INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The roll call of Old Testament heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 is exclusively male, except for Sarah and a mention of Rahab.
By contrast, many women come readily to mind as Australian heroes of faith. Mary MacKillop is the stand-out as our first saint, but there are others, both lay and religious. Caroline Chisholm, wife and mother, champion of women migrants and families. Maude O’Connell, teacher, social worker, trade unionist and family care founder. Mum Shirl, tireless prison visitor and campaigner for Indigenous rights. Mary Glowrey, doctor and missionary.
We could leaven this list with men like Ted Kennedy, priest, pastor and social justice advocate, and bring to the fore more of our lay heroes of faith.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the growing multitude of people suffering from hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity, that concerted international cooperation will address their plight.
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 be ready for him to break into our lives. Watching and waiting, let us hold the world and its hopes in our hearts.
READER
We pray for Jewish, Christian and Muslim believers, that like Abraham and Sarah, their forebears in faith, they will put their trust in God’s unfailing word. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for world leaders, that the deadly heatwaves, fires and drought afflicting the Northern Hemisphere will hasten effective action to curb global warming. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the indigenous peoples of every land, that this week’s world observance will honour their cultural heritage and advance their claims for justice. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the people of Sri Lanka, that the political and economic crisis they face will be peacefully resolved. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the church in Australia, that the bold witness of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop will be a constant inspiration for missionary discipleship. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all members of federal Parliament, whether newly elected or returning, that they will serve the common good of the nation with integrity and wisdom. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for policy-makers at every level of government, that they will act to end the degradation of Australia’s environment and the critical loss of native species. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for young people around the world, especially in places of violence, oppression and poverty, that this week’s International Youth Day (12 August) will help sustain their hopes of a better future. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will receive the eternal inheritance promised them. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Holy God, your Son told us to follow his example and wash each other’s feet. Give us the grace to be faithful servants in your household. We ask this through Christ our Lord.