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1 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Readings: Isaiah 66: 18–21; Psalm 116; Hebrews 12: 5–7, 11–13; Luke 13: 22–30.
Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope Source: Jubilee Resource Pack for Parishes
Jubilee years are a time of newness. They have been celebrated throughout the history of the
Church, but their roots go back to the Old Testament, when the Israelites were commanded to
celebrate a jubilee every 50 years…
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop used to say: ‘We are but travellers here.’ For the 2025 Jubilee
Year, Pope Francis invites us to reflect on what it means to be pilgrims of hope: a people who are
not only travellers here but walking in joyful anticipation of ‘the heavenly goal to which we have
been called’ (SNC §25).
Pope Francis believed that, in today’s world, hope suffers; that too many people have been robbed
by cynicism and despair. During Jubilee 2025, he wanted everyone to have ‘an intense experience
of the love of God that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ’ (SNC §6). Only this
hope—born from knowing that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Rom 8:35-39)—can
breathe life back into weary souls.
This hope is not optimism. It is not a forced positivity in the face of hardship and evil. It is a grace
from God, a trust in the Lord’s promises: that he is good, that he is merciful, and that we are
journeying towards the one who says, ‘Look, I am making everything new’ (Rev 21:5).
For this reason, the most striking part of the logo for this jubilee is the cross:
bending towards humanity and forming an anchor, it depicts the cross as
something to cling to, especially in rough seas. It is a contemporary ‘riff’ on
an old biblical image. The epistle to the Hebrews describes the hope we
have in Christ as ‘an anchor of the soul, as sure as it is firm’ (6:19).
The cross is not a dead symbol from the past. It is a living sign of God’s
unfathomable love, and one that carries us together in pilgrimage towards
heaven.
Preparations for Daily Prayer
The following daily prayers can be used in their entirety or adapted to meet the needs of the
audience. The prayers draw on the Sunday readings, so you may use any of the prayers on any
day, although special focus will be given to Feast days, Solemnities, and days of special cultural
significance. Feel free to adapt the prayers for special occasions or specific intentions of your own
class and school.
The prayers will introduce students to traditional prayer and liturgical practices and responses, as
well as a variety of Christian spiritual experiences. Take the opportunity to create a Sacred Space
for prayer as you might do in creating a protected garden. This may include a prayer cloth or
placemat, a bible, a crucifix, a candle, and flowers. Additional resources (apps, websites, music,
videos) will be suggested for those wanting to enrich the prayers or to understand the readings at a
deeper level.
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
2 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
The Year of Luke
The Gospel readings for this Year C are taken from the Gospel of Luke and the Church is in the
Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time.
Daily Prayer will invite those gathered to participate in prayer rituals and respond respectfully in a
prayerful context. This week is about setting up for success in a way that those gathered will become
comfortable with the structure, the responses, the gestures, the prayers and the symbols. Daily Prayer
will be a time when all feel welcomed and valued.
Overview of the Week
Day and Liturgical Colour
Daily Prayer Links to Liturgy, Traditional
Prayers, and Forms of
Prayer
Monday – Green
Strive to enter through the narrow door
Gospel, reflection
Tuesday – Green
Lord, will only a few be saved
Gospel, reflection
Wednesday – Green
It is difficult to enter the Kingdom of
God
Gospel, reflection
Thursday – White
Saint Augustine, Bishop
and Doctor of the Church
Our hearts are restless, until they rest
in Thee
Gospel, reflection
Friday – Red
Passion of Saint John the
Baptist
Courageously we stand for truth and
justice in our lives
Responsorial Psalm, reflection
Note that scripture quotations are from the Lectionary (Jerusalem Bible) or NRSV.
Suggested Teacher Background for the Readings
• Liturgy Help: Commentaries and Homilies & Reflections
• Loyola Press: Sunday Connection
• The Emmaus Series: Sunday Reflections.
3 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Readings: Isaiah 66: 18–21; Psalm 116; Hebrews 12: 5–7, 11–13; Luke 13: 22–30.
Monday
Today’s Daily Prayer – Strive to enter through the narrow door.
Preparation: Choose a reader and someone to light the candle.
Gather
Remind those present to turn phones to silent, close computer screens, sit quietly and prepare for
prayer by becoming aware of God present in the Word, in each other and in ourselves. Take a few
slow, deep breaths to help us focus on this moment. There may be special occasions or specific
intentions that those gathered may wish to include in today’s prayer.
