INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Pope Francis devoted a whole chapter of his encyclical Fratelli Tutti to the Good Samaritan. Here’s a tiny portion. ‘The parable eloquently presents the basic decision we need to make in order to rebuild our wounded world. In the face of so much pain and suffering, our only course is to imitate the Good Samaritan . . . The parable shows us how a community can be rebuilt by men and women who identify with the vulnerability of others, who reject the creation of a society of exclusion, and act instead as neighbours, lifting up and rehabilitating the fallen for the sake of the common good’ (#67).
Francis’ heartfelt appeal for us to own and act out of our common humanity has become more urgent than ever.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all people of good will, that the example of their inclusive neighbourly love will testify to our shared humanity and help dissolve division.
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 bids us love our neighbour as we love ourselves. With hearts open to all those around us, let us pray for a new world of care and compassion.
READER
We pray for the church, that in our war-torn world it will be a vibrant sign of the Christ in whom all things have been reconciled in peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for innocent civilians forced to flee for their lives from hostile attack on their nation, that they will find safe shelter and be able to return home without delay. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for mediators of peace in every field of combat, that their efforts to persuade warring parties to hold fire and engage in negotiations will bear fruit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our global neighbours cruelly deprived of their daily bread, that the world community will unite in sharing its abundance with them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all champions of nature, that they will inspire us to be good stewards of the creation that God has wonderfully called into being in Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for unheralded Good Samaritans who care for the needy with no thought of recognition or reward, that they will be blessed for their humble goodness. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the hungry and homeless in our neighbourhood, that the onset of winter will prompt the whole community to give them generous support. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish and school community, that we will all encourage one another to love God and neighbour with all our heart and mind and soul and strength. (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 be led into glory by Christ, the first-born from the dead. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of heaven and earth, your Son Jesus lived among us as neighbour to all. Set our hearts free to love as he loved. We ask this through Christ our Lord.