∫ [Piano Music] ∫
The following presentation is made possible by the generosity of the viewers of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. Today we celebrate the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Maudette Carr, and our Celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

∫ All who hunger, gather gladly; ∫
∫ Holy manna is our Bread. ∫
∫ Come from wilderness and wandering. ∫
∫ Here in truth we will be fed. ∫
∫ You that yearn for days of fullness, ∫
∫ All around us is our food. ∫
∫ Taste and see the Grace Eternal. ∫
∫ Taste and see that God is good. ∫

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
– Amen.

The Grace, the Peace, the Love of God be with each of you.
– And with your Spirit.

Taste and see that God is good. We remember how God is so good to us as we remember our sins, trusting God’s Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are mighty God and Prince of Peace. Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ, have Mercy.
– Christ, have Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the Word made Flesh. Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

May Almighty God, who loves us, have Mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and one day bring us to what the Eucharist reminds us of—the banquet of Everlasting Life.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Glory to God in the Highest, ∫
∫ and on Earth Peace to people of good will. ∫
∫ Glory to God in the Highest, ∫
∫ and on Earth Peace to people of good will. ∫

Let us pray.
Almighty and Ever-Living God, increase our Faith, Hope, and Charity, and make us Love what You command so that we may merit what You promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
– Amen.

A Reading from the Book of Sirach

The Lord is a God of Justice who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet He hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard. His petition reaches the Heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds. It does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly, and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.

The Word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫
∫ I will bless the Lord at all times. ∫
∫ Praise of Him is always in my mouth. ∫
∫ In the Lord my soul shall make its boast. ∫
∫ The humble shall hear and be glad. ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫

A Reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy

Beloved, I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well. I have finished the race. I have kept the Faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the Just Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearance.

At my first offense, no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to His Heavenly Kingdom. To Him be Glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, ∫
∫ and entrusting to us the message of Salvation. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫

Brothers and sisters in Faith, the Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

Ours is a Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
– Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. Two people went up to the Temple area to pray. One was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself:

“O God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, and adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I pay tithes on my whole income.”

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast and prayed, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

The Gospel of the Lord.
– Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

A friend of mine, also a Priest, told me this little story about something that happened this past summer. A little boy in his congregation came up to him after Mass and said, “Father, I prayed really hard this week, but I don’t think God heard me.” And so my friend, who was the Priest, asked him, “Well, why do you think that?”

And the little boy said,
“Because I was praying really hard for a snow day.”
And my friend, the Priest, just smiled at him and said,
“Son, it’s July.”

It’s just a funny little story that he shared with me.
We have these cute little things happen with kids at Church all the time.
But it’s a little story that reminds us how honest a child can be.

And friends, sometimes our prayers are honest but off base.
And other times they’re quiet, even clumsy, but they’re deeply sincere.
And that brings us to today’s Gospel, the story of two very different prayers and what Jesus wants us to learn by them.

So the Pharisee’s prayer is more of a performance—letting others know about his good deeds and comparing himself to others.
But the tax collector simply says, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Jesus tells us it’s this man, the tax collector, who humbled himself and goes home justified.

This little Gospel story is a powerful reminder for us all.
God isn’t moved by our accomplishments or our reputation or how many religious boxes we are able to check off.
God is moved by humility, by honesty, and by our hearts.

Friends, many of us watching today may feel at times like the tax collector—unworthy, ashamed, uncertain if God really hears you.
But let me remind you of this:
God hears the humble.
God runs to the brokenhearted.
God does not run away from anyone who comes before God with a sincere heart.
And that’s the Grace of this story today.

Now, for those of us who have been in the Faith for a long time, it is a gentle challenge to watch our hearts.
Because we all know how easy it is to slip into pride, to compare ourselves to others, to feel that we have earned something from God.
But God’s Mercy is never a reward for our performance—it is a gift for those who ask.

And so today, whether you feel like the tax collector or the Pharisee, let’s all say this simple prayer together:
“Lord, have Mercy on me, a sinner.”

It is one of the shortest prayers in the Bible, but it is one of the most powerful because it brings us all back to where we belong—and that is before the heart of a merciful God.

May we feel peace, trusting God’s Mercy today and always.

We do trust God’s Mercy, and so we pray the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and Earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was buried, and descended into Hell.
On the third day, He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From there, He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

And now, with that Faith in our hearts, we bring our many needs and cares and place them in the heart of God.

Our response to each prayer will be:
“Lord, hear our prayer.”

For members of the Clergy,
may they be guided by the Holy Spirit as they proclaim Christ’s Gospel throughout the world.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have just moved into nursing homes,
may the Lord’s presence in their lives bring them comfort and strength during this time of transition.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For the children and benefactors of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
may their hearts be filled with gratitude for the Lord’s Compassion for those in need.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are displaced by violence and war,
may the generosity of strangers fill their hearts with hope.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

And with humble hearts, we bring our many needs and prayers and place them before God, as we offer them through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation.
Through Your goodness we have bread to offer, which Earth has given and human hands have made.
May it become for us the Bread of Life.
– Blessed be God forever.

∫ [Piano Music continues] ∫

And now through the mingling of this water and wine,
we come to share the Divinity of Christ,
who humbled Himself to share our humanity.

Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation,
for through Your goodness we have wine to offer—
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
May it become our spiritual drink.
– Blessed be God forever.

Lord, wash away my iniquities and cleanse me of all sin.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

Pray with me now in Faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered be acceptable to our Almighty and loving God.

– May the Lord accept the sacrifice at our hands
for the praise and glory of God’s name,
for our good and the good of all God’s Holy Church.

Look, we pray, O Lord, on the offerings we make to Your Majesty,
that whatever is done by us in Your service
may be directed above all to Your Glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

The Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

Lift up your hearts.
– We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
– It is right and just.

It is truly right and just—our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere,
to give You thanks, Lord, Almighty and Eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
For by His birth He brought renewal to humanity’s fallen state,
and by His suffering canceled out our sins.
By His rising from the dead, He has opened the way to Eternal Life,
and by ascending to You, O God, He has unlocked the gates of Heaven.

Now, with all the company of Angels and Saints, we sing this hymn to Your Glory:

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Holy, Holy, Holy, ∫
∫ Lord God of Hosts, ∫
∫ Heaven and Earth are full of Your Glory. ∫
∫ Hosanna in the Highest. ∫
∫ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. ∫
∫ Hosanna in the Highest. ∫

You are indeed Holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.
Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray,
by sending down Your Spirit upon them like the dewfall,
so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At the time He was betrayed and entered willingly into His Passion,
He took bread, and giving thanks, broke it.
He gave it to His Disciples, saying:

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it,
for this is My Body, which will be given up for you.”

In a similar way, when supper was ended,
He took the chalice, and once more giving thanks,
He gave it to His Disciples, saying:

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it,
for this is the chalice of My Blood,
the Blood of the new and eternal covenant,
which will be poured out for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this in memory of Me.”

The Mystery of Faith.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim Your death, O Lord, ∫
∫ until You come again. ∫

As we celebrate now the memorial of His Death and Resurrection,
we offer You, Lord, the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation,
giving thanks that You have held us worthy to be in Your presence and minister to You.

Humbly we pray that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ,
we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

Remember, Lord, Your Church, spread throughout the world,
and bring her to the fullness of Charity,
together with our Holy Father,
with Blase Cupich, our Archbishop,
and all the clergy and those who minister in Your Church everywhere.

Remember also all our brothers and sisters who have died in Your Mercy.
Welcome them into the light of Your Face.

Have Mercy on us all, we pray,
that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with Joseph, her spouse,
with the Blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased You throughout the ages,
we may merit to be co-heirs to Eternal Life
and may praise and glorify You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through Him, with Him, and in Him,
O God, Almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all Glory and Honor are Yours, forever and ever.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Amen, Amen, Amen. ∫

And now we pray together, as Jesus taught us:

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil.
Graciously grant peace this day,
that by the help of Your Mercy we may be always free from sin,
safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are Yours, now and forever.

Lord Jesus Christ, who said to Your friends,
“I leave you peace, My peace I give you,”
look not on our sins, but on the Faith of Your Church,
and graciously grant her Peace and Unity in accordance with Your will,
who live and reign forever and ever.
– Amen.

The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
– And with your Spirit.

Today, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
to all of you folks joining us at home,
we extend to you the Peace and the Love of Christ.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world, ∫
∫ have Mercy on us. ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world, ∫
∫ have Mercy on us. ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world… ∫
∫ Grant us peace. ∫

Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.

We behold now our Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God,
who takes away our sin and the sin of the world.
Blessed are we, sharing in this Supper of the Lamb.

Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

May the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ
keep us safe for Everlasting Life.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

For those of you at home,
please turn to page six in your TV Mass Guide
and join in singing our Communion Song,
“O Blessed Savior.”

