INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
An obstacle for Jews, madness for pagans. So wrote Paul about the crucified Christ (1 Cor 1:23). The apostles themselves couldn’t bear the thought (Mt 16:22). Yet strangely, all four evangelists record Jesus’ passion at great length and in great detail.
Here’s how scripture scholar Brendan Byrne sums up the version we hear today. ‘What Luke brings out are certain aspects of the meaning of Jesus’ death: that he died in the freedom of love, a human love enacting the divine love that drove his entire mission; that his death brought forgiveness; that attending it were all the qualities – healing, assurance, peace – that had been features of his ministry as a whole’ (The Hospitality of God. Sydney: St Paul’s, 2000, 185).
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all people experiencing betrayal, rejection or violence, that they will hold fast to the hope of a new beginning.
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, in the spirit of Jesus’ self-sacrifice on the cross, let us pray with heartfelt compassion for our wounded world.
READER
For all apostles of peace, that they be constantly inspired by the example of Jesus who poured out his life in love for all. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For Christian believers around the world, that they be active ministers of mercy and healing to all who are in distress. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the poor of the world who bear the brunt of war, disease and climate change, that the grave injustice of their suffering be addressed by the whole human family. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the growing millions of people displaced from their homeland, that the world community will unite in offering them shelter, safety and support. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the nations of Oceania and the Pacific, that they will be strong and resourceful in dealing with the multiple challenges they face. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For Australia, that all engaged in the federal election campaign will uphold the civic values of truth, respect and integrity. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For Caritas Australia and all its partner agencies, that our support for Project Compassion this year will help their mission of care and compassion transform the lives of many. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that this Holy Week will be a time of deep spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
For the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be raised from death to share in the glory of Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son became as we are even unto death. Give us the courage to follow him, even on the way of the cross. We ask this through Christ our Lord.