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 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McGuiggan, and our Celebrant is Father James Wallace.

∫ Shepherd of Souls ∫
∫ Refresh and bless Your chosen pilgrim flock ∫
∫ With manna in the wilderness, with water from the rock ∫
∫ We would not live by bread alone ∫
∫ But by Your Word of Grace ∫
∫ In strength of which we travel on to our abiding place. ∫

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

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

Good morning, brothers and sisters. Welcome to Mass here at Mercy Home. It’s great to be together, to pray, to open our hearts up to receive Our Lord’s Love, Mercy, and Kindness on this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. So let us take a moment to quiet ourselves, open our hearts up, and we call to mind our sins.

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.

May Almighty God have Mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.

Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.
Christ, have Mercy.
– Christ, have Mercy.
Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

∫ [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, grant that we may always conform our will to Yours and serve Your Majesty in sincerity of heart. 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 Exodus.

In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

So Joshua did as Moses told him. He engaged Amalek in battle. After Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur, as long as Moses kept his hands raised, Israel had the better of the fight. But when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.

Moses’ hands, however, grew tired. So they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile, Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady until sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

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

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ I lift up my eyes to the mountains, ∫
∫ from where shall come my help? ∫
∫ My help shall come from the Lord, ∫
∫ who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫

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

Beloved, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it. And that from infancy you have known the Sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingly power: Proclaim the Word. Be persistent, whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

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

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ The Word of God is living and effective, ∫
∫ discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫

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

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
– Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus told His Disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’

For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me, I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’”

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night? Will He be slow to answer them? I tell you, He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find Faith on Earth?”

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

Okay, we hear about the Amalekites. The Amalekites in the First Reading—this is a battle that the Israelites are fighting. Amalek—okay, a little history here. All the way back, we know about Abraham. Abraham is the Father of Israel. Then he has Isaac, his son, and Isaac has Jacob and Esau.

Esau was the older son, and he was the one who should have received the inheritance or the birthright from Isaac. So it should have gone Abraham → Isaac → Esau. But the problem was Esau sold his birthright. Long story short, he sells his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. But really, Jacob tricks Esau into doing this, and then tricks his father Isaac into giving him the birthright.

Esau comes home hungry one day, and Jacob has food prepared. Esau doesn’t care much about the birthright or being the leader of Israel, so he says to Jacob, “Give me that food, and I’ll sell you my birthright.” Jacob takes him up on the offer.

Later, Esau realizes what he’s done—a foolish decision. He’s lost everything and regrets it. He tries to tell Jacob, “I’m the older brother. I made a mistake. Give it back to me.” But Jacob says, “No, it’s too late. I’m the heir now.”

So Esau is forgotten, cast off, and bitter. A feud forms between Esau and Israel. Esau’s grandson is Amalek. So the Amalekites, Amalek’s descendants, have a long-standing grudge against the Israelites. It’s in their lineage, in their DNA.

This becomes a major issue when Israel returns from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land. The Amalekites, who had been dwelling in Israel for 500 years while Israel was in Egypt, constantly attack the Israelites.

So God tells Moses—and later Saul and David—“Get rid of the Amalekites.” They become symbolic of bitterness and hatred.

This battle that Moses—or rather Joshua, Moses’ successor—is fighting is against the Amalekites. In this battle, Moses is on the mountain. As long as Moses’ arms are raised, the Israelites are successful. When he lowers them, they begin losing. Aaron and Hur, Moses’ assistants, one on each side, hold up his arms. When his arms are raised toward Heaven, they are victorious.

Fast forward: who else will have His arms raised? Jesus Christ on the Cross. Arms raised high—when Christ is dying on the Cross, with the two thieves on either side of Him—in a way, holding up His arms—and at the foot of the Cross are John and Mary, His Mother, supporting Him in His Sacrifice.

When Jesus is dying on the Cross in that position, Amalek—the symbol of sin and hatred—is once again defeated, and the new nation of Israel is victorious.
Okay, so we’re the new wave of Christians. We have things that make us weary. Amalek is always trying to attack us, trying to discourage us, to get in between us and God. And so it’s for us to raise our arms up. Okay, not literally necessarily, but you’re lifting your hands up to God in prayer. You say, “Lord, please, please come and deliver me. Save me.” And know that when your arms get tired, it’s going to be the Saints and the Sacraments underneath you lifting you up so that God can carry you to the Promised Land. Amen.

And now we profess our Faith together:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of Heaven and Earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.
Through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our Salvation,
He came down from Heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary and became man.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and His Kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the Prophets.
I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,
and I look forward to the Resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

We love God, we give Him our lives,
and we ask Him to take care of us
by answering these petitions.
Our response to each prayer will be,
“Lord, hear our prayer.”

For all Church leaders,
may they be guided by God’s wisdom and compassion.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those recovering from surgery and illness,
may the Lord give them strength and courage as they heal.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For the children of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
may they feel God’s love filling their hearts and their lives.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who suffer from homelessness and poverty,
may they find hope and opportunity through the compassion of others.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

Almighty and gracious God,
please answer these prayers.
We make them with confidence through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ [Piano Music Continues] ∫

Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father.
– May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands
for the praise and glory of His Name,
for our good and the good of all His Holy Church.

Grant us, Lord, we pray,
in sincere respect for Your gifts,
that through the purifying action of Your Grace
we may be cleansed by the very Mysteries we serve
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,
Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God.
For You laid the foundations of the world
and arranged the changing of times and seasons.
You formed man in Your own image
and set humanity over the whole world in all its wonder,
to rule in Your Name over all You have made
and forever praise You in Your mighty works
through Christ our Lord.
And so, with all the Angels, we praise You
as with joyful celebration, we acclaim:

∫ [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,
and 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.
∫ When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim Your Death, O Lord, ∫
∫ until You come again. ∫

Therefore, as we celebrate 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 Leo, our Pope, our Archbishop, and all the Clergy.

Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection and all 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, Blessed Joseph, her Spouse, with the Blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased You throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to Eternal Life, and may praise and glorify You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

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

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

Friends, let’s join our voices together, and at the Savior’s command, and formed by Divine teaching, we dare to say:

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 in our days, that by the help of Your Mercy we may be always free from sin and 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 Apostles, “Peace I leave you, 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.

Let us offer each other a sign of Peace. Brothers and sisters, Peace be with you.

On behalf of Father Scott Donahue and all the staff and residents here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, and our Archbishop, our Holy Father, we thank you for your Love and your support of our Mercy Home here. The great work it’s done for so many decades here in Chicago, serving those who are most in need, especially our children. Please know that we’re praying for you. We have your intentions in our hearts, and we thank you for your prayers as well. God bless you and Peace to you this day.

∫ [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. ∫

Behold the Lamb of God. Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.
– Lord, I’m not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

For those of you at home, please turn to page six of 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. ∫

Together, let us pray the prayer for the children of Mercy Home.
– 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. Grant, O Lord, we pray, that benefiting from participation in Heavenly things, we may be helped by what You give in this present age and prepare for the gifts that are Eternal, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Again, thank you for joining us here for Mass, and hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend.

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

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

May the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and Love of God and of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May the God of all Consolation order your days in His Peace and grant you the gifts of His Blessing. And may He free you always from every distress and confirm your hearts in His Love. Amen.

And may the Peace and Blessing of Almighty God; the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you all and remain with you forever.
– Amen.

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ God is here! ∫
∫ As we His people meet to offer praise and prayer, ∫
∫ may we find in fuller measure ∫
∫ what it is in Christ we share. ∫
∫ Here, as in the world around us, ∫
∫ all our varied skills and arts… ∫

Hello, my friends. As you know, 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 it 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] ∫

 

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 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McGuiggan, and our Celebrant is Father James Wallace.

∫ Shepherd of Souls ∫
∫ Refresh and bless Your chosen pilgrim flock ∫
∫ With manna in the wilderness, with water from the rock ∫
∫ We would not live by bread alone ∫
∫ But by Your Word of Grace ∫
∫ In strength of which we travel on to our abiding place. ∫

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

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

Good morning, brothers and sisters. Welcome to Mass here at Mercy Home. It’s great to be together, to pray, to open our hearts up to receive Our Lord’s Love, Mercy, and Kindness on this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. So let us take a moment to quiet ourselves, open our hearts up, and we call to mind our sins.

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.

May Almighty God have Mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.

Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.
Christ, have Mercy.
– Christ, have Mercy.
Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

∫ [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, grant that we may always conform our will to Yours and serve Your Majesty in sincerity of heart. 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 Exodus.

In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

So Joshua did as Moses told him. He engaged Amalek in battle. After Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur, as long as Moses kept his hands raised, Israel had the better of the fight. But when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.