∫ O Blessed Savior, now behold, ∫
∫ the grateful gathering of Your fold. ∫
∫ In joyful meditation, ∫
∫ our thirsting souls, our hungry hearts, ∫
∫ now seek the food which life imparts, ∫
∫ the Bread of our Salvation. ∫

∫ O Lord, our God, the Source of Love, ∫
∫ all good gifts come from You, ∫
∫ who once sent manna from above ∫
∫ to feed Your chosen few. ∫

∫ O Blessed Savior, now behold, ∫
∫ the grateful gathering of Your fold. ∫
∫ In joyful meditation, ∫
∫ our thirsting souls, our hungry hearts, ∫
∫ now seek the food which life imparts, ∫
∫ the Bread of our Salvation. ∫

I invite you now to join me in this beautiful prayer
as we remember the children of Mercy Home, we pray:

Our Lady of Mercy, we pray that You will guide, protect, and bless all boys and girls
who this day have a home called Mercy.
May they find the Father’s Mercy as we offer them our hearts
in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
May they see God’s Mercy in action
through our love, prayers, and sacrifices.

Let us pray.
May Your Sacraments, O Lord, we pray,
perfect in us what lies within them,
that what we now celebrate in signs
we may one day possess in truth.
And we ask this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

This week, friends, as we go into the days ahead,
let’s remember that simple but powerful prayer of the tax collector:

What in our hearts do we need to let go of
so that we can live in the most humble way possible?
And remember that simple but powerful prayer:
“Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

We trust in the Mercy of God to help us always grow
as we follow His Son, Jesus.

The Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

We bow our heads now and ask for God’s Blessing.

Loving God, Creator God,
You give us this day the gift of Life.
You give us the gift of Your Mercy.
Help us always to follow Your Son
with humility and care for one another
as we go forward now with Your Blessing
to be Your Presence.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
– Amen.

We go in peace now to love and serve God
by our care for each other.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ My life flows on in endless song ∫
∫ above Earth’s lamentation. ∫
∫ I hear the clear, though far-off hymn… ∫

Hello, my friends.
As you know, and as I know, this TV Ministry at Mercy Home is so important.
It allows us to gather, wherever you may be,
to participate in the Prayer of the Church.
It allows us to pray for one another—and how important that is.

It allows you and me to pray for the children
here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
We’re nourished by our presence together
and by the celebration of the Eucharist.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you so very much
for the ways in which you support this Mass here
at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
Please consider doing that going forward as well.

And may God bless you and your family and your friends
for all you do for the TV Mass at Mercy Home and for our children.

The music for the broadcast of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home
is generously provided by GIA Publications, Incorporated
and its World Library Publications Division.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
The following presentation is made possible by the generosity of the viewers of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. Today we celebrate the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Maudette Carr, and our Celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

∫ All who hunger, gather gladly; ∫
∫ Holy manna is our Bread. ∫
∫ Come from wilderness and wandering. ∫
∫ Here in truth we will be fed. ∫
∫ You that yearn for days of fullness, ∫
∫ All around us is our food. ∫
∫ Taste and see the Grace Eternal. ∫
∫ Taste and see that God is good. ∫

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
– Amen.

The Grace, the Peace, the Love of God be with each of you.
– And with your Spirit.

Taste and see that God is good. We remember how God is so good to us as we remember our sins, trusting God’s Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are mighty God and Prince of Peace. Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ, have Mercy.
– Christ, have Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the Word made Flesh. Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

May Almighty God, who loves us, have Mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and one day bring us to what the Eucharist reminds us of—the banquet of Everlasting Life.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Glory to God in the Highest, ∫
∫ and on Earth Peace to people of good will. ∫
∫ Glory to God in the Highest, ∫
∫ and on Earth Peace to people of good will. ∫

Let us pray.
Almighty and Ever-Living God, increase our Faith, Hope, and Charity, and make us Love what You command so that we may merit what You promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
– Amen.

A Reading from the Book of Sirach

The Lord is a God of Justice who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet He hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard. His petition reaches the Heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds. It does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly, and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.

The Word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫
∫ I will bless the Lord at all times. ∫
∫ Praise of Him is always in my mouth. ∫
∫ In the Lord my soul shall make its boast. ∫
∫ The humble shall hear and be glad. ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫

A Reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy

Beloved, I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well. I have finished the race. I have kept the Faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the Just Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearance.

At my first offense, no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to His Heavenly Kingdom. To Him be Glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, ∫
∫ and entrusting to us the message of Salvation. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫

Brothers and sisters in Faith, the Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

Ours is a Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
– Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. Two people went up to the Temple area to pray. One was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself:

“O God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, and adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I pay tithes on my whole income.”

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast and prayed, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

The Gospel of the Lord.
– Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

A friend of mine, also a Priest, told me this little story about something that happened this past summer. A little boy in his congregation came up to him after Mass and said, “Father, I prayed really hard this week, but I don’t think God heard me.” And so my friend, who was the Priest, asked him, “Well, why do you think that?”

