INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Whether it’s fair to him or not, the poet T. S. Eliot is often quoted nowadays for writing: ‘We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.’
His words reflect our calling as the pilgrim people of God. With the first meeting of the Plenary Council coming to a close, a new phase of our wayfaring begins, not just here in Australia, but globally.
Today Pope Francis officially launches a church-wide journey of synodality towards the synod of 2023. It’s a summons to travel light, as the Gospel tells, and with Mary’s faith that ‘everything is possible to God.’
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the world-wide church, that all the baptised will set out afresh as disciples of Jesus and companions in faith.
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 calls us to put God’s loving plan for the world first in our lives. Heeding his word, let us pray for all in need.
READER
We pray for a new global ethic, that the wealthy nations of the world will share their resources freely with those burdened by poverty and adversity. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all people suffering from famine, malnutrition and food insecurity, that World Food Day (16 October) will give them hope of lasting relief. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for a deeper spirit of solidarity within Australia and with countries under-resourced for the pandemic, that this common threat will unite and not divide us. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for school students and all young people concerned for the future of the planet, that their pleas for effective climate action will be heard and met. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for mining and farming communities faced with disruption by emission reduction policies, that they will have an active role in determining just outcomes for all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Catholic community in Australia, that the deliberations of the Plenary Council will bear a rich harvest of renewal and revitalisation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for girl children around the world, that their rights to education, health, safety and fair treatment will be fully respected. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all carers, especially those in the disability sector, that they will be loving, faithful and well supported in their service. (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 to the full the blessings of eternal life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Mighty God, you fill the hungry with good things and send the rich away empty. Help us live with Mary’s faith in your goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord.