August 31, 2025
Liturgy Notes Sunday Prep
Liturgy Notes Sunday Prep
SUNDAY
TV MASS
Location: Crypt Church in the Basilica of the National Shrine (Washington D.C.)
Celebrant & Homilist: Rev. Msgr. Raymond G. East
Guest Choir: St. Bernadette Contemporary Choir – Springfield, VA
Date: September 1, 2019
The Church
Governments and Salvation of the World
Those Burdened by Adversity
Local Parish / Faith Community
CALENDAR
- September 1 — World Day of Prayer of the Care of Creation [start of Season of Creation, to Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology.]
- Pope Francis instituted the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in 2015 as a practical step following the publication of his encyclical Laudato Si’. September 1 was chosen for the yearly observance, as it is the same date chosen by the Orthodox Church in 1989. The day of prayer gives Catholics the opportunity to give thanks to God for the creation of the world and of humanity, and to recall and strengthen the responsibility of men and women to care for that creation.
- September 8 — World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (moved from July in US).
- September 9 — Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities (USA) See Also
- September 11 – National Day of Mourning and Remembrance: parishes may wish to celebrate a special Mass for “first responders” – such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians/paramedics – using the Mass for Those in Public Office (#22) or the Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice (#30).
- September 14 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Replaces the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 21 (Third Sunday in September; USA) — Catechetical Sunday / See Also
- September 22-28 (Last Week in September) — National Migration Week (USA)
- September 28 (Last Sunday in September) — World Day of Migrants and Refugees
SOURCE: Diocese of Davenport
Liturgy Links
- Art & Architecture
- Canon Law
- Centers of Study
- Gateways / Collections
- Liturgical Ministries (including Music)
- Liturgy of the Hours
- Mulitucultural / Intercultural Ministry
- Persons with Disabilities
- Professional Groups
- Publishers (Music, Resources, Ritual Texts)
- Recursos liturgicos en Español
- Sacraments (including RCIA)
- U.S. Church
- Websites of Individual Liturgists
- Youth in Liturgy
Preaching Links
Understanding Humility
Bishop Golka begins by defining humility, drawing from the Book of Sirach and the Latin root of the word, which means "on the ground." It also connects humility to humor—the ability to laugh at oneself.
Reflection Questions:
- Bishop Golka refers to a pastor was good at laughing at his own mistakes. Why is it often so hard for us to do the same? What does it mean to "judge yourself too much"?
- How does the idea of humility as being "on the ground" or "lowering yourself" challenge our modern ideas of success and self-esteem?
- In what area of your life could you practice being a little less perfect and a little more humble this week?
The Kingdom's Way
Jesus teaches that the way of his kingdom is to lower ourselves and lift others up. This is a direct reversal of the world's focus on social status and personal honor. "Everyone who humbles himself will be exalted."
Reflection Questions:
- "I spend my energy, my efforts trying to let you be great." Who is the "you" in your life right now that God might be calling you to lift up?
- Jesus’s advice to "take the lowest place" can be applied to more than just dinner parties. What does taking the lowest place look like at work, in family disagreements, or on social media?
- Bishop Golka mentions that love is a "choice, not a feeling." How does this apply to humbling ourselves before someone we "don't know or don't like"?
The Riches of the Church
The story of Deacon Lawrence, the custodian at the Vatican, reveals the true treasure of the Church: not gold or silver, but the poor, the widowed, the elderly, and the infirm. The homily calls us to remember that these individuals must be "part and center of our church."
Reflection Questions:
- Who are the "riches" in our own parish community? Are they truly at the "part and center" of everything we do?
- What are some practical ways our parish can better "lift up those who are left out" or those "labeled as not good enough"?
- Bishop Golka ends with a simple challenge: "This week, let us be humble. Lift up someone else." What is one specific, concrete action you can take this week to answer that call?
Part I: The Three Kinds of Meals
Fr. Bouchard begins by categorizing meals to help us understand their deeper significance.
- Fr. Bouchard identifies three types of meals: functional, social, and sacramental. In your own words, what is the primary purpose of each?
- Think about the meals in your own life this past week. Can you give an example of a time you had a functional meal? A social meal?
- The reflection identifies the meal in the Gospel as "sacramental." What examples from Scripture does Fr. Bouchard use to illustrate a meal that has "sacramental potential" (e.g., the Last Supper, the Road to Emmaus)? What happened at these meals?