And the little boy said,
“Because I was praying really hard for a snow day.”
And my friend, the Priest, just smiled at him and said,
“Son, it’s July.”

It’s just a funny little story that he shared with me.
We have these cute little things happen with kids at Church all the time.
But it’s a little story that reminds us how honest a child can be.

And friends, sometimes our prayers are honest but off base.
And other times they’re quiet, even clumsy, but they’re deeply sincere.
And that brings us to today’s Gospel, the story of two very different prayers and what Jesus wants us to learn by them.

So the Pharisee’s prayer is more of a performance—letting others know about his good deeds and comparing himself to others.
But the tax collector simply says, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Jesus tells us it’s this man, the tax collector, who humbled himself and goes home justified.

This little Gospel story is a powerful reminder for us all.
God isn’t moved by our accomplishments or our reputation or how many religious boxes we are able to check off.
God is moved by humility, by honesty, and by our hearts.

Friends, many of us watching today may feel at times like the tax collector—unworthy, ashamed, uncertain if God really hears you.
But let me remind you of this:
God hears the humble.
God runs to the brokenhearted.
God does not run away from anyone who comes before God with a sincere heart.
And that’s the Grace of this story today.

Now, for those of us who have been in the Faith for a long time, it is a gentle challenge to watch our hearts.
Because we all know how easy it is to slip into pride, to compare ourselves to others, to feel that we have earned something from God.
But God’s Mercy is never a reward for our performance—it is a gift for those who ask.

And so today, whether you feel like the tax collector or the Pharisee, let’s all say this simple prayer together:
“Lord, have Mercy on me, a sinner.”

It is one of the shortest prayers in the Bible, but it is one of the most powerful because it brings us all back to where we belong—and that is before the heart of a merciful God.

May we feel peace, trusting God’s Mercy today and always.

We do trust God’s Mercy, and so we pray the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and Earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was buried, and descended into Hell.
On the third day, He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From there, He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

And now, with that Faith in our hearts, we bring our many needs and cares and place them in the heart of God.

Our response to each prayer will be:
“Lord, hear our prayer.”

For members of the Clergy,
may they be guided by the Holy Spirit as they proclaim Christ’s Gospel throughout the world.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have just moved into nursing homes,
may the Lord’s presence in their lives bring them comfort and strength during this time of transition.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For the children and benefactors of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
may their hearts be filled with gratitude for the Lord’s Compassion for those in need.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are displaced by violence and war,
may the generosity of strangers fill their hearts with hope.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

And with humble hearts, we bring our many needs and prayers and place them before God, as we offer them through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation.
Through Your goodness we have bread to offer, which Earth has given and human hands have made.
May it become for us the Bread of Life.
– Blessed be God forever.

∫ [Piano Music continues] ∫

And now through the mingling of this water and wine,
we come to share the Divinity of Christ,
who humbled Himself to share our humanity.

Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation,
for through Your goodness we have wine to offer—
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
May it become our spiritual drink.
– Blessed be God forever.

Lord, wash away my iniquities and cleanse me of all sin.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

Pray with me now in Faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered be acceptable to our Almighty and loving God.

– May the Lord accept the sacrifice at our hands
for the praise and glory of God’s name,
for our good and the good of all God’s Holy Church.

Look, we pray, O Lord, on the offerings we make to Your Majesty,
that whatever is done by us in Your service
may be directed above all to Your Glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

The Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

Lift up your hearts.
– We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
– It is right and just.

It is truly right and just—our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere,
to give You thanks, Lord, Almighty and Eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
For by His birth He brought renewal to humanity’s fallen state,
and by His suffering canceled out our sins.
By His rising from the dead, He has opened the way to Eternal Life,
and by ascending to You, O God, He has unlocked the gates of Heaven.

Now, with all the company of Angels and Saints, we sing this hymn to Your Glory:

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Holy, Holy, Holy, ∫
∫ Lord God of Hosts, ∫
∫ Heaven and Earth are full of Your Glory. ∫
∫ Hosanna in the Highest. ∫
∫ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. ∫
∫ Hosanna in the Highest. ∫

You are indeed Holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.
Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray,
by sending down Your Spirit upon them like the dewfall,
so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At the time He was betrayed and entered willingly into His Passion,
He took bread, and giving thanks, broke it.
He gave it to His Disciples, saying:

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it,
for this is My Body, which will be given up for you.”

In a similar way, when supper was ended,
He took the chalice, and once more giving thanks,
He gave it to His Disciples, saying:

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it,
for this is the chalice of My Blood,
the Blood of the new and eternal covenant,
which will be poured out for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this in memory of Me.”

