INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The Bible can never be accused of offering simplistic answers or neat solutions to life’s questions. On the contrary, it sometimes can appear quite self-contradictory.
Today the prophet Isaiah presents an expansive, inclusive and gracious account of God’s saving love at work in the world. It’s mirrored, ever so briefly, in the psalm. By contrast, the author of Hebrews approvingly likens God to a father who inflicts painful punishment on his son to train him.
Jesus, in turn, speaks of the narrow door through which many will fail to enter; there’s no substance to their claims of companionship with him. The interplay of divine grace and human effort is clearly complex, but there’s no doubt grace has the first and last word.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who have experienced harsh and punitive treatment at the hands of church officials, that by the grace of God they will find healing and freedom of spirit.
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, taking the path of salvation means keeping close to Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. Sharing his faith and fidelity, let us pray for all our sisters and brothers.
READER
We pray for all who follow the way of Christ, that they may lead the whole human family to see the glory of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the birth of a new world, that all who are bound together by their own language and culture may have space to flourish. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the people of every land, that World Water Week (23 August-1 September) may open their eyes to the priceless value of water for all earth’s creatures. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the leaders of nations in the Middle East, that they will be moved to renounce violent rivalries and seek peace and justice for all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for sporting club volunteers working with disadvantaged young people, that their dedication will open up pathways to a fruitful life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for fathers, that they will accompany their children with love and guide their lives with wisdom. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for people young and old, that they will enjoy the wonderful world of books and be constantly enriched by their reading. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our faith community, that we will encourage one another to follow Jesus and put his words into practice. (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 will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Glorious God, you sent your Son to be our way, our truth and our life. Give us the courage to hold fast to him. We ask this through Christ our Lord.