Liturgical Information
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Themes & Motives: love of God, love of neighbor

Introit:
Do not abandon me, Lord. My God, do not go away from me! Hurry to help me, Lord, my Savior. (Psalm 38:22-23)

Opening Prayer:
God of power and mercy,
only with your help
can we offer you fitting service and praise.
May we live the faith we profess
and trust your promise of eternal life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings:
Deuteronomy 6:2-6 ["Hear, O Israel! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart." /v.4-5]
Psalm 18:2-3 / 3-4 / 47,51 [R. I love you, Lord, my strength. /v.2]
Hebrews 7:23-28 [He abides forever and holds His priesthood permanently. /v.24]
Gospel Verse: John 14:23 [Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him and we will come to him.]
Mark 12:28b-34 [You shall love the Lord your God; you shall love your neighbor. /v.30-31]

Prayer over the Gifts:
God of mercy,
may we offer a pure sacrifice
for the forgiveness of our sins.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Preface for Sundays in Ordinary Time VI: [The pledge of an eternal Easter]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

In you we live and move and have our being.
Each day you show us a Father's love;
your Holy Spirit, dwelling within us,
gives us on earth the hope of unending joy.

Your gift of the Spirit,
who raised Jesus from the dead,
is the foretaste and promise
of the paschal feast of heaven.

With thankful praise,
in company with the angels,
we glorify the wonders of your power:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
Lord, you will show me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence. (Psalm 16:11)

Prayer after Communion:
Lord,
you give us new hope in this eucharist.
May the power of your love
continue its saving work among us
and bring us to the joy you promise.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

The English translation of the Introit, Opening Prayer, Psalm Refrain, Gospel Verse, Prayer over the Gifts, Preface, Communion Antiphon, Prayer after Communion, and Solemn Blessing from The Roman Missal, © Copyright 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Excerpts from the First Reading, Second Reading and Gospel are taken from the New American Standard Bible ® © Copyright 1973 The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.