The Mystery of Faith.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim Your death, O Lord, ∫
∫ until You come again. ∫

As we celebrate now the memorial of His Death and Resurrection,
we offer You, Lord, the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation,
giving thanks that You have held us worthy to be in Your presence and minister to You.

Humbly we pray that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ,
we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

Remember, Lord, Your Church, spread throughout the world,
and bring her to the fullness of Charity,
together with our Holy Father,
with Blase Cupich, our Archbishop,
and all the clergy and those who minister in Your Church everywhere.

Remember also all our brothers and sisters who have died in Your Mercy.
Welcome them into the light of Your Face.

Have Mercy on us all, we pray,
that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with Joseph, her spouse,
with the Blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased You throughout the ages,
we may merit to be co-heirs to Eternal Life
and may praise and glorify You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through Him, with Him, and in Him,
O God, Almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all Glory and Honor are Yours, forever and ever.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Amen, Amen, Amen. ∫

And now we pray together, as Jesus taught us:

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil.
Graciously grant peace this day,
that by the help of Your Mercy we may be always free from sin,
safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are Yours, now and forever.

Lord Jesus Christ, who said to Your friends,
“I leave you peace, My peace I give you,”
look not on our sins, but on the Faith of Your Church,
and graciously grant her Peace and Unity in accordance with Your will,
who live and reign forever and ever.
– Amen.

The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
– And with your Spirit.

Today, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
to all of you folks joining us at home,
we extend to you the Peace and the Love of Christ.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world, ∫
∫ have Mercy on us. ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world, ∫
∫ have Mercy on us. ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world… ∫
∫ Grant us peace. ∫

Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.

We behold now our Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God,
who takes away our sin and the sin of the world.
Blessed are we, sharing in this Supper of the Lamb.

Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

May the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ
keep us safe for Everlasting Life.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

For those of you at home,
please turn to page six in your TV Mass Guide
and join in singing our Communion Song,
“O Blessed Savior.”

∫ O Blessed Savior, now behold, ∫
∫ the grateful gathering of Your fold. ∫
∫ In joyful meditation, ∫
∫ our thirsting souls, our hungry hearts, ∫
∫ now seek the food which life imparts, ∫
∫ the Bread of our Salvation. ∫

∫ O Lord, our God, the Source of Love, ∫
∫ all good gifts come from You, ∫
∫ who once sent manna from above ∫
∫ to feed Your chosen few. ∫

∫ O Blessed Savior, now behold, ∫
∫ the grateful gathering of Your fold. ∫
∫ In joyful meditation, ∫
∫ our thirsting souls, our hungry hearts, ∫
∫ now seek the food which life imparts, ∫
∫ the Bread of our Salvation. ∫

I invite you now to join me in this beautiful prayer
as we remember the children of Mercy Home, we pray:

Our Lady of Mercy, we pray that You will guide, protect, and bless all boys and girls
who this day have a home called Mercy.
May they find the Father’s Mercy as we offer them our hearts
in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
May they see God’s Mercy in action
through our love, prayers, and sacrifices.

Let us pray.
May Your Sacraments, O Lord, we pray,
perfect in us what lies within them,
that what we now celebrate in signs
we may one day possess in truth.
And we ask this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

This week, friends, as we go into the days ahead,
let’s remember that simple but powerful prayer of the tax collector:

What in our hearts do we need to let go of
so that we can live in the most humble way possible?
And remember that simple but powerful prayer:
“Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

We trust in the Mercy of God to help us always grow
as we follow His Son, Jesus.

The Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

We bow our heads now and ask for God’s Blessing.

Loving God, Creator God,
You give us this day the gift of Life.
You give us the gift of Your Mercy.
Help us always to follow Your Son
with humility and care for one another
as we go forward now with Your Blessing
to be Your Presence.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
– Amen.

We go in peace now to love and serve God
by our care for each other.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ My life flows on in endless song ∫
∫ above Earth’s lamentation. ∫
∫ I hear the clear, though far-off hymn… ∫

Hello, my friends.
As you know, and as I know, this TV Ministry at Mercy Home is so important.
It allows us to gather, wherever you may be,
to participate in the Prayer of the Church.
It allows us to pray for one another—and how important that is.

It allows you and me to pray for the children
here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
We’re nourished by our presence together
and by the celebration of the Eucharist.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you so very much
for the ways in which you support this Mass here
at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
Please consider doing that going forward as well.

And may God bless you and your family and your friends
for all you do for the TV Mass at Mercy Home and for our children.