Leader: As people of hospitality and welcome, we gather together to pray. (Pause)
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Leader: Today we focus on the Gospel of the Twenty - First Sunday in Ordinary Time.
(Light candle and pause.)
Background to the Gospel
Leader: In the Gospel Jesus says that the door into the Kingdom is narrow and not everyone will
get in. There are no favourites, no guarantees, so people need to take notice and think about how
they live their lives. Outward appearances are not what matters – compassion for others, justice
and mercy are more likely to earn you a place.
Listen
If possible, the scripture passage is to be read from a lectionary or a bible, which could be put in an
honoured place. Readers are to read slowly and clearly when proclaiming the Word of God and
treat the text with reverence.
Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the
narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the
house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door,
saying, “Lord, open to us,” then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from”.
Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets”. But he will
say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets
in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west,
from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last’.
(Pause)
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
4 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Respond
Leader:
Jesus speaks about the narrow door and how difficult it is to get in.
What qualities do you think we need to develop in order to get us through the
narrow door?
(Time for silent reflection)
Go Forth
Leader:
Loving God, you sent us your Son, Jesus, to show us how to live.
Help us to look to him so that we may know how to be a compassionate people, a just community
and a people who focus on the needs of others.
Pope Francis told us that “with the Jubilee, we start a new life, a new phase… we begin again.”
Source Let us go forth this week sharing the light of hope and message of God’s love in all that we
say and do.
All: God, guide us on our journey as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
Extinguish candles and pause.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The climb up the side of the mountain public domain stock
photo.
©Copyright info
5 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Readings: Isaiah 66: 18–21; Psalm 116; Hebrews 12: 5–7, 11–13; Luke 13: 22–30.
Tuesday
Today’s Daily Prayer – Lord, will only a few be saved.
Preparation: Choose a reader and someone to light the candle.
Gather
Remind those present to turn phones to silent, close computer screens, sit quietly and prepare for
prayer by becoming aware of God present in the word, in each other and in ourselves. Take a few
slow, deep breaths to help us focus on this moment. There may be special occasions or specific
intentions that those gathered may wish to include in today’s prayer.
Leader:
We are called to be people of faith and courage, to be people of the Kingdom, and so we pray…
(Pause)
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Light candle and pause.)
Background to the Gospel
Leader: Just because we are Catholics or Christians, does not give us a passport into the
Kingdom. We have to earn it by the way we live our lives. It will be our attitude to others, our
generosity of spirit, our willing hands, and our compassionate hearts that will help us get through
the narrow door.
Listen
If possible, the scripture passage is to be read from a lectionary or a bible, which could be put in an
honoured place. Readers are to read slowly and clearly when proclaiming the Word of God and
treat the text with reverence.
Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to
Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them,
‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not
be able. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last’.
(Pause)
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
6 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Respond
Leader: Jesus doesn’t talk about a wide door, but a narrow door, a
door that is hard to get through. Picture an Olympic athlete, who makes
the winning of a gold medal her focus. Everything she does is governed
by this aim. She’ll eat right, sleep enough, train very hard and be
extremely disciplined. That’s the kind of attitude we need in order to get
through the narrow door. Everything we do needs to be focused on
winning this prize.
(Time for quiet reflection.)
Go Forth
Leader: Gracious God, you are the prize we desire. Help us to stay focused on you so that we
may find you in the faces of others. May we examine our actions and attitudes and be prepared to
change so that we are centred on the needs of others. Pope Francis told us that “with the Jubilee,
we start a new life, a new phase… we begin again.” Source Let us go forth this week sharing the
light of hope and message of God’s love in all that we say and do.
All: God, guide us on our journey as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
Extinguish candles and pause.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Long distance runner, Pixabay.
7 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Readings: Isaiah 66: 18–21; Psalm 116; Hebrews 12: 5–7, 11–13; Luke 13: 22–30.
Wednesday
Today’s Daily Prayer – It is difficult to enter the Kingdom of God.
Preparation: Choose a reader, someone to light the candle and copies of the prayer for all to
respond.
Gather
Remind those present to turn phones to silent, close computer screens, sit quietly and prepare for
prayer by becoming aware of their breath. There may be special occasions or specific intentions
that those gathered want to include in today’s prayer.
Leader: As we gather together to pray, let us remember to keep our minds and hearts focused
on the prize – the Kingdom.
(Pause)
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Leader: The whole focus of Luke’s Gospel is that Jesus came to bring God’s love and freedom
to the whole world. There is not a single person, not a single people, nation, race, or
class, which is excluded from experiencing the love and liberation that God offers. The
role of the Christian community is first and foremost to proclaim to the whole world the
Good News about God’s love for all, to share the message of the gospel about what
constitutes real living with everyone.
(Light candle and pause.)
Background to the Gospel reading:
In this Gospel Jesus is asked, ‘Will there be only a few saved?’ The question reflected the belief of
many Jews in Jesus’ time that they and they alone were God’s ‘Chosen People’. For them that
meant that ‘pagans’ and ‘unbelievers’, people who did not observe the Law of Moses, were
outcasts to be rejected by God forever. But Jesus says that people will come into the kingdom from
north, east, south and west, from everywhere, and those who thought they would be first might find
themselves last.
Listen
Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the
narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the
house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door,
saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from”.
Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets”. But he will
say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be
8 | Daily Prayer, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets
in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west,
from north and south, and will eat in the Kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last’.
(Pause)
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Respond
Leader: In terms of the Gospel, the ‘narrow way’ is a way of
love. Can we claim to live the narrow way of
unconditional love? Out of 10, score yourself on
each of these attributes.
o compassion, which leads you to support others
o justice, which causes you to act for the
oppressed
o generosity, which causes you to give cheerfully
o tolerance, which causes you to accept and
respect
o mercy, which causes you to be understanding
and forgiving.
Go Forth
All: Loving God,
Call us to be compassionate,
Call us to be merciful,
Call us to the way of humility and service.
Call us to be people of justice,
Call us to be witnesses of your word,
Call us to the way of peace and love.
Leader: Pope Francis told us that “with the Jubilee, we start a new life, a new phase… we
begin again.” Source
Let us go forth this week sharing the light of hope and message of God’s love in all that
we say and do.
All: God, guide us on our journey as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
Extinguish candles and pause.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Vinnies Soup Van
9 | Daily Prayer, Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church– Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Readings of the Memorial: 1 John 4:7-16; Psalm 118:9-14. R. v.12; Matthew 23:8-12.
Thursday
Today’s Daily Prayer – Our hearts are restless, until they rest in Thee.
Preparation: Choose readers, someone to light the candle and copies of the prayer for all to
respond.
Gather
Remind those present to turn phones to silent, close computer screens, sit quietly and prepare for
prayer by becoming aware of God present in the word, in each other and in ourselves. Take a few
slow, deep breaths to help us to focus on this moment. There may be special occasions or specific
intentions that those gathered may wish to include in today’s prayer.
Leader: As we gather together to pray, we thank God for all our blessings.
(Pause)
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Background about Saint Augustine of Hippo:
Saint Augustine of Hippo was a brilliant theologian and influential Church leader whose life
journey, from ambitious youth to devoted servant of God, continues to inspire many. Born in
Algeria in 354, Augustine pursued fame and success through education and teaching, eventually
becoming a renowned rhetorician in cities like Carthage, Rome, and Milan. Despite his worldly
ambitions and personal struggles, including a long-term relationship and fathering a son, Augustine
experienced a profound spiritual transformation. At age 33, he was baptized by Bishop Ambrose
and committed himself to a life of celibacy and service, forming a monastic community with his son
and close companions.
After returning to his hometown, Augustine embraced a communal life of prayer and study, which
laid the foundation for his future leadership. Though reluctant, he accepted a call to priesthood and
later became bishop of Hippo, where he balanced pastoral duties with a deep commitment to
monastic living. Augustine’s legacy includes the establishment of religious communities, extensive
travels for Church councils, and an extraordinary body of work, over 200 books and nearly 1,000
sermons and letters, that shaped Christian theology for centuries. His life exemplifies the power of
conversion, intellectual pursuit, and unwavering dedication to faith. (Paraphrased from The Augustinians)
Listen
If possible, the scripture passage is to be read from a lectionary or a bible, which could be put in an
honoured place. Readers are to read slowly and clearly when proclaiming the word of God and
treat the text with reverence.
Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since
you have only one Master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your
father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow
10 | Daily Prayer, Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The
greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’
(Pause)
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Respond
Leader: Saint Augustine spent many years looking for happiness in things
like fun, fame, and learning, but none of them made him truly
happy. He felt lost and sad, and one day he asked God, “How
long until I find peace?” At that moment, he read a part of the
Bible that helped him understand he could be free from sin. Soon
after, he was baptized and chose to follow God with all his heart.