Moses’ hands, however, grew tired. So they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile, Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady until sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

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

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ I lift up my eyes to the mountains, ∫
∫ from where shall come my help? ∫
∫ My help shall come from the Lord, ∫
∫ who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫

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

Beloved, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it. And that from infancy you have known the Sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingly power: Proclaim the Word. Be persistent, whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

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

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ The Word of God is living and effective, ∫
∫ discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫

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

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
– Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus told His Disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’

For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me, I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’”

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night? Will He be slow to answer them? I tell you, He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find Faith on Earth?”

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

Okay, we hear about the Amalekites. The Amalekites in the First Reading—this is a battle that the Israelites are fighting. Amalek—okay, a little history here. All the way back, we know about Abraham. Abraham is the Father of Israel. Then he has Isaac, his son, and Isaac has Jacob and Esau.

Esau was the older son, and he was the one who should have received the inheritance or the birthright from Isaac. So it should have gone Abraham → Isaac → Esau. But the problem was Esau sold his birthright. Long story short, he sells his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. But really, Jacob tricks Esau into doing this, and then tricks his father Isaac into giving him the birthright.

Esau comes home hungry one day, and Jacob has food prepared. Esau doesn’t care much about the birthright or being the leader of Israel, so he says to Jacob, “Give me that food, and I’ll sell you my birthright.” Jacob takes him up on the offer.

Later, Esau realizes what he’s done—a foolish decision. He’s lost everything and regrets it. He tries to tell Jacob, “I’m the older brother. I made a mistake. Give it back to me.” But Jacob says, “No, it’s too late. I’m the heir now.”

So Esau is forgotten, cast off, and bitter. A feud forms between Esau and Israel. Esau’s grandson is Amalek. So the Amalekites, Amalek’s descendants, have a long-standing grudge against the Israelites. It’s in their lineage, in their DNA.

This becomes a major issue when Israel returns from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land. The Amalekites, who had been dwelling in Israel for 500 years while Israel was in Egypt, constantly attack the Israelites.

So God tells Moses—and later Saul and David—“Get rid of the Amalekites.” They become symbolic of bitterness and hatred.

This battle that Moses—or rather Joshua, Moses’ successor—is fighting is against the Amalekites. In this battle, Moses is on the mountain. As long as Moses’ arms are raised, the Israelites are successful. When he lowers them, they begin losing. Aaron and Hur, Moses’ assistants, one on each side, hold up his arms. When his arms are raised toward Heaven, they are victorious.

Fast forward: who else will have His arms raised? Jesus Christ on the Cross. Arms raised high—when Christ is dying on the Cross, with the two thieves on either side of Him—in a way, holding up His arms—and at the foot of the Cross are John and Mary, His Mother, supporting Him in His Sacrifice.

When Jesus is dying on the Cross in that position, Amalek—the symbol of sin and hatred—is once again defeated, and the new nation of Israel is victorious.
Okay, so we’re the new wave of Christians. We have things that make us weary. Amalek is always trying to attack us, trying to discourage us, to get in between us and God. And so it’s for us to raise our arms up. Okay, not literally necessarily, but you’re lifting your hands up to God in prayer. You say, “Lord, please, please come and deliver me. Save me.” And know that when your arms get tired, it’s going to be the Saints and the Sacraments underneath you lifting you up so that God can carry you to the Promised Land. Amen.

And now we profess our Faith together:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of Heaven and Earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.
Through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our Salvation,
He came down from Heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary and became man.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and His Kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the Prophets.
I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,
and I look forward to the Resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

We love God, we give Him our lives,
and we ask Him to take care of us
by answering these petitions.
Our response to each prayer will be,
“Lord, hear our prayer.”

For all Church leaders,
may they be guided by God’s wisdom and compassion.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those recovering from surgery and illness,
may the Lord give them strength and courage as they heal.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For the children of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
may they feel God’s love filling their hearts and their lives.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who suffer from homelessness and poverty,
may they find hope and opportunity through the compassion of others.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

Almighty and gracious God,
please answer these prayers.
We make them with confidence through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ [Piano Music Continues] ∫

Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father.
– May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands
for the praise and glory of His Name,
for our good and the good of all His Holy Church.

Grant us, Lord, we pray,
in sincere respect for Your gifts,
that through the purifying action of Your Grace
we may be cleansed by the very Mysteries we serve
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,
Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God.
For You laid the foundations of the world
and arranged the changing of times and seasons.
You formed man in Your own image
and set humanity over the whole world in all its wonder,
to rule in Your Name over all You have made
and forever praise You in Your mighty works
through Christ our Lord.
And so, with all the Angels, we praise You
as with joyful celebration, we acclaim:

∫ [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,
and 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.
∫ When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim Your Death, O Lord, ∫
∫ until You come again. ∫

Therefore, as we celebrate 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 Leo, our Pope, our Archbishop, and all the Clergy.

Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection and all 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, Blessed Joseph, her Spouse, with the Blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased You throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to Eternal Life, and may praise and glorify You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

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

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

Friends, let’s join our voices together, and at the Savior’s command, and formed by Divine teaching, we dare to say:

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 in our days, that by the help of Your Mercy we may be always free from sin and 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 Apostles, “Peace I leave you, 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.

Let us offer each other a sign of Peace. Brothers and sisters, Peace be with you.

On behalf of Father Scott Donahue and all the staff and residents here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, and our Archbishop, our Holy Father, we thank you for your Love and your support of our Mercy Home here. The great work it’s done for so many decades here in Chicago, serving those who are most in need, especially our children. Please know that we’re praying for you. We have your intentions in our hearts, and we thank you for your prayers as well. God bless you and Peace to you this day.

∫ [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. ∫

Behold the Lamb of God. Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.
– Lord, I’m not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

For those of you at home, please turn to page six of 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. ∫

Together, let us pray the prayer for the children of Mercy Home.
– 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. Grant, O Lord, we pray, that benefiting from participation in Heavenly things, we may be helped by what You give in this present age and prepare for the gifts that are Eternal, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Again, thank you for joining us here for Mass, and hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend.

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

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

May the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and Love of God and of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May the God of all Consolation order your days in His Peace and grant you the gifts of His Blessing. And may He free you always from every distress and confirm your hearts in His Love. Amen.

And may the Peace and Blessing of Almighty God; the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you all and remain with you forever.
– Amen.

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ God is here! ∫
∫ As we His people meet to offer praise and prayer, ∫
∫ may we find in fuller measure ∫
∫ what it is in Christ we share. ∫
∫ Here, as in the world around us, ∫
∫ all our varied skills and arts… ∫

Hello, my friends. As you know, 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 it 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] ∫

 

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 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McGuiggan, and our Celebrant is Father James Wallace.

∫ Shepherd of Souls ∫
∫ Refresh and bless Your chosen pilgrim flock ∫
∫ With manna in the wilderness, with water from the rock ∫
∫ We would not live by bread alone ∫
∫ But by Your Word of Grace ∫
∫ In strength of which we travel on to our abiding place. ∫

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

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

Good morning, brothers and sisters. Welcome to Mass here at Mercy Home. It’s great to be together, to pray, to open our hearts up to receive Our Lord’s Love, Mercy, and Kindness on this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. So let us take a moment to quiet ourselves, open our hearts up, and we call to mind our sins.

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.

May Almighty God have Mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.

Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.
Christ, have Mercy.
– Christ, have Mercy.
Lord, have Mercy.
– Lord, have Mercy.

∫ [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, grant that we may always conform our will to Yours and serve Your Majesty in sincerity of heart. 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 Exodus.

In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

So Joshua did as Moses told him. He engaged Amalek in battle. After Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur, as long as Moses kept his hands raised, Israel had the better of the fight. But when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.

Moses’ hands, however, grew tired. So they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile, Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady until sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

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

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ I lift up my eyes to the mountains, ∫
∫ from where shall come my help? ∫
∫ My help shall come from the Lord, ∫
∫ who made Heaven and Earth. ∫
∫ Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. ∫

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

Beloved, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it. And that from infancy you have known the Sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingly power: Proclaim the Word. Be persistent, whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

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

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫
∫ The Word of God is living and effective, ∫
∫ discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart. ∫
∫ Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. ∫

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

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
– Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus told His Disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’

For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me, I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’”

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night? Will He be slow to answer them? I tell you, He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find Faith on Earth?”

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

Okay, we hear about the Amalekites. The Amalekites in the First Reading—this is a battle that the Israelites are fighting. Amalek—okay, a little history here. All the way back, we know about Abraham. Abraham is the Father of Israel. Then he has Isaac, his son, and Isaac has Jacob and Esau.

Esau was the older son, and he was the one who should have received the inheritance or the birthright from Isaac. So it should have gone Abraham → Isaac → Esau. But the problem was Esau sold his birthright. Long story short, he sells his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. But really, Jacob tricks Esau into doing this, and then tricks his father Isaac into giving him the birthright.

Esau comes home hungry one day, and Jacob has food prepared. Esau doesn’t care much about the birthright or being the leader of Israel, so he says to Jacob, “Give me that food, and I’ll sell you my birthright.” Jacob takes him up on the offer.

Later, Esau realizes what he’s done—a foolish decision. He’s lost everything and regrets it. He tries to tell Jacob, “I’m the older brother. I made a mistake. Give it back to me.” But Jacob says, “No, it’s too late. I’m the heir now.”

So Esau is forgotten, cast off, and bitter. A feud forms between Esau and Israel. Esau’s grandson is Amalek. So the Amalekites, Amalek’s descendants, have a long-standing grudge against the Israelites. It’s in their lineage, in their DNA.

This becomes a major issue when Israel returns from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land. The Amalekites, who had been dwelling in Israel for 500 years while Israel was in Egypt, constantly attack the Israelites.

So God tells Moses—and later Saul and David—“Get rid of the Amalekites.” They become symbolic of bitterness and hatred.

This battle that Moses—or rather Joshua, Moses’ successor—is fighting is against the Amalekites. In this battle, Moses is on the mountain. As long as Moses’ arms are raised, the Israelites are successful. When he lowers them, they begin losing. Aaron and Hur, Moses’ assistants, one on each side, hold up his arms. When his arms are raised toward Heaven, they are victorious.

Fast forward: who else will have His arms raised? Jesus Christ on the Cross. Arms raised high—when Christ is dying on the Cross, with the two thieves on either side of Him—in a way, holding up His arms—and at the foot of the Cross are John and Mary, His Mother, supporting Him in His Sacrifice.

When Jesus is dying on the Cross in that position, Amalek—the symbol of sin and hatred—is once again defeated, and the new nation of Israel is victorious.
Okay, so we’re the new wave of Christians. We have things that make us weary. Amalek is always trying to attack us, trying to discourage us, to get in between us and God. And so it’s for us to raise our arms up. Okay, not literally necessarily, but you’re lifting your hands up to God in prayer. You say, “Lord, please, please come and deliver me. Save me.” And know that when your arms get tired, it’s going to be the Saints and the Sacraments underneath you lifting you up so that God can carry you to the Promised Land. Amen.

And now we profess our Faith together:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of Heaven and Earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.
Through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our Salvation,
He came down from Heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary and became man.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and His Kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the Prophets.
I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,
and I look forward to the Resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

We love God, we give Him our lives,
and we ask Him to take care of us
by answering these petitions.
Our response to each prayer will be,
“Lord, hear our prayer.”

For all Church leaders,
may they be guided by God’s wisdom and compassion.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those recovering from surgery and illness,
may the Lord give them strength and courage as they heal.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For the children of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls,
may they feel God’s love filling their hearts and their lives.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who suffer from homelessness and poverty,
may they find hope and opportunity through the compassion of others.
We pray to the Lord.
– Lord, hear our prayer.

Almighty and gracious God,
please answer these prayers.
We make them with confidence through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ [Piano Music Continues] ∫

Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father.
– May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands
for the praise and glory of His Name,
for our good and the good of all His Holy Church.

Grant us, Lord, we pray,
in sincere respect for Your gifts,
that through the purifying action of Your Grace
we may be cleansed by the very Mysteries we serve
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,
Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God.
For You laid the foundations of the world
and arranged the changing of times and seasons.
You formed man in Your own image
and set humanity over the whole world in all its wonder,
to rule in Your Name over all You have made
and forever praise You in Your mighty works
through Christ our Lord.
And so, with all the Angels, we praise You
as with joyful celebration, we acclaim:

∫ [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,
and 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.
∫ When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim Your Death, O Lord, ∫
∫ until You come again. ∫

Therefore, as we celebrate 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 Leo, our Pope, our Archbishop, and all the Clergy.

Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection and all 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, Blessed Joseph, her Spouse, with the Blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased You throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to Eternal Life, and may praise and glorify You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

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

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

Friends, let’s join our voices together, and at the Savior’s command, and formed by Divine teaching, we dare to say:

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 in our days, that by the help of Your Mercy we may be always free from sin and 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 Apostles, “Peace I leave you, 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.

