INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Moses called on the Israelites to choose life, not death (Dt 30:19). Today’s word puts the choice before us less bluntly. Isaiah and Jesus both lament the human defiance that undoes the painstaking work of the divine vine-keeper. Paul, on the other hand, encourages his beloved Philippians to seek the peace of God in trust and tranquillity.
The age-old question of choice remains pressing. Do we choose to feed our minds and hearts on resentment, ambition, fear, self-interest and the like, or on what is true, noble, honourable, good and worthy of praise, as Paul would have us do?
At the Eucharistic meal we are offered the bread of both Christ’s word and body. Together they feed our peace and thankfulness.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for church agencies, parishes and dioceses in remote locations, that their limited resources will be supplemented by generous partnerships with sister churches.
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, once rejected by the builders, Christ has become the cornerstone of our faith. Relying on this solid foundation, let us pray for the life of the world.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, bishop of Rome and global pastor, that his new letter on the environment, Laudate Deum (Praise God), will inspire the human family to care for the earth, our common home. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the world-wide church, that the synodal process Pope Francis has set in motion will revitalise its missionary spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the churches of Africa and Latin America, that the vines of the Gospel planted there will bear abundant fruit for the kingdom of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Christian faithful around the world, that all the baptised in Christ will nourish their minds with what is true and noble and good. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for every nation on earth to outlaw the death penalty, that no human being be subject to judicially sanctioned execution. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the voters of Australia, that they will prepare carefully and conscientiously this week for the Voice referendum and vote for what they truly believe is just and best. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all members of gender diverse communities, that they be treated with respect and always experience loving acceptance. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all seminarians preparing to be ordained ministers in the Australian church, that they will become caring pastors and joyful preachers of God’s word. (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 inherit the peace of God which the world cannot give. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God ever faithful and good, you have joined us to Jesus as branches of the one true vine. Bless us with your love, that our lives may bear much fruit. We ask this through Christ our Lord.