book, they were scared and often persecuted and they did not always have the support of their friends and families. We can now look back over nearly 2,000 years of Christianity for inspiration and assistance. Like us, the disciples were often puzzled by what Jesus taught and found things difficult. Peter, himself, was often slow to understand things and indeed denied that he knew Jesus when he was scared. We should take courage from this.
Activity during Mass
Listening to the scriptures is a bit like being with the disciples when Jesus spoke to them. Today Jesus says:
"_ _ _ _ _ _ _ longer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ". After the Gospel, the priest gives a homily and then we say the Creed. The word "Creed" comes from the Latin word "credo" meaning "I believe".
In today's Gospel, we see that Thomas had a hard time believing that Jesus was not still dead. Look at some of our beliefs listed from the Creed below and underline the one that Thomas was finding difficult to believe:
I believe in one God
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ
I believe that Jesus came down from heaven
I believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary
I believe that Jesus suffered death and was buried
I believe that Jesus rose again on the third day
I believe that Jesus ascended into heaven
I believe that God's kingdom will have no end
I believe in the Holy Spirit
I believe in the life of the world to come
Now put a mark out of 10 by each statement. Put 10 if you find it easy to believe and 1 if you find it difficult to believe. Now add up to find your score out of 100.
Everybody finds believing difficult at times. That is why Jesus gave us the Church. The Church is a bit like a map to help us to follow Jesus. It attempts to explain things and gives us company, help and energy on the way. When Jesus says "Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe", he is talking about us. He gave us the map so we can find him.
Other activities and resources
Look up some information about the early church and how they decided what to put in their creeds. The following link might be useful:
Information about Council of Nicaea
A famous painting may help you to explore today's Gospel:
Caravaggio's painting
I hope you have found something useful this week.
Maria
Last week in a little liturgy the activity involved writing "I do" to the questions asked in the baptismal rite. In our discussions at home, we felt that for some answers we considered putting "not so sure". Today we discover that Thomas also felt this way and that Christ was there to answer his doubts. This week, I have tried to explore how Christ is also there to answer our doubts.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Acts 4:32-35
Everyone in the group of believers was united, heart and soul. They shared everything they had so that no one went without.
Psalm 117
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.
Second Reading
1 John 5:1-6
If we love God and follow his commandments, we can overcome the world.
Gospel
John 20:19-31
The disciples were hiding from the Jews in a locked room when Jesus came and stood among them. He greeted them, saying, "Peace be with you". Next he said: "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you."
Thomas was not with the others when this happened and he did not believe that they had seen Jesus. Eight days later, Jesus returned and spoke especially to Thomas. He said that he could touch his wounds and then said "Doubt no longer but believe". Thomas answered "My Lord and my God." Then Jesus said "You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Discussion
Thomas famously found it difficult to believe that Christ had risen so he earned the name "Doubting Thomas". Jesus sought him out and helped him to believe. We may think that it was easy for the disciples to believe because they "were there". However, they did not have the benefit of the New Testament collected as a book, they were scared and often persecuted and they did not always have the support of their friends and families. We can now look back over nearly 2,000 years of Christianity for inspiration and assistance. Like us, the disciples were often puzzled by what Jesus taught and found things difficult. Peter, himself, was often slow to understand things and indeed denied that he knew Jesus when he was scared. We should take courage from this.
Activity during Mass
Listening to the scriptures is a bit like being with the disciples when Jesus spoke to them. Today Jesus says:
"_ _ _ _ _ _ _ longer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ". After the Gospel, the priest gives a homily and then we say the Creed. The word "Creed" comes from the Latin word "credo" meaning "I believe".
In today's Gospel, we see that Thomas had a hard time believing that Jesus was not still dead. Look at some of our beliefs listed from the Creed below and underline the one that Thomas was finding difficult to believe:
I believe in one God
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ
I believe that Jesus came down from heaven
I believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary
I believe that Jesus suffered death and was buried
I believe that Jesus rose again on the third day
I believe that Jesus ascended into heaven
I believe that God's kingdom will have no end
I believe in the Holy Spirit
I believe in the life of the world to come
Now put a mark out of 10 by each statement. Put 10 if you find it easy to believe and 1 if you find it difficult to believe. Now add up to find your score out of 100.
Everybody finds believing difficult at times. That is why Jesus gave us the Church. The Church is a bit like a map to help us to follow Jesus. It attempts to explain things and gives us company, help and energy on the way. When Jesus says "Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe", he is talking about us. He gave us the map so we can find him.
Other activities and resources
Look up some information about the early church and how they decided what to put in their creeds. The following link might be useful:
Information about Council of Nicaea
A famous painting may help you to explore today's Gospel:
Caravaggio's painting
I hope you have found something useful this week.
Maria
Friday, 3 April 2015
Resurrexit sicut dixit. Alleluia!
Easter Sunday (Years A,B and C)
a little liturgy for Easter Sunday departs from the usual format, since I'm sure that some of you will be going to the Vigil Mass and others the Mass during the day. So I have concentrated on moving from darkness into light and renewing baptismal promises. May I extend a warm welcome and many congratulations to those who will be baptised and received into the Church on Saturday evening.
The Easter Vigil service portrays dramatically the move from darkness into light and this is of course what Baptism is all about. On Easter night the Gloria is sung, bells are rung and candles are lit to divide the readings of the Old Testament from the New. At Mass during the day we light candles when we renew our baptismal promises.
Here is a drawing of the Pascal Candle. Add in the symbols for alpha and omega, the numerals for the current year and the five grains of incense.
When the priest does this at the Easter Vigil he says the following words:
"Christ yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega, all time belongs to him and all ages.
To him be glory and power through every age and forever. Amen
By his holy and glorious wounds, may Christ the Lord guard us and protect us."
After the Gospel and homily we usually say the Creed which is a statement of our beliefs. On Easter Day we go one step further and renew our baptismal promises by saying them out loud, just as we or our Godparents did at our baptism. Add in the words "I do" after every statement:
Do you renounce Satan?
And all his works?
And all his empty show?
Do you believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
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?
Put these phrases in your own words:
do you renounce
empty show
Below is a link to the stations of the cross at Lourdes. Obviously more appropriate for Good Friday than Easter Sunday. I include it because in Lourdes there are fifteen Stations of the Cross - the last represents the Resurrection. It is striking in its simplicity and yet rich in symbolism. I hope it provides some interesting discussion.
Stations of the Cross at Lourdes
I wish you every joy and blessing for the Easter season.
Maria
a little liturgy for Easter Sunday departs from the usual format, since I'm sure that some of you will be going to the Vigil Mass and others the Mass during the day. So I have concentrated on moving from darkness into light and renewing baptismal promises. May I extend a warm welcome and many congratulations to those who will be baptised and received into the Church on Saturday evening.
The Easter Vigil service portrays dramatically the move from darkness into light and this is of course what Baptism is all about. On Easter night the Gloria is sung, bells are rung and candles are lit to divide the readings of the Old Testament from the New. At Mass during the day we light candles when we renew our baptismal promises.
Here is a drawing of the Pascal Candle. Add in the symbols for alpha and omega, the numerals for the current year and the five grains of incense.
When the priest does this at the Easter Vigil he says the following words:
"Christ yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega, all time belongs to him and all ages.
To him be glory and power through every age and forever. Amen
By his holy and glorious wounds, may Christ the Lord guard us and protect us."
After the Gospel and homily we usually say the Creed which is a statement of our beliefs. On Easter Day we go one step further and renew our baptismal promises by saying them out loud, just as we or our Godparents did at our baptism. Add in the words "I do" after every statement:
Do you renounce Satan?
And all his works?
And all his empty show?
Do you believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
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?
Put these phrases in your own words:
do you renounce
empty show
Below is a link to the stations of the cross at Lourdes. Obviously more appropriate for Good Friday than Easter Sunday. I include it because in Lourdes there are fifteen Stations of the Cross - the last represents the Resurrection. It is striking in its simplicity and yet rich in symbolism. I hope it provides some interesting discussion.
Stations of the Cross at Lourdes
I wish you every joy and blessing for the Easter season.
Maria
It is accomplished.
Good Friday (Year A,B and C)
Just a quick post from a little liturgy today to point you to:
https://thekidsbulletin.wordpress.com
There are some fantastic resources on this blog but the Stations of the Cross are exceptional. I hope you get as much from them as we do. Many thanks to "Sparky".
Maria
Just a quick post from a little liturgy today to point you to:
https://thekidsbulletin.wordpress.com
There are some fantastic resources on this blog but the Stations of the Cross are exceptional. I hope you get as much from them as we do. Many thanks to "Sparky".
Maria
Thursday, 2 April 2015
I give you a new commandment.
Maundy Thursday (Year A,B and C)
Welcome to a little liturgy for Maundy Thursday. Apologies for the brief disruption recently - a nasty virus got the better of me. I think my little boy found it refreshing to attend Mass without pen and paper for once! It made me realise that one can do too much... This week the liturgies speak for them selves so what follows is a light touch!
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14
God gives Moses and Aaron instructions for the passover meal. The Israelites must slaughter a perfect sheep or goat and roast it. They are to put the animal's blood on the doorposts of their houses and then eat the meal hastily. God will destroy the first-born of their enemies but save the Israelite children. They must remember this night for ever.