The music for the broadcast of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home
is generously provided by GIA Publications, Incorporated
and its World Library Publications Division.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
The following presentation is made possible by the generosity of the viewers of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. Today we celebrate the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Maudette Carr, and our Celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

∫ All who hunger, gather gladly; ∫
∫ Holy manna is our Bread. ∫
∫ Come from wilderness and wandering. ∫
∫ Here in truth we will be fed. ∫
∫ You that yearn for days of fullness, ∫
∫ All around us is our food. ∫
∫ Taste and see the Grace Eternal. ∫
∫ Taste and see that God is good. ∫

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
– Amen.

The Grace, the Peace, the Love of God be with each of you.
– And with your Spirit.

Taste and see that God is good. We remember how God is so good to us as we remember our sins, trusting God’s Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are mighty God and Prince of Peace. Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ, have Mercy.
– Christ, have Mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the Word made Flesh. Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

May Almighty God, who loves us, have Mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and one day bring us to what the Eucharist reminds us of—the banquet of Everlasting Life.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Glory to God in the Highest, ∫
∫ and on Earth Peace to people of good will. ∫
∫ Glory to God in the Highest, ∫
∫ and on Earth Peace to people of good will. ∫

Let us pray.
Almighty and Ever-Living God, increase our Faith, Hope, and Charity, and make us Love what You command so that we may merit what You promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
– Amen.

A Reading from the Book of Sirach

The Lord is a God of Justice who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet He hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard. His petition reaches the Heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds. It does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly, and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.

The Word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫
∫ I will bless the Lord at all times. ∫
∫ Praise of Him is always in my mouth. ∫
∫ In the Lord my soul shall make its boast. ∫
∫ The humble shall hear and be glad. ∫
∫ The Lord hears the cry of the poor. ∫

A Reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy

Beloved, I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well. I have finished the race. I have kept the Faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the Just Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearance.

At my first offense, no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to His Heavenly Kingdom. To Him be Glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, ∫
∫ and entrusting to us the message of Salvation. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫

Brothers and sisters in Faith, the Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

Ours is a Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
– Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. Two people went up to the Temple area to pray. One was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself:

“O God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, and adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I pay tithes on my whole income.”

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast and prayed, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

The Gospel of the Lord.
– Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

A friend of mine, also a Priest, told me this little story about something that happened this past summer. A little boy in his congregation came up to him after Mass and said, “Father, I prayed really hard this week, but I don’t think God heard me.” And so my friend, who was the Priest, asked him, “Well, why do you think that?”

And the little boy said,
“Because I was praying really hard for a snow day.”
And my friend, the Priest, just smiled at him and said,
“Son, it’s July.”

It’s just a funny little story that he shared with me.
We have these cute little things happen with kids at Church all the time.
But it’s a little story that reminds us how honest a child can be.

And friends, sometimes our prayers are honest but off base.
And other times they’re quiet, even clumsy, but they’re deeply sincere.
And that brings us to today’s Gospel, the story of two very different prayers and what Jesus wants us to learn by them.

So the Pharisee’s prayer is more of a performance—letting others know about his good deeds and comparing himself to others.
But the tax collector simply says, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Jesus tells us it’s this man, the tax collector, who humbled himself and goes home justified.

This little Gospel story is a powerful reminder for us all.
God isn’t moved by our accomplishments or our reputation or how many religious boxes we are able to check off.
God is moved by humility, by honesty, and by our hearts.

Friends, many of us watching today may feel at times like the tax collector—unworthy, ashamed, uncertain if God really hears you.
But let me remind you of this:
God hears the humble.
God runs to the brokenhearted.
God does not run away from anyone who comes before God with a sincere heart.
And that’s the Grace of this story today.

Now, for those of us who have been in the Faith for a long time, it is a gentle challenge to watch our hearts.
Because we all know how easy it is to slip into pride, to compare ourselves to others, to feel that we have earned something from God.
But God’s Mercy is never a reward for our performance—it is a gift for those who ask.

And so today, whether you feel like the tax collector or the Pharisee, let’s all say this simple prayer together:
“Lord, have Mercy on me, a sinner.”

It is one of the shortest prayers in the Bible, but it is one of the most powerful because it brings us all back to where we belong—and that is before the heart of a merciful God.

May we feel peace, trusting God’s Mercy today and always.

We do trust God’s Mercy, and so we pray the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and Earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was buried, and descended into Hell.
On the third day, He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From there, He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

And now, with that Faith in our hearts, we bring our many needs and cares and place them in the heart of God.

Our response to each prayer will be:
“Lord, hear our prayer.”

For members of the Clergy,
may they be guided by the Holy Spirit as they proclaim Christ’s Gospel throughout the world.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have just moved into nursing homes,
may the Lord’s presence in their lives bring them comfort and strength during this time of transition.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For the children and benefactors of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
may their hearts be filled with gratitude for the Lord’s Compassion for those in need.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are displaced by violence and war,
may the generosity of strangers fill their hearts with hope.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

And with humble hearts, we bring our many needs and prayers and place them before God, as we offer them through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation.
Through Your goodness we have bread to offer, which Earth has given and human hands have made.
May it become for us the Bread of Life.
– Blessed be God forever.

∫ [Piano Music continues] ∫

And now through the mingling of this water and wine,
we come to share the Divinity of Christ,
who humbled Himself to share our humanity.

Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation,
for through Your goodness we have wine to offer—
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
May it become our spiritual drink.
– Blessed be God forever.

Lord, wash away my iniquities and cleanse me of all sin.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

Pray with me now in Faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered be acceptable to our Almighty and loving God.

– May the Lord accept the sacrifice at our hands
for the praise and glory of God’s name,
for our good and the good of all God’s Holy Church.

Look, we pray, O Lord, on the offerings we make to Your Majesty,
that whatever is done by us in Your service
may be directed above all to Your Glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

The Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

Lift up your hearts.
– We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
– It is right and just.

It is truly right and just—our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere,
to give You thanks, Lord, Almighty and Eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
For by His birth He brought renewal to humanity’s fallen state,
and by His suffering canceled out our sins.
By His rising from the dead, He has opened the way to Eternal Life,
and by ascending to You, O God, He has unlocked the gates of Heaven.

Now, with all the company of Angels and Saints, we sing this hymn to Your Glory:

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Holy, Holy, Holy, ∫
∫ Lord God of Hosts, ∫
∫ Heaven and Earth are full of Your Glory. ∫
∫ Hosanna in the Highest. ∫
∫ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. ∫
∫ Hosanna in the Highest. ∫

You are indeed Holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.
Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray,
by sending down Your Spirit upon them like the dewfall,
so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At the time He was betrayed and entered willingly into His Passion,
He took bread, and giving thanks, broke it.
He gave it to His Disciples, saying:

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it,
for this is My Body, which will be given up for you.”

In a similar way, when supper was ended,
He took the chalice, and once more giving thanks,
He gave it to His Disciples, saying:

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it,
for this is the chalice of My Blood,
the Blood of the new and eternal covenant,
which will be poured out for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this in memory of Me.”

The Mystery of Faith.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim Your death, O Lord, ∫
∫ until You come again. ∫

As we celebrate now the memorial of His Death and Resurrection,
we offer You, Lord, the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation,
giving thanks that You have held us worthy to be in Your presence and minister to You.

Humbly we pray that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ,
we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

Remember, Lord, Your Church, spread throughout the world,
and bring her to the fullness of Charity,
together with our Holy Father,
with Blase Cupich, our Archbishop,
and all the clergy and those who minister in Your Church everywhere.

Remember also all our brothers and sisters who have died in Your Mercy.
Welcome them into the light of Your Face.

Have Mercy on us all, we pray,
that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with Joseph, her spouse,
with the Blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased You throughout the ages,
we may merit to be co-heirs to Eternal Life
and may praise and glorify You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through Him, with Him, and in Him,
O God, Almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all Glory and Honor are Yours, forever and ever.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Amen, Amen, Amen. ∫

And now we pray together, as Jesus taught us:

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil.
Graciously grant peace this day,
that by the help of Your Mercy we may be always free from sin,
safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are Yours, now and forever.

Lord Jesus Christ, who said to Your friends,
“I leave you peace, My peace I give you,”
look not on our sins, but on the Faith of Your Church,
and graciously grant her Peace and Unity in accordance with Your will,
who live and reign forever and ever.
– Amen.

The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
– And with your Spirit.

Today, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
to all of you folks joining us at home,
we extend to you the Peace and the Love of Christ.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world, ∫
∫ have Mercy on us. ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world, ∫
∫ have Mercy on us. ∫
∫ Lamb of God, ∫
∫ You take away the sins of the world… ∫
∫ Grant us peace. ∫

Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.

We behold now our Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God,
who takes away our sin and the sin of the world.
Blessed are we, sharing in this Supper of the Lamb.

Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

May the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ
keep us safe for Everlasting Life.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

For those of you at home,
please turn to page six in your TV Mass Guide
and join in singing our Communion Song,
“O Blessed Savior.”

