(During the procession the choir and the people sing the following song: WJL A. 41 or other appropriate songs.)

The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices.
Open the gates before him, lift up your voices.

Who is the King of glory?
How shall we call him?
He is Emmanuel, the promised of ages.

In all of Galilee, in city or village,
He goes among his people,
curing their illness.

Sing then of David’s Son,
Our Saviour and brother,
In all of Galilee, was never another.

A HYMN TO CHRIST THE KING (WJL M. 4)

Ref: Glory, praise and honour, Christ Redeemer King!
Voices of glad children made hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David’s Royal Son;
Who in the Lord’s name comest,
the King and blessed One.

The company of angels are
praising thee on high.
And mortal men and all
things created make reply.

The people of the Hebrews,
with palms, before thee went;
Our Praise and prayer and anthems, before thee we present.

To thee, before thy passion,
they sang their hymn of praise:

To thee, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.

(As the procession enters the Church:)

All: The children of Jerusalem welcomed Christ the King. They proclaimed the resurrection of life, and waving olive branches, they loudly praised the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Cel: When the people heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem, they went to meet him and, waving olive branches, they loudly praised the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

THE MASS

OPENING PRAYER

Cel: Almighty, ever-living God, you have given the human race Jesus Christ our Saviour as a model of humility. He fulfilled your will by becoming man and giving his life on the cross. Help us to bear witness to you by following his example of suffering and make us worthy to share in his resurrection. We ask this...

FIRST READING

A reading from the Book of Isaiah     (50:4-7)

The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word, him that is weary. Morning by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward. I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
This is the Word of the Lord

PSALM   (21)

Response: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me deride me. They curl their lips, they toss their heads. “He trusted in the Lord, let him save him; let him release him if this is his friend.” R./

Many dogs have surrounded me, a band of the wicked beset me. They tear holes in my hands and my feet. I can count every one of my bones. R./

They divide my clothing among them. They cast lots for my robe. O Lord, do not leave me alone, my strength, make haste to help me! R./

I will tell of your name to my brethren and praise you where they are assembled. “You who fear the Lord give him praise; all sons of Jacob, give him glory. Revere him, Israel’s sons.” R./

SECOND READING

A reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Philippians   (2:6-11)

Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This is the Word of the Lord

ACCLAMATION     (Phil 2:8-9)

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.

GOSPEL

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St Luke (22:14–23:56)

When the hour came, Jesus sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this.

A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves.
“You are those who have continued with me in my trials; as my Father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” He said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you three times deny that you know me.”

And he said to them, ‘When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing”. He said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was reckoned with transgressors’; for what is written about me has its fulfilment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss?” And when those who were about him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and captains of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. Peter followed at a distance; and when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a maid, seeing him as he sat in the light and gazing at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later some one else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him. “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Now the men who were holding Jesus mocked him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and asked him. “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” And they spoke many other words against him, reviling him.

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away to their council, and they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” And they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” and he said to them, “You say that I am.” And they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

Then the whole company of them arose, and brought him before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.” And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him “You have said so.” And Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no crime in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length; but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then, arraying him in gorgeous apparel, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him; neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Behold, nothing deserving death has been done by him; I will therefore chastise him and release him.”
But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas” – a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city, and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus; but they shouted out, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no crime deserving death; I will therefore chastise him and release him.” But, they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us’. For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things.

Now there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their purpose and deed, and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud, and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid; then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
This is the Gospel of the Lord

I believe in God,/the Father Almighty,/Creator of heaven and earth./ I believe in Jesus Christ,/his only Son, our Lord./He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit/ and born of the Virgin Mary./He suffered under Pontius pilate,/was crucified, died, and was buried./He descended to the dead./On the third day he rose again./He ascended into Heaven,/and is seated at the right hand of the Father./He will come again to judge the living and the dead./I believe in the Holy Spirit,/the Holy Catholic Church,/the communion of saints,/the forgiveness of sins,/the resurrection of the body,/and the life everlasting./ Amen.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Cel: Beloved in Christ, the Father hears our every prayer and supplication as He heard His Son Jesus. Let us now bring to Him our hearts’ desires, longings, struggles and sufferings and ask Him to hear and answer us, by saying:

Response: Lord, heal us and strengthen us.

1. That the Holy Mother Church may be a living sign of the loving and caring presence of God our Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit our comforter, we pray to the Lord. R./

2. That the leaders of the Church may be encouraged and strengthened to stand for justice and speak for those persecuted for their faith, we pray to the Lord. R./

3. That those suffering various kinds of persecutions on account of their faith in Jesus may experience the Father’s loving presence as they offer up loud cries of supplications and prayers, we pray to the Lord. R./

4. That everyone who is responsible for inflicting the wounds of division and disunity in the body of Christ may realize their fault and work for unity, peace and harmony, we pray to the Lord. R./

5. That those suffering on account of various illnesses, poverty, natural calamities and violence may come to know and experience the loving designs of God and be comforted by His healing presence, we pray to the Lord. R./

(Pray for local and personal needs)

Cel: Father, we offer you our prayers and petitions together with the loud cries and supplications of your Son Jesus. May we, like him, find your divine plan in our life and fulfil the mission given to us. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

Lord, may the suffering and death of Jesus, your only Son, make us pleasing to you. Alone we can do nothing, but may this perfect sacrifice win us your mercy and love. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

PREFACE      (19)

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Though he was sinless, he suffered willingly for sinners. Though innocent, he accepted death to save the guilty.

By his dying he has destroyed our sins. By his rising he has raised us up to holiness of life.

We praise you, Lord, with all the angels in their song of joy:

All: Holy, holy, holy…

COMMUNION ANTIPHON

Father, if this cup may not pass, but I must drink it, then your will be done. (Mt 26:42)

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Lord, you have satisfied our hunger with this Eucharistic food. The death of your Son gives us hope and strengthens our faith. May his resurrection give us perseverance and lead us to salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING

Cel: Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

The Father of mercies has given us an example of unselfish love in the sufferings of his only Son. Through your service of God and neighbour may you receive his countless blessings. R./ Amen.

Cel: You believe that by his dying Christ destroyed death for ever. May he give you everlasting life. R./ Amen.

Cel: He humbled himself for our sake. May you follow his example and share in his resurrection. R./ Amen.

Cel: May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. R./ Amen.

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March/April 2010

READINGS OF THE WEEK     

Psalter Week 2

29 Mon  (V)  Is 42:1-7; Ps 26:1,2,3,13-14; Jn 12:1-11
30 Tue  V)  Is 49:1-6; Ps 70:1-2,3-4a,5-6ab,15&17; Jn 13:21-33,36-38
31 Wed (V)  Is 50:4-9a; Ps 68:8-10,21-22,31&33-34; Mt 26:14-25
01 Thu (W) HOLY THURSDAY: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
02 Fri  (R)  GOOD FRIDAY: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
                           (Day of fast and abstinence)
03 Sat  (W)  HOLY SATURDAY: Easter Vigil Service