INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The interruption of Ordinary Time by Lent and Easter means we never hear all six readings from Paul’s white-hot letter to the Galatians. A pity.
Here’s a resumé of what we’ve missed. Paul immediately asserts his authority and castigates the Galatians for abandoning the Gospel he’d preached to them. This Gospel was revealed to him directly by God, not by human beings.
What matters is ‘not obedience to the Law, but faith in Jesus Christ’ (2:16); Christ, with whom he has been crucified, is now his life. Faith in Christ makes all the baptised – ‘Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female’ – one in Christ Jesus (3:28). Christ has set them free, and free they must stay, as he argues today.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all the baptised in Christ Jesus, that they will enjoy the freedom of the Spirit and love their neighbour as themselves.
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 dares us to follow him with open eyes on the way to Jerusalem. In his name let us pray for God’s rule to come.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, bishop of Rome, and for all bishops. May they constantly manifest to the world the joy of the Gospel. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the whole human family, and especially the people of Ukraine. May everyone on earth become an ambassador of peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are struggling to ease the global food and energy crisis. May the world community unite in their full support. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for lovers of creation. May they inspire us to cherish the lands, waters, plants and all the creatures of planet earth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the churches of Africa. May they bear strong and vibrant witness to God’s reign of justice, love and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the members of the Plenary Council. May they make final preparations for the second session in great freedom of Spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who live in remote and isolated communities in Australia. May they not be deprived of the resources and services they need to flourish. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community. May we encourage one another to follow Jesus with all our hearts, even on the way of the cross. (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 blessed with the fullness of joy in God’s presence. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of undying love, we bless you for your goodness. By the power of your Spirit, keep us true to Jesus. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord.