INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
For anyone paying attention, the climate summit in Glasgow has exposed starkly different, even contradictory, estimates of the threat posed by global warming.
Nonetheless, it’s clear that unchecked climate change will put civilisation as we know it in extreme jeopardy. One after another, severe weather events around the world have put the end of the world as we know it into focus.
Given this, how can Christian believers be utterly realistic about the possibility of eco-devastation while holding fast to the conviction that humanity and the whole of creation is destined for divine glory? Only by viewing the climate crisis through the prism of the cross.
We must be prepared for radical dispossession if God’s good world is to live.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all members of the Laudato si’ movement around the world, that they will inspire the whole human family to eco-conversion.
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, as we await the coming of the Son of Man, let us pray in peace for the whole of creation.
READER
We pray for world leaders, that they will press ahead with the changes necessary to bring global warming under control. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the many who still live in poverty, that this World Day of the Poor (held today, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time) will highlight their right to a just share of the world’s resources. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are engaged in implementing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’, that their seven-year plan will unite us all in caring for the earth, our common home. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children around the world, that they may celebrate this week’s Universal Children’s Day (20 November) in freedom, safety and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have missed significant life experiences because of COVID restrictions, that they will recover from their loss and find joy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who struggle with underemployment, that they will find their way to fuller and satisfying work. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are vulnerable to addiction, that gambling and alcohol advertising be brought under more effective control. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for parish communities challenged by the shortage of priests, that the gifts of the baptised faithful may be identified and made best use of. (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 enjoy happiness at God’s right hand for ever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of heaven and earth, you made all things to share in your everlasting glory. Keep us safe in your life-giving love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.