INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The pendulum of today’s word swings wildly. The comic story of Jonah’s astonishing success in converting the whole of Nineveh gives way to Paul’s dire warnings. Time is short, he writes, the world is passing away, turn your life completely inside out. Mark’s no-nonsense Gospel brings us back to centre.
Jesus calls for repentance but that’s to make room for the good news of God’s reign. It’s such a word of hope and promise that the four fishermen dare to leave their livelihoods behind.
All up, the word of God poses some simple questions. What are you waiting for? What are you holding on to? What is it that you are afraid to lose? Jesus would have us see there’s everything to gain.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for children who have known nothing but war, inhumanity and hunger, that they will be given the security they need to grow in body, mind and spirit.
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, Jesus calls us to take his good news to heart and find life in him. In response, let us pray for the reign of God to come in our hearts and in our world.
READER
We pray for the world-wide people of God, that the love and joy they share will manifest the reign of God proclaimed by Jesus. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people choosing their path in life at this time, that they will be open to hear and choose the call of the Gospel. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family, that the many crises the world faces will not lead us to passive resignation but will spur us to hope-filled action. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for workers in humanitarian agencies striving to alleviate acute suffering in places of war, that the scale of the task will not overwhelm them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those engaged in negotiations to end brutal bloodshed in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, that they will not rest until ceasefires are achieved. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all guardians of nature, that their love of the world in which we live will inspire us to play our part in caring for the earth, our common home. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the First Peoples of Australia and all who have made their home in this ancient land, that this week’s Australia Day observances will promote justice, unity and respect. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our local community of faith, that we will welcome each other with love and be true companions on the way of faith. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will take their place in the heavenly kingdom with all the angels and saints. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of all mercy and compassion, you destined us and all creation to share in your eternal love. Sustain us in hope as we make our way to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.