∫ O Blessed Savior, now behold, ∫
∫ the grateful gathering of Your fold. ∫
∫ In joyful meditation, ∫
∫ our thirsting souls, our hungry hearts, ∫
∫ now seek the food which life imparts, ∫
∫ the Bread of our Salvation. ∫

∫ O Lord, our God, the Source of Love, ∫
∫ all good gifts come from You, ∫
∫ who once sent manna from above ∫
∫ to feed Your chosen few. ∫

∫ O Blessed Savior, now behold, ∫
∫ the grateful gathering of Your fold. ∫
∫ In joyful meditation, ∫
∫ our thirsting souls, our hungry hearts, ∫
∫ now seek the food which life imparts, ∫
∫ the Bread of our Salvation. ∫

I invite you now to join me in this beautiful prayer
as we remember the children of Mercy Home, we pray:

Our Lady of Mercy, we pray that You will guide, protect, and bless all boys and girls
who this day have a home called Mercy.
May they find the Father’s Mercy as we offer them our hearts
in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
May they see God’s Mercy in action
through our love, prayers, and sacrifices.

Let us pray.
May Your Sacraments, O Lord, we pray,
perfect in us what lies within them,
that what we now celebrate in signs
we may one day possess in truth.
And we ask this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

This week, friends, as we go into the days ahead,
let’s remember that simple but powerful prayer of the tax collector:

What in our hearts do we need to let go of
so that we can live in the most humble way possible?
And remember that simple but powerful prayer:
“Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

We trust in the Mercy of God to help us always grow
as we follow His Son, Jesus.

The Lord be with you.
– And with your Spirit.

We bow our heads now and ask for God’s Blessing.

Loving God, Creator God,
You give us this day the gift of Life.
You give us the gift of Your Mercy.
Help us always to follow Your Son
with humility and care for one another
as we go forward now with Your Blessing
to be Your Presence.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
– Amen.

We go in peace now to love and serve God
by our care for each other.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ My life flows on in endless song ∫
∫ above Earth’s lamentation. ∫
∫ I hear the clear, though far-off hymn… ∫

Hello, my friends.
As you know, and as I know, this TV Ministry at Mercy Home is so important.
It allows us to gather, wherever you may be,
to participate in the Prayer of the Church.
It allows us to pray for one another—and how important that is.

It allows you and me to pray for the children
here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
We’re nourished by our presence together
and by the celebration of the Eucharist.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you so very much
for the ways in which you support this Mass here
at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
Please consider doing that going forward as well.

And may God bless you and your family and your friends
for all you do for the TV Mass at Mercy Home and for our children.

The music for the broadcast of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home
is generously provided by GIA Publications, Incorporated
and its World Library Publications Division.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

A friend of mine, also a Priest, told me this little story about something that happened this past summer. A little boy in his congregation came up to him after Mass and said, “Father, I prayed really hard this week, but I don’t think God heard me.” And so my friend, who was the Priest, asked him, “Well, why do you think that?”

And the little boy said,
“Because I was praying really hard for a snow day.”
And my friend, the Priest, just smiled at him and said,
“Son, it’s July.”

It’s just a funny little story that he shared with me.
We have these cute little things happen with kids at Church all the time.
But it’s a little story that reminds us how honest a child can be.

And friends, sometimes our prayers are honest but off base.
And other times they’re quiet, even clumsy, but they’re deeply sincere.
And that brings us to today’s Gospel, the story of two very different prayers and what Jesus wants us to learn by them.

So the Pharisee’s prayer is more of a performance—letting others know about his good deeds and comparing himself to others.
But the tax collector simply says, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Jesus tells us it’s this man, the tax collector, who humbled himself and goes home justified.

This little Gospel story is a powerful reminder for us all.
God isn’t moved by our accomplishments or our reputation or how many religious boxes we are able to check off.
God is moved by humility, by honesty, and by our hearts.

Friends, many of us watching today may feel at times like the tax collector—unworthy, ashamed, uncertain if God really hears you.
But let me remind you of this:
God hears the humble.
God runs to the brokenhearted.
God does not run away from anyone who comes before God with a sincere heart.
And that’s the Grace of this story today.

Now, for those of us who have been in the Faith for a long time, it is a gentle challenge to watch our hearts.
Because we all know how easy it is to slip into pride, to compare ourselves to others, to feel that we have earned something from God.
But God’s Mercy is never a reward for our performance—it is a gift for those who ask.

And so today, whether you feel like the tax collector or the Pharisee, let’s all say this simple prayer together:
“Lord, have Mercy on me, a sinner.”

It is one of the shortest prayers in the Bible, but it is one of the most powerful because it brings us all back to where we belong—and that is before the heart of a merciful God.

May we feel peace, trusting God’s Mercy today and always.