Psalm 115
The blessing cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ.
Second Reading
Corinthians 11:23-26
St Paul tells us and the Corinthians about the Last Supper. He says "every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his (Jesus') death."
Gospel
John 13:1-15
John tells us how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Peter was reluctant and tried to stop Jesus but he was told "If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me." He also says "I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you."
Discussion
The readings today reflect the history of the Eucharist and connect the actions of the Last Supper to the Jewish passover and the sacrifice of the cross. These events are at the heart of Christianity and remind us of links with the Jewish tradition. The disciples and Jesus were celebrating the passover at the meal we now know as the Last Supper. Jesus made a new covenant with his people by offering himself as a sacrifice to conquer death. When we celebrate the Eucharist we are celebrating this sacrifice and joining with it.
Activities during Mass
Look again at the First Reading and answer these questions:
Describe what the sheep or goat should be like:
a) b) c)
What should the meat be eaten with?
Draw a picture of someone eating the Passover meal and label the figure.
Below is a checklist for the order of today's liturgy.
1. (This morning or yesterday the holy oils were blessed at the Cathedral and all the priests renewed their dedication to Christ.)
2. We meet together to begin the Easter Triduum - the statues and pictures are covered and the tabernacle is open.
3. Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross
4. Penitential Rite (we ask for forgiveness for our sins)
5. The Gloria is sung and the bells rung
6. The Liturgy of the Word (Readings, Psalm, Gospel)
7. Homily
8. Washing of Feet (Mandatum - Maundy antiphon sung)
9. Liturgy of the Eucharist - Consecration
10. Communion Rite
11. The Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament - procession
12. Hymn "Pange Lingua" is sung
13. The altar is stripped
Other activities and resources
Find out about the famous painting of the Last Supper here:
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin translation of Jesus' words to the disciples:
"Mandatum novum do vobis, ut diligatis invicem, sicut dilexi vos, dicit Dominus."
in English:
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you, says the Lord".
Try and work out what the following words mean:
Dominus
Mandatum
novum
diligatis / dilexi
Maria
Welcome to a little liturgy for Maundy Thursday. Apologies for the brief disruption recently - a nasty virus got the better of me. I think my little boy found it refreshing to attend Mass without pen and paper for once! It made me realise that one can do too much... This week the liturgies speak for them selves so what follows is a light touch!
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14
God gives Moses and Aaron instructions for the passover meal. The Israelites must slaughter a perfect sheep or goat and roast it. They are to put the animal's blood on the doorposts of their houses and then eat the meal hastily. God will destroy the first-born of their enemies but save the Israelite children. They must remember this night for ever.
Psalm 115
The blessing cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ.
Second Reading
Corinthians 11:23-26
St Paul tells us and the Corinthians about the Last Supper. He says "every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his (Jesus') death."
Gospel
John 13:1-15
John tells us how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Peter was reluctant and tried to stop Jesus but he was told "If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me." He also says "I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you."
Discussion
The readings today reflect the history of the Eucharist and connect the actions of the Last Supper to the Jewish passover and the sacrifice of the cross. These events are at the heart of Christianity and remind us of links with the Jewish tradition. The disciples and Jesus were celebrating the passover at the meal we now know as the Last Supper. Jesus made a new covenant with his people by offering himself as a sacrifice to conquer death. When we celebrate the Eucharist we are celebrating this sacrifice and joining with it.
Look again at the First Reading and answer these questions:
Describe what the sheep or goat should be like:
a) b) c)
What should the meat be eaten with?
Draw a picture of someone eating the Passover meal and label the figure.
Below is a checklist for the order of today's liturgy.
1. (This morning or yesterday the holy oils were blessed at the Cathedral and all the priests renewed their dedication to Christ.)
2. We meet together to begin the Easter Triduum - the statues and pictures are covered and the tabernacle is open.
3. Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross
4. Penitential Rite (we ask for forgiveness for our sins)
5. The Gloria is sung and the bells rung
6. The Liturgy of the Word (Readings, Psalm, Gospel)
7. Homily
8. Washing of Feet (Mandatum - Maundy antiphon sung)
9. Liturgy of the Eucharist - Consecration
10. Communion Rite
11. The Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament - procession
12. Hymn "Pange Lingua" is sung
13. The altar is stripped
Other activities and resources
Find out about the famous painting of the Last Supper here:
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin translation of Jesus' words to the disciples:
"Mandatum novum do vobis, ut diligatis invicem, sicut dilexi vos, dicit Dominus."
in English:
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you, says the Lord".
Try and work out what the following words mean:
Dominus
Mandatum
novum
diligatis / dilexi
Maria
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