Let us offer each other a sign of Peace. Brothers and sisters, Peace be with you.

On behalf of Father Scott Donahue and all the staff and residents here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, and our Archbishop, our Holy Father, we thank you for your Love and your support of our Mercy Home here. The great work it’s done for so many decades here in Chicago, serving those who are most in need, especially our children. Please know that we’re praying for you. We have your intentions in our hearts, and we thank you for your prayers as well. God bless you and Peace to you this day.

∫ [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. ∫

Behold the Lamb of God. Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.
– Lord, I’m not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫

For those of you at home, please turn to page six of 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. ∫

Together, let us pray the prayer for the children of Mercy Home.
– 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. Grant, O Lord, we pray, that benefiting from participation in Heavenly things, we may be helped by what You give in this present age and prepare for the gifts that are Eternal, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Again, thank you for joining us here for Mass, and hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend.

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

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

May the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and Love of God and of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May the God of all Consolation order your days in His Peace and grant you the gifts of His Blessing. And may He free you always from every distress and confirm your hearts in His Love. Amen.

And may the Peace and Blessing of Almighty God; the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you all and remain with you forever.
– Amen.

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano Music] ∫
∫ God is here! ∫
∫ As we His people meet to offer praise and prayer, ∫
∫ may we find in fuller measure ∫
∫ what it is in Christ we share. ∫
∫ Here, as in the world around us, ∫
∫ all our varied skills and arts… ∫

Hello, my friends. As you know, 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 it 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.
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Okay, we hear about the Amalekites. The Amalekites in the First Reading—this is a battle that the Israelites are fighting. Amalek—okay, a little history here. All the way back, we know about Abraham. Abraham is the Father of Israel. Then he has Isaac, his son, and Isaac has Jacob and Esau.

Esau was the older son, and he was the one who should have received the inheritance or the birthright from Isaac. So it should have gone Abraham → Isaac → Esau. But the problem was Esau sold his birthright. Long story short, he sells his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. But really, Jacob tricks Esau into doing this, and then tricks his father Isaac into giving him the birthright.

Esau comes home hungry one day, and Jacob has food prepared. Esau doesn’t care much about the birthright or being the leader of Israel, so he says to Jacob, “Give me that food, and I’ll sell you my birthright.” Jacob takes him up on the offer.

Later, Esau realizes what he’s done—a foolish decision. He’s lost everything and regrets it. He tries to tell Jacob, “I’m the older brother. I made a mistake. Give it back to me.” But Jacob says, “No, it’s too late. I’m the heir now.”

So Esau is forgotten, cast off, and bitter. A feud forms between Esau and Israel. Esau’s grandson is Amalek. So the Amalekites, Amalek’s descendants, have a long-standing grudge against the Israelites. It’s in their lineage, in their DNA.

This becomes a major issue when Israel returns from slavery in Egypt back to the Promised Land. The Amalekites, who had been dwelling in Israel for 500 years while Israel was in Egypt, constantly attack the Israelites.

So God tells Moses—and later Saul and David—“Get rid of the Amalekites.” They become symbolic of bitterness and hatred.

This battle that Moses—or rather Joshua, Moses’ successor—is fighting is against the Amalekites. In this battle, Moses is on the mountain. As long as Moses’ arms are raised, the Israelites are successful. When he lowers them, they begin losing. Aaron and Hur, Moses’ assistants, one on each side, hold up his arms. When his arms are raised toward Heaven, they are victorious.

Fast forward: who else will have His arms raised? Jesus Christ on the Cross. Arms raised high—when Christ is dying on the Cross, with the two thieves on either side of Him—in a way, holding up His arms—and at the foot of the Cross are John and Mary, His Mother, supporting Him in His Sacrifice.

When Jesus is dying on the Cross in that position, Amalek—the symbol of sin and hatred—is once again defeated, and the new nation of Israel is victorious.
Okay, so we’re the new wave of Christians. We have things that make us weary. Amalek is always trying to attack us, trying to discourage us, to get in between us and God. And so it’s for us to raise our arms up. Okay, not literally necessarily, but you’re lifting your hands up to God in prayer. You say, “Lord, please, please come and deliver me. Save me.” And know that when your arms get tired, it’s going to be the Saints and the Sacraments underneath you lifting you up so that God can carry you to the Promised Land. Amen.