INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The Bible is a deeply disturbing book for those who depend on neat distinctions and definitions. Anyone whose mind operates in ‘either-or’ mode is constantly confounded by the scriptures’ ‘both-and’ logic.
Jesus is both divine and human, crucified and risen, beyond us and ever-present. Today we contemplate him as the ‘Lamb who was sacrificed’ yet ‘worthy to be given power . . . wisdom . . . glory and blessing’.
Powerless and powerful, disgraced and glorious. Time after time the word of God stretches our imaginations with these apparent contradictions. It never lets us settle into the complacency of easy compromise. It’s a gift that keeps our faith searching and growing. How good to know the mystery of life is inexhaustible.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who profess to follow Christ, that the Spirit of God will teach them the power and the wisdom of the cross.
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 here to break bread with the risen Lord, let us pray with resolute faith for the needs of the world.
READER
We pray for peace-makers in every sphere of human life, that they will defuse hatred and heal division. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Christians facing hostility for practising their faith, that they remain bold witnesses to Christ crucified and risen. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for climate scientists, that their positive plans for a healthy planet will be adopted and implemented without delay. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all followers of Islam, that they will celebrate the end of Ramadan with festive joy and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for journalists around the world, that Press Freedom Day (3 May) will renew their dedication to fearless reporting of the truth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are seeking election to federal Parliament, that they will heed the Australian bishops’ plea for a better kind of politics. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for an end to all forms of domestic and family violence, that every home will be a haven of respect and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community, that the Spirit of the risen Lord will enliven our faith and inspire our mission. (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 praise the glorious Lamb of God in eternal joy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of all life and love, you raised your Son from the cross to glory. Send us forth as heralds of your mercy. We ask this through Christ our Lord.