INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The enduring appeal of Handel’s Messiah is evident in its regular performance and radio broadcast every Easter and Christmas.
The glorious choral setting of today’s acclamation of the Lamb brings the oratorio to a stirring conclusion. But its joyous and wholly confident spirit offers only temporary relief from the discontents of our age. The nation and the world at large seem afflicted by a corrosive malaise feeding division and complaint.
The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection appearances may be a resource for our times. They are surprisingly honest about the disciples’ uncertainty, fear and even disbelief. The stories encourage us not to deny our doubts, but to dwell with them honestly long enough for deeper convictions and lasting joy to emerge.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the Earth, our Mother, that we her children will care for her with wisdom and 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, gathered in the Spirit of the risen Lord, let us pray with bold faith for a new heaven and a new earth.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis and for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, that their joint appeal will move us all to care for the earth, our common home. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who bear public witness to Christ, that the testimony of their lives will give courage and hope to all who live in the shadow of death. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children traumatised by war, that they will get the long-term help they need to recover from their terrible suffering. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all Red Cross staff and volunteers, that the service which they and all humanitarian agencies render will make the world a safer, healthier and more peaceful place. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for mothers, grandmothers and all who have played a motherly role in our lives, that they be blessed for the loving care they have shown us. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young Australians preparing to vote for the first time in this month’s election, that they will consider carefully what is best for this land and all its people. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for temporary visa holders living in constant anxiety about their future, that they be given the certainty they need to build new lives for themselves and their families. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are caring for a family member with a disability, that they will receive the practical and emotional support they need for their own wellbeing. (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 join the angels and saints in joyful praise of the Lamb of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of everlasting love, you have called us out of darkness into your marvellous light. Make us bearers of your light for all. We ask this through Christ our Lord.