Lecture Notes: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Introduction

• Welcome to the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
• Hymn numbers are posted on each side of the sanctuary.
• Opening hymn: "Gather Your People," number 837.

Opening Prayer and Reflection

• Opening Prayer: Invokes Jesus Christ and the Eucharist.
• Reflection: Concludes the Bread of Life discourse series.
  • Confession of Sins: Congregation confesses sins together.
  • Prayer for Mercy: Request for God's mercy and peace.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Book of Joshua

• Key Message: Choose who you will serve - the Lord or other gods.
• Response of the People: Affirmation to serve the Lord who freed them from slavery.

Responsorial Psalm

• Theme: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
• Refrain: God's deliverance and salvation.

Second Reading: Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians

• Main Point: Subordinate relationships for Christ.
  • Wives be subordinate to husbands as to the Lord.
  • Husbands love wives as Christ loved the church.

Gospel: John

• Key Discussion: Difficulty in accepting Jesus' teaching on the Eucharist.
• Decision Point: Many disciples leave Jesus due to hard teachings.
• Peter’s Response: Affirms commitment to Jesus, "Master, to whom shall we go?"

Homily

• Reflection on Choices: Importance of making decisive choices in life.
  • Personal Story: Reflection on priorities and shifting focus from personal interests to serving God.
  • Daily Decisions: Serve God or serve something else. Reflect on priorities.
• Challenge to Congregation: Carry Jesus and his teachings into daily life beyond the church.
  • Family Life: Encourage prayer, communication, and family meals together.
  • School and Work: Use talents wisely and maintain faith.

Eucharistic Celebration

• Liturgy of the Eucharist: Presentation of the gifts, Eucharistic prayer.
  • Consecration: Bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ.

Communion and Conclusion

• Communion Hymn: "I Receive the Living God," number 916.
• Adoration: Invitation to spend time in Eucharistic adoration post-Mass.
• Final Blessing: Thankfulness and encouragement to carry faith forward.

Prayers and Intentions

• Prayers for church leaders, peace, teachers, and students.
• Special Mass intentions mentioned.

Conclusion

• Eucharistic Exposition: Emphasizes adoration and spending time with Jesus.
• Call to Action: Take Jesus' presence into daily life beyond church walls.