INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
From start to finish, Jesus refuses to conform to others’ conventional expectations.
In the beginning it was Satan with wily temptations in the desert, at the end it was bystanders taunting him to come down from the cross. Today it’s the newly-fed crowd that want him to be king.
Time and again Jesus displays a sure conviction of his self-hood and mission and a steely determination to stay true to it. That makes him an awkward companion for those who let their sense of self be dictated by the edicts of culture or their peers.
Like Peter the apostle, we recoil from the notion of a self-sacrificing role model. Jesus would want us to be unafraid of such awesome freedom.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the volunteers who staff soup kitchens and food banks in local communities, that their service of the needy will be a labour 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, grateful for the gifts of God that nourish us, let us pray for all our sisters and brothers in need.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis. May he be blessed with lasting health of body, mind and spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for church communities in every land. May they be alive in the Spirit and united in love and hope and faith. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
We pray for the countless people around the world burdened with constant food insecurity. May nations work together to deliver them life-saving nourishment. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
We pray for nearby peoples facing widespread COVID-19, especially Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Fiji. May they gain access to the resources and support they need. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
We pray for those who risk their lives defending the human rights of minorities. May their brave advocacy sow seeds of justice and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
We pray for grandparents and the elderly. May this World Day of Prayer for them highlight the gift they are to families and the whole community. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
We pray for all the members of blended families. May they grow together in trust, respect and love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
We pray for our own faith community. May the many gifts of the Holy Spirit flourish in our midst. (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 be made welcome at the banquet of everlasting life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Gracious God, you nourish with wisdom and love. Free us to feed the hungry with the fruits of the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Image: Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash