INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Time and again the word of God expresses feelings and attitudes that we may not dare admit to ourselves.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from anger, despair, shame, pain and vengefulness on the one hand, nor deny joy, hope, gratitude, wonder and praise on the other. The whole gamut of human emotion is laid bare, particularly especially in the psalms.
Today it’s the sense of futility and meaninglessness. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, the Preacher laments. What do we gain for all our toil under the sun? Jesus poses an equally discomforting question. What gain is there in winning the whole world and losing our very self (Lk 9:25)? Both questions challenge us to seek the wisdom that sets us free.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who are downcast and disheartened, that they will have the courage to wait for the grace of hope.
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, out of his poverty Christ has made us rich in grace. United in him, let us pray for all to know the wealth of his love.
READER
For the church in every land, that it will manifest Christ among us, our present treasure and our hope of glory. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the indigenous people of Canada, that Pope Francis’ meeting with them will help heal the past and open the way to a new future. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For nations with nuclear arms, that the remembrance of Hiroshima on the feast of the Transfiguration (6 August) will urge them to renounce their use forever. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the whole human family, that the world community will unite to reverse the growing inequality within and between nations fuelled by global warming, famine and war. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For schools and communities observing National Tree Day (31 July), that their efforts to care for the earth will make the world a safer and healthier place. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For health workers still being overwhelmed by the spread of Covid, that the whole community will support them by observing COVID-safe practices. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, that they will celebrate their national day (4 August) this week with pride and confidence. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For families living with the pain of a missing family member, that they will take heart from the steadfast support of friends and the whole community. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that Christ’s glory will be revealed to them in full. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of all goodness, your Son became poor for our sake that we might become rich in your love. Bless us with generous hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord.