INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Time and again in John’s Gospel, Jesus takes charge of a conversation and leads questioners down an unexpected path towards deeper understanding. Today, when he notes the curiosity of the two disciples, he asks them what they want. Perhaps taken by surprise, they say simply that they want to see where he lives.
Jesus’ reply – ‘Come and see’ – is much more than an invitation to inspect his abode, wherever that may have been. It’s more like Wisdom’s summons to the banquet she has prepared (Proverbs 9:5). The foolish are invited to eat and drink at her table to gain insight and understanding. Jesus is forever asking us to come and see, to spend time in his company and find grace and truth.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all the faithful, that they will listen carefully for God’s call and readily play their part in renewing the face of the earth.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, keeping company with Jesus the Christ and the Lamb of God, let us pray for his truth and grace to bless the entire world.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, bishop of Rome and shepherd of the church. May he always be a sure and faithful apostle of Jesus Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray in thanksgiving for all who have led us to Jesus. May we never cease to encourage each other to seek his face. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the church in Nicaragua and every place where hostile regimes oppress church leaders. May faithful believers stay strong and united. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all peace-loving people caught up in wars not of their making, in Palestine and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Sudan, Myanmar and Yemen. May those who are negotiating for peace hasten an end to their suffering. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the tidal wave of people abandoning their homeland in desperation because of war, poverty and climate change. May the world community work together to give them shelter and security. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the young adults of Australia. May they be blessed with a healthy appreciation of their sexuality and have the freedom to say no to violence and exploitation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the flood-affected people of Queensland. May they receive the emergency help they need now and long-term support to recover and rebuild. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are travelling back from summer holidays at this time. May they return home safely and be ready to take up the challenges and opportunities the new year presents. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they be raised to eternal glory. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Gracious God, you have revealed your wisdom and love to us in Jesus your Son. Keep us true to him. We ask this through Christ our Lord.