INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Jesus never taught his followers to go looking for the cross any more than he did. He was a lover of life, not death.
He dreamed of a new world, a world of peace, mercy, love and life. A dream, not a daydream or idle fantasy. Jesus looked at the world with a clear eye and saw the power of death in its many guises. It was his refusal to succumb to its deceptive persuasion that took him to the cross.
Put plainly, by living with integrity, speaking the truth fearlessly and loving selflessly, Jesus poked the bear of ‘the way the world is’ and suffered the consequences. It’s the cross of Gospel living that Jesus would have us take up.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who traffic in falsehood, propaganda and deception, that they will be led to the light and become bearers of truth.
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 dares us to let go of our lives in order to save them. Let us give ourselves in prayer to the needs of the world.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, that his pastoral visit to Hungary and Slovakia will inspire the baptised to profess their faith in Jesus and follow him even on the way of the cross. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the world’s democratic nations, that this week’s International Day of Democracy (15 September) will strengthen appreciation for justice, freedom, respect and participation. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the whole human family, that all will take up their role as stewards of creation and join together in caring for the earth, our common home. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for leaders responsible for COVID decision-making, that they will exercise their authority with wisdom, courage and clarity, and always for the common good. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for those who make and administer Australian migration policy, that Citizenship Day (17 Sept) will persuade them to end the punitive treatment of temporary visa holders. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the participants in next month’s Plenary Council, that they will speak out in the Spirit, listen with freedom of heart, and discern what God is asking of the church in Australia. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the residents and staff of aged care facilities, that they will be assured of conditions that foster safety, respect for human dignity, and positive well-being. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for ourselves, that the faith we profess will be manifest in lives of loving service. (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 be led to the glory of the Risen Lord. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Faithful God, you raised your servant-Son from cross to glory. Help us follow him with all our hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord.