INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is highly polemical, passionate, even shocking. We never hear all six excerpts, and this year only the letter’s conclusion.
One gem of a passage from earlier in the letter is worth rescuing from this lectionary oblivion: ‘You are, all of you, sons [children] of God through faith in Christ Jesus. All baptised in Christ, you have all clothed yourselves in Christ, and there are no more distinctions between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, but you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (3:26-28).
This resounding affirmation of the fundamental equality and common identity of the baptised has yet to find full expression in the life of the contemporary church, but the Spirit’s working away.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the lay faithful in leadership roles and diverse ministries, that they will grow ever more conscious of their baptismal dignity and be inspired by it.
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’ missionary message resounds in our midst again today: ‘The kingdom of God is very near to you’. Heartened by his word, let us pray for the needs of the world.
READER
We pray for the countless people, our sisters and brothers in many lands, whose lives have been made an unspeakable misery by war, tyranny and the lust for power, that their cries of pain will pierce leaders’ hearts and open them to mercy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Jerusalem, that by the power of God’s grace it will become a city of peace and a sign of unity between the three great faiths that call it holy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for missionaries bearing witness to the Gospel in places of warfare and danger, that their steadfast faith will give local communities fresh heart and hope. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all faithful followers of Christ, that like Paul they will embrace the cross and become a wholly new creation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the staff and volunteers of humanitarian agencies, especially those serving the millions of people displaced in Sudan, that they alleviate much suffering while being kept safe themselves. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the indigenous peoples of Australia and the Torres Strait, that this year’s NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) will offer ‘strength, vision and legacy’ to the next generation of leaders. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who live from day to day with the pain of loneliness, that they will not retreat into isolation but have the courage to be open to connection and friendship. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the members of our local conference of St Vincent de Paul, that their humble service of the poor will offer them relief and the gift of self-worth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who have died recently . . ., and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will enjoy for ever the peace of the heavenly Jerusalem. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of mercy and compassion, you call us to be missionaries of peace. Be ever with us as we take your word to the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.