Introduction

The readings this Sunday call us to listen to the word of God that makes clear the new law of love. Rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and confirmed in these readings, the commandment that matters most is to love God and to love one another. There is no need for ritual sacrifice but instead we are called to carefully make God’s love the center of our lives.

Penitential Act

• Lord Jesus, you were sent to show us how to love, Lord, have mercy.
• Christ Jesus, you are the strength to whom we turn, Christ, have mercy.
• Lord Jesus, you are our eternal priest and source of all love, Lord, have mercy.

Prayer of the Faithful

Presider: Let us pray for the needs of this gathered community and for our world.

Minister:

• For the church, for all of us, for the will and desire to love God with all our hearts and strength, to live that love in generosity to our neighbor, we pray,
• For the U.S. and her leaders on this mid-term election eve; for all U.S. citizens that they may vote mindful of their responsibility to care for their neighbor and to promote the common good, we pray,
• For those who live each day with doubt and insecurity, for those who are consumed with self-absorption and conceit, for those who struggle to see themselves as the beloved of God, for the grace among us all to love others as we love ourselves, we pray,
• For all our beloved sick, for those facing addiction or depression each day, for those living with dementia or mental illness and for all families who love them, we pray,
• With gratitude for the communion of saints who surround us, we remember all who have died in our parish community and those who have died among our own families and friends, for all those who have gone home to God, we pray,

Presider: Loving God, give us openness to your grace so that we may truly hear and listen to your word. When we are tempted to turn away from your love, bring us back to your promise that love is the only command you have given and the reason for which we are made. Make of us your faithful servants and fill our hearts with your strength. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son. Amen

RELATED: Pope’s Prayer Intention (October)