Lector: Our first reading is from the Book of Kings. 

 

Yahweh told Elijah: “Go back the way you came, to the desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Elisha ben-Shaphat to success you as prophet.” So, Elijah went from there and found Elisha ben-Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha immediately left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my parents goodbye,” Elisha said, “and then I will come with you.”

 

Lector: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
People Respond: Thanks be to God.

 

 

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Responsorial Psalm

 

Lector: Our response is - You are my inheritance, my portion and my cup.
People Repeat: You are my inheritance, my portion and my cup.

 

O God, keep me safe - you are my refuge!
I said to Yahweh, “You are my God, there is nothing good for me apart from you.”
Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup.
You made my lot secure.
People Repeat: You are my inheritance, my portion and my cup.

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I bless the Yahweh who has given me counsel;
Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set Yahweh always before me;
Because He is at my right hand. I shall not be moved.
People Repeat: You are my inheritance, my portion and my cup.

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Therefore, my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices,
My body shall also dwell in safety.
For you will not leave my soul to the darkness,
Neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.
People Repeat: You are my inheritance, my portion and my cup.

 

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Lector: Our second reading is from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. 

 

When Christ freed us, we were meant to remain free. So, stand up proudly! Don’t become a slave to sin again!

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God called you to be free from the Law, brothers and sisters. But be careful, or this freedom will provide an opening for self-indulgence. Rather, serve one another in works of love, because we love each other. The entire Law can be summed up in one verse: “Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” If you use biting words against each other and tear up each other’s reputation, be careful! You may end up destroying the whole community.

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And so, I tell you this. Walk with God’s Spirit in your life. Don’t give in to selfishness and self-indulgence. Since the flesh is at odds with the Spirit, and the Spirit with the flesh, that you cannot do every little thing you want to. Remember. If you are led by God’s Spirit, you are free from the Law.

 

Lector: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
People Respond: Thanks be to God.

 

 

Gospel Acclamation

 

Celebrant chants: Alleluia
People Respond (with chant): Alleluia.
Celebrant: Speak, O God, your servant is listening; you have the words of everlasting life.
People Respond (with chant): Alleluia.

 

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Gospel

 

Celebrant: Our God is with you.
People Respond: And also, with you.
Celebrant: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
People Respond: † Praise to you, Jesus the Christ.

 

As the time approached when he was to be taken from this world, Jesus firmly resolved to proceed toward Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They went into a village in Samaria and tried to prepare the people for him, but the Samaritans wouldn’t welcome Jesus because He was traveling on to Jerusalem. When the disciples, James and John, saw this happen, they asked Jesus, “Rabbi, do you want us to call down fire from heaven and burn those people up?” Jesus turned and reprimanded them. In the end, Jesus and his followers set off for another village. 

 

As they were making their way along, they met a fellow traveler who said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have their lairs, the birds of the sky have their nests, but the Chosen One doesn’t. He has nowhere to rest.” 

 

To another traveler along the way, Jesus said, “Follow me!” The traveler replied to Jesus, “Let me bury my father first.” To which Jesus said, “Let the dead bury their dead; you must leave and proclaim the reign of God everywhere!” 

 

A third man said, “I will follow you, Rabbi. But first, let me say goodbye to my family,” to which Jesus answered, “No one who starts a job but keeps looking back can serve in God’s Kingdom!”

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Celebrant: My friends, the Gospel of the Lord.
People Respond: Praise to you, Jesus the Christ.

 

 

 

Prayers of the People

 

Celebrant: Jesus calls us to follow Him and be His example in the world. In faith, let us raise up our prayers and petitions:

Lector: Our response is “O God, graciously hear us.”

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For inquirers and searchers for truth and who are striving to hear the call to discipleship: that God’s Word may touch their hearts and guide them into a deeper knowledge of Him. We pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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We remember those who have fallen to gun violence. May we unite, as one voice, to work toward changes that will bring peace and safety to all. We pray. We pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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As this year’s PRIDE celebration comes to a close, that we may carry forth, with praise, in the wonder that each of us is beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of our Creator. We pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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That we might commit ourselves to forgiveness instead of revenge, to peace rather than conflict. We pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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For all who are making life decisions: that they may be aware of invitations planted deep within their hearts and courageously choose paths that lead them closer to God. We pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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For the hungry and unhoused, those with inadequate healthcare, for all who struggle with financial uncertainties and unemployment, for those who are alone in this life and those who have no one to pray for them, and for those who have crossed from this life unmourned. We pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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For our beloved ones who have gone home to God, and especially for those whom we name at this time [Lector, please count to 6]. We pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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We reverently pause to remember all who have asked for prayer and for each one of us to raise up our own personal prayer intentions [Lector, please count to 6]. We Pray, gracious God, hear us.
People Respond: O God, graciously hear us.

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Celebrant: Loving God, hear our prayers today and answer them according to your will. We ask that you give us the strength and courage to respond with conviction and sincerity to your call. And we pray this in the name of Jesus our Savior. Amen.
All: Amen.