EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (Vol. 3, n. 44)
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
September 30, 2007
“There Was A Poor Man …”
(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(A moment of silence)
SONG: Any Eucharistic hymn or any other appropriate song may be sung.
WORDS OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
It is worthwhile inquiring why the rich man saw Lazarus in Abraham’s arms, and not in the company of some other righteous person. The reason is that Abraham was hospitable, and so the sight of Lazarus with Abraham was meant to reproach the rich man for his inhospitality … Although he had within his grasp so great a treasure, such an opportunity to win salvation, he ignored the poor man day after day. He could have helped him but he failed to do so … And this is true of you also … We do something truly great and admirable when we give a most courteous welcome to all, even the outcasts of society or people of humble condition. Hence Christ himself praised those who so acted, declaring: Whatever you did for one of these very poor people you did to me.
SILENT ADORATION
OPENING PRAYER
Leader: Lord,
hear the cry of the poor.
Bless the “legion of Lazarus” in this world,
who hope for your mercy.
Grant them their daily bread
and assist them in their needs.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Assembly: Amen.
Part I
JESUS MASTER TRUTH
Listening to the Word
FIRST READING: Am 6:1a, 4-7
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
GOSPEL READING: Lk 16:19-31
PERSONAL REFLECTION
(As a tool for personal reflection, please visit the PDDM Website: www.pddm.org // www.pddm.us for BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD [Series 5, n. 44]: A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday Liturgy. The Biblico-Liturgical Reflections are an aid for a deeper understanding of the Gospel reading.)
SONG: Any Eucharistic hymn or song of praise may be sung.
Part II
JESUS MASTER WAY
Confrontation with the Word
POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART
What were the moral and social issues that provoked Amos and instigated his prophetic indictment? Why did he castigate the rich of Judah? How does the harsh pronouncement of Amos impact you? Are we like the “complacent in Zion” and indifferent to the world’s afflictions? What do we do to overcome our self-indulgence and insensitivity to the plight of our needy brothers and sisters? Do we turn to God to help us be filled with a spirit of fraternal compassion and social responsibility?
2 As we listen to Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, how does the story of reversal of fortunes and irrevocable destiny impact us? Do we see ourselves in the role of the Rich Man? In what ways are we the poor man Lazarus? How does the Gospel of this Sunday motivate us to action?
3 What do we resolve to do about the “legion of Lazarus” that appeal to us silently in anguish? Why is the world’s affliction today so great? How do we bring Christ’s redemption to a social situation marked with indifference to the plight of the poor? Do we turn to Christ for help? Do we beg him to give us the grace to embrace the “Lazarus” who comes into our daily life and to be responsible for him?
PRAYING WITH THE WORD
Leader: Loving Father,
hope of the poor and defender of the afflicted,
we are deeply sorry for our indifference to the world’s afflictions.
Forgive us for our lack of compassion
and for neglecting the “Lazarus” who sits by our door,
hungry and covered with sores.
Pardon us for our self-indulgence
for it makes us blind in our hearts.
It leads us to ignore the drama
of today’s hungry and defenseless poor.
Send your Holy Spirit upon us that we may learn to care.
Fill us with the love of Christ
that we may be able to embrace and assist the “Lazarus”
who yearns not only for material bread,
but for the bread of peace, justice and compassion.
By our love and fraternal service
to the “legion of Lazarus” still languishing on this earth,
may we too share in the eternal beatitude of the poor,
nestled in the bosom of Abraham.
We love you and thank you
for you are our merciful and compassionate Lord,
now and forever.
Assembly: Amen.
Part III
JESUS LIFE
Acting upon the Word
PERSONAL PRAYER
CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.
THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Priest: With trust and confidence, let us present our petitions to our loving God who gave us the gift of his Son, the Eucharistic Master. Let us say to him:
(R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
1. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of September: FOR THE ROMANIAN ASSEMBLY: That the ecumenical assembly in Romania this month may contribute to the growth of unity among all Christians. We pray: (R.)
2. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of September: FOR MISSIONARIES: That, following Christ joyfully, all missionaries may know how to overcome the difficulties they meet in everyday life. We pray: (R.)
3. For the “legion of Lazarus”, who hunger for material bread and the bread of justice, peace and love, we pray: (R.)
4. For the “legion of Lazarus”, who are victimized by the violence of hatred and war, we pray: (R.)
5. For the “legion of Lazarus”, who are despised and persecuted on account of their race, color and creed, we pray: (R.)
6. For the uncaring rich who choose to ignore the poor “Lazarus” groveling in misery by the doorstep, we pray: (R.)
7. For the “Lazarus” who is now resting in heavenly beatitude and for the uncaring rich who suffers the eternal torment of selfishness, we pray: (R.)
(Other prayers may be added.)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Leader: Lord,
help your people to seek you with all their hearts
and to deserve what you promise.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Assembly: Amen.
FINAL SONG: Any Eucharistic hymn or song of praise may be sung.
Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang PDDM
PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI
SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER
60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
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Website: WWW.PDDM.US