INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
It isn’t clear from today’s short passage from Paul’s second letter to Corinth that he’s appealing for money. Given Paul’s habit of speaking plainly, even bluntly, it’s unusually discreet of him not to use the word. He calls his appeal a ‘work of mercy’.
The community in Jerusalem was in great need of support. Paul asks the communities abroad to give generously. In Paul’s visionary mind, believers in Christ formed a family that transcended barriers of tradition, race, status and place. This was a revolutionary insight that set a social transformation of the Roman Empire in motion.
A community in which all are valued, respected and supported irrespective of difference – that’s still a powerful prophetic sign for our fragmented world.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who work at the frontiers of new technology, that they will adhere to ethical norms based on the intrinsic value of each human being.
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, those who turn to Jesus in faith find healing and new life. Let us pray in his name for the well-being of the human family.
READER
- For spiritual leaders around the world, that they inspire many to seek the wisdom that brings true peace of heart. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For political and economic decision-makers, that they will implement the measures needed to avert climate catastrophe. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the people of impoverished nations, that they will receive a just and timely allocation of COVID vaccines. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For communities suffering famine caused by drought or violent conflict, that humanitarian aid will save their lives and give them hope. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the homeless facing the hardships of winter, that they will be given the shelter and sustenance they need. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For prison chaplains and pastoral workers, that their ministry will help prisoners gain inner freedom to choose a new future for themselves. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For students, teachers and parents, that the school holidays will be a time of relaxation and renewal. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests and parishes, that they will be guided by the Spirit to find new ways of being church together. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will know the joy of everlasting life with God. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
All-loving God, you sent your Son that we might have abundant life. Help us to be life-givers for others. We ask this through Christ our Lord.