Part II: The Essential Ingredient for Transformation
The reflection argues that one specific virtue is necessary for a meal to become a moment of grace.
- According to Fr. Bouchard, what is the essential ingredient for a "transformative" or "sacramental" meal?
- What is his definition of humility? He says it doesn't mean "debas[ing] ourselves or crawling to the table." What does it mean? (e.g., "put aside all pretense," "come as you are").
- How is the humility Fr. Bouchard describes different from humiliation? Why is this an important distinction?
Part III: The Barriers to an Authentic Encounter
This section explores what prevents us from experiencing transformation.
- Fr. Bouchard warns against coming to an encounter wearing a "false self" or with "a lot of pretention." What does a "false self" look like in everyday interactions?
- How does the desire for power, status, or taking the "best seat" prevent a "real encounter" with other people and with Jesus?
- The reflection connects this idea to the Mass, where we begin by "confessing our sins." How does this act at the start of our Eucharistic celebration help us "set aside the things that prevent these authentic encounters"?
Part IV: The Preacher's Reminder
The reflection concludes with a personal story about the constant need for humility.
- Why does Fr. Bouchard call arrogance an "occupational hazard for preachers"?
- He tells a story about a large Baroque pulpit in Germany with scripture quotes about humility under each step. What was the purpose of this design?
- What is the lesson from that story for all of us, not just for priests? How can we create "reminders" of humility in our own lives as we "ascend" to positions of authority or influence at work, in our families, or in our community?
22nd Sunday of Year C
Music
22nd Sunday of Year C
THE COMMONS (8:35) — Inspired by his journey to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services, Ben Walther shares “A Place at Your Table,” a Communion song that calls us into mission to bring Christ into the world.
OCP | WILLOW | GIA | CANTICA NOVA
Key Themes for Discussion
- The Eucharist as a Radical Invitation: The song is an invitation to receive Communion, where we are reconciled and find rest. It's a reminder that the Eucharist is a banquet where "the sinner your friend now reconciled" and the hungry can feast.
- From Communion to Mission: The song's second verse, "from this communion... out into mission we go," highlights that the Eucharist is not an end in itself. It is a source of strength that sends us out to be Christ's hands and feet in the world.
- The New Evangelization and Social Justice: The song was inspired by Ben's trip to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services, demonstrating the connection between the spiritual nourishment of the Eucharist and the work of social justice. Pope Francis's call for a "Year of Mercy" and the New Evangelization are echoed in the song's message of liberty for the captives and light for all.
Discussion Questions
- On the Eucharist:
- The song describes the Eucharist as a banquet for the sinner and the hungry. How does this image change your perspective on receiving Communion?
- The song says, "happy the ones whom you call here to dine." What does it mean for you to be called by Christ to his table?
- On Mission and Justice:
- The song directly links "communion" with "mission." How can receiving the Eucharist empower you to lay down your life for others in your daily life, at home, or at work?
- Ben's trip to Ghana was about social justice. What is a specific social injustice in your community that the grace of the Eucharist can help you address?
- On the Song's Message:
- The conversation mentions that the song has an "Irish lilt" and was inspired by the Year of Mercy. How do elements of a song's style or context help you connect with its spiritual message?
- The homily ends by describing how God gives us a goat, a gift of food, and how the song itself is spiritual food. In what ways has this song or another work of art nourished you spiritually?
What is one way this song's message encourages you to connect your faith life to the needs of the world this week?
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Penitential Rite
22nd Sunday of Year C
- Lord Jesus, you counseled us to sit in the lowest place at table: Lord, have mercy.
- Christ Jesus, you taught us the importance of honoring those in need: Christ, have mercy.
- Lord Jesus, you call us to practice humility and concern for others: Lord, have mercy.
SOURCE: CELEBRATION
Fr. Lawrence Mick
22nd Sunday of Year C
1923-2017
Soon after he was elected, Pope Francis told an audience of some 5,000 journalists, “How I would love a church that is poor and for the poor.” Many people wondered just what he meant. Certainly Pope Francis urges us to care for the poor and needy among us, and such care involves living more simply ourselves. He is very aware of the power that wealth and consumerism have in the modern world, and he invites us often to embrace a simpler life. At the same time, I think his vision goes beyond material poverty and simplicity. It requires what today’s readings emphasize — the virtue of humility. ….
Infographics created using AI generative tools (i.e. GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Flash LLM, Chart.js and Tailwind CSS) using content from NCR Online Celebration Archive