INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Paul’s letters, even late ones using his name, are driven by a dynamo of discovery. The shock of conversion launched him on a lifelong journey of exploration. Always eager to learn more about Christ, he was just as keen to make Christ known.
The mystery, he tells the Colossians, is ‘Christ among you, your hope of glory’. Mystery, for Paul, is not a problem to be solved, but an unfailing well of wisdom. Not something fatally obscure, but a living truth whose meaning is inexhaustible.
Paul invites and incites his readers to share in his odyssey of faith. If we stay sheltered in a bay of religious propositions and moral dictates, it’s time some Pauline wind drove us out to sea.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For artists moved to create works of religious inspiration, that they will help manifest the mystery of faith for all to see.
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, Christ is among us, our hope of glory. Trained in his wisdom, let us pray for the needs of the world.
READER
We pray for all preachers of the Gospel and teachers of the faith, that they will make known to the world the glorious mystery of Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the leaders of nations, that they will increase, not cut off, the flow of humanitarian aid on which many millions rely on to survive and to care for their children. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for women in the church, that every door possible will be laid open to enable them to offer their gifts of leadership, witness and service to the whole community. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the church in Australia, that the practice of synodality will take root in every diocese, parish and organisation across the nation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for couples unable to have children or who have suffered the grief of