Ten years later, Augustine wrote a special book called The
Confessions, where he talked to God like a prayer. He said that
even though people are small and make mistakes, they still want
to know and love God. He believed that God made us to be close
to Him, and that our hearts will always feel restless until we find
peace in God. That idea became the most important message of
Augustine’s life. (Paraphrased from Christian History Institute)
(Take a couple of minutes for quiet reflection.)
Go Forth
All: Dear God,
Thank You for loving us and always being near.
Help us to follow You like Saint Augustine did,
to listen to Your voice, and to find peace in Your love.
Keep us safe, kind, and full of joy.
Leader: Pope Francis told us that “with the Jubilee, we start a new life, a new phase… we
begin again.” Source Let us go forth from here sharing the light of hope a grace
filled life can offer.
All: God, guide us on our journey as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
Extinguish candles and pause.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Augustine by Sandro Botticelli
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/incontext/article/augus
tine
11 | Daily Prayer, Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church– Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Passion of Saint John the Baptist,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Readings of the Memorial: Jeremiah 1:17-19; Psalm 70:1-6. 15. 17. R. v.15, 18; Mark 6:17-29.
Friday
Today’s Daily Prayer – Courageously we stand for truth and justice in our lives.
Preparation: Choose a reader and someone to light the candle.
Gather
Remind those present to turn phones to silent, close computer screens, sit quietly and prepare for
prayer by becoming aware of God present in the word, in each other and in ourselves. Take a few
slow, deep breaths to help us focus on this moment. There may be special occasions or specific
intentions that those gathered may wish to include in today’s prayer.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Background about Saint John the Baptist:
Leader: John the Baptist was a key figure during the time of Jesus, known for preaching and
baptising people, including Jesus Himself. He was born to
Zachariah and Elizabeth, who were elderly and had no
children until an angel told them they would have a son
named John. Because Zachariah doubted the angel, he
couldn’t speak until John was born. When Mary visited
Elizabeth during her pregnancy, John leapt in the womb,
showing that he recognized Jesus even before birth.
John began preaching around 30 AD, drawing large crowds
near the Jordan River. When Jesus came to be baptized,
John felt unworthy, saying Jesus should baptize him instead.
But Jesus insisted, and John baptized Him. At that moment,
the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit appeared like a dove,
and God’s voice declared Jesus as His beloved Son. This
event marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and
confirmed His divine identity. (Paraphrased from Catholic
Online)
Listen
If possible, the scripture passage is to be read from a lectionary or a bible, which could be put in an
honoured place. Readers are to read slowly and clearly when proclaiming the Word of God and
treat the text with reverence.
Leader: Let us pray the Responsorial Psalm for Saint John’s memorial Mass.
https://earlyworldhistory.blogspo
t.com/2012/03/john-baptist.html
12 | Daily Prayer, Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Reader: I will sing your salvation.
All: I will sing your salvation.
1. In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me, free me:
pay heed to me and save me.
All: I will sing your salvation.
2. Be a rock where I can take refuge,
a mighty stronghold to save me;
for you are my rock, my stronghold.
Free me from the hand of the wicked.
All: I will sing your salvation.
3. It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,
my trust, O Lord, since my youth.
On you I have leaned from my birth,
from my mother’s womb you have been my help.
All: I will sing your salvation.
4. My lips will tell of your justice
and day by day of your help.
O God, you have taught me from my youth
and I proclaim your wonders still.
All: I will sing your salvation.
(Pause)
13 | Daily Prayer, Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church – Jubilee Year
Daily Prayer
Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church,
The Year of Luke; Jubilee Year 2025
Respond
Leader:
John the Baptist trusted God from the very beginning, even before he was born.
Like the psalmist, he leaned on God as his rock and refuge.
In the wilderness, in prison, and in his final moments, John remained faithful.
His voice cried out for justice, preparing the way for Jesus.
Though he faced danger, he never stopped proclaiming God’s truth.
His life reminds us that even in hard times, we can trust God to be our strength and salvation.
(Take a couple of minutes in quiet reflection.)
Go Forth
Leader: Loving God,
You are our refuge and strength, our hope from the beginning.
Like John the Baptist, help us to trust in You,
to speak Your truth with courage,
and to prepare the way for Jesus in our hearts and in the world.
May our lives sing of Your salvation,
today and always.
Pope Francis told us that “with the Jubilee, we start a new life, a new phase… we
begin again.” Source
All: God, guide us on our journey as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
Leader: Let us go now in peace and love, ready to serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Extinguish candles and pause.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
