When we read in the Book of Genesis that God is demanding that Abraham sacrifice his son Isaac, we are rightly incredulous.  Are you kidding me?  This is Isaac, the late-born son of Abraham and Sarah, the child of the promise.  The killing of Isaac can only mean going back on God’s promise, insofar as the promise is inextricably tied to the act of generation.  How can God require something that directly contradicts his plan for the re-generation of his people?  As this terrible scene unfolds, with Abraham slowly ascending Mount Moriah with his son – wood for the fire and knife in hand – the human sacrifice is averted at the last moment, and the radical substance of Abraham’s faith is both revealed and rewarded.   He receives back his son.

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You are also invited to participate in the Daily Mass online at worcesterdiocese.org

 The following can be prayed alone or with family members in your household.

 In the name of the Father,
and of the Son (+),
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PENITENTIAL ACT
Brothers and sisters,
let us acknowledge our sins.

A brief pause for silence follows. Then all recite together the formula of general confession:

 I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

OPENING PRAYER
Let us pray.

O God, from whom all good things come,
grant that we, who call on you in our need,
may at your prompting discern what is right,
and by your guidance do it.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

READINGS  (click for readings of the day)

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
That the members of the Church might be among the clean of heart who see God in the events of every day and respond with faith and love.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

That the efforts of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness in the world might change the course of nations toward justice and peace.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

You are also invited to participate in the Sunday Mass online at worcesterdiocese.org

 The following can be prayed alone or with family members in your household.

 In the name of the Father,
and of the Son (+),
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PENITENTIAL ACT
Brothers and sisters,
let us acknowledge our sins.

A brief pause for silence follows. Then all recite together the formula of general confession:

 I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

OPENING PRAYER
Let us pray.

God our Father, who by sending into the world
the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification
made known to the human race your wondrous mystery,
grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith,
we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory
and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

READINGS  (click for readings of the day)

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
For the ordained and those about to be ordained, that, like Moses, they may be ever ready to ascend the mountain to intercede for God’s people.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

That Christians everywhere might learn to encourage one another, agree with one another and live in harmony.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

You are invited to participate tomorrow in the Sunday Mass online at worcesterdiocese.org

 The following can be prayed alone or with family members in your household.

 In the name of the Father,
and of the Son (+),
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PENITENTIAL ACT
Brothers and sisters,
let us acknowledge our sins.

A brief pause for silence follows. Then all recite together the formula of general confession:

 I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

OPENING PRAYER
O God, whose providence never fails in its design,
keep from us, we humbly beseech you,
all that might harm us
and grant all that works for our good.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

READINGS  (click for readings of the day)

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
For all who preach the Gospel, that they may have the courage and patience to evangelize when it is easy and when it is difficult.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For all who are pouring out their lives in service to their brothers and sisters during this pandemic, that their efforts – both great and small – might be received with gratitude by the community.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.