INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel is doubly disconcerting. Jesus tells us that to follow him we must be prepared to sacrifice everyone and everything and take up our cross. This is a tough demand. It calls for a great leap of faith. Who can know in advance the true cost of discipleship?
Jesus then goes on to advocate prudence. He counsels rational calculation of the resources we need to be disciples, like a builder or a warring king. Faith and reason seem to be at odds with one another here. But the Catholic tradition has always been both-and rather than either-or. It considers faith to be grounded in reason, and reason complemented by faith.
Jesus presents the combination to us today in colourful concrete terms.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For fathers, that they will delight in their children and be blessed with life-long bonds of love.
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 follow him in freedom of heart, even on the way of the cross. Let us pray with him for all our sisters and brothers.
READER
We pray for the human family. May all people on earth come to know and rejoice in the mystery of God’s saving love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for an end to the brutal warfare in Ukraine and every place of armed conflict on earth. May the killing cease and negotiations for peace succeed. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Christian churches around the world. May they be faithful teachers of divine wisdom for all who seek the truth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Australian community. May this week’s Threatened Species Day (7 September) move us to protect their habitat and care for all the creatures God has given us. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for fathers, grandfathers and all who play a fatherly role in our lives. May they be blessed with wisdom, love and lasting joy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are trapped in economic, physical or sexual servitude. May international cooperation hasten the end of every form of modern slavery. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the children of Australia. May National Child Protection Week (4-10 September) help ensure they are always safe, supported and get a fair go. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are driven by despair to consider ending their lives. May they find the support they need from family, friends and the community to survive. (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 live in the light of God’s face forever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of peace and love, you have made the cross of Christ the sign of our salvation. Keep us close to your beloved Son as we walk in his way. We ask this through Christ our Lord.