INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
It’s clear that James’ letter didn’t go through a spin-doctoring process to soften its message.
As with the prophets of old, James doesn’t hesitate to issue uncompromising challenges to his readers. Today it’s about not making distinctions between classes of people.
Few among us are innocent; we make countless discriminatory decisions on a daily basis. Treating everyone on an equal basis is a life-long task of personal conversion. It’s also a matter of social conversion. The two great threats we face as a human family are the pandemic and climate change. Both affect disadvantaged communities disproportionately. They pose the real risk that inequality and exclusion will become even more entrenched around the globe.
James would say to us, ‘It must not be so.’
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who have fled homelands of tyranny and persecution, that they be given safe shelter and the hope of new life.
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, with ears open to hear God’s word and tongues freed to speak with love, let us pray for God’s blessing on the whole of creation.
READER
For the church, that Christian communities everywhere will be havens of healing and hope. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For fathers and all who play a fatherly role in children’s lives, that they will find fulfilment and joy in their vocation of parenthood. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the leaders of nations, that they will redouble their efforts to promote world peace and the protection of the planet. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the people of Australia, that the rising challenges of division, inequality and angry resentment will be overcome by a spirit of kindness and community. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the Jewish community, that the observance of New Year (Rosh Hashana on 7 September) will deepen their covenant love for the living God. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For all who are suffering physical, mental or financial distress from the COVID pandemic, that their plight will spur the whole community to unite in their support. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the children of Australia, that National Child Protection Week (5-11 September) will confirm the effective implementation of child safety systems and protocols. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For all who bring joy, hope and beauty into our lives, that they themselves will be blessed in their gracious gift-giving. (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 become a wholly new creation in Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Holy God and Father of Jesus, you have made us your daughters and sons in Christ. Keep us true to your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Image: A father and child from Afghanistan walk together with a medical officer after their arrival to Ramstein Air Base on 26 August 22021 in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. Ramstein has become one of the main preliminary destinations for evacuees leaving Afghanistan on US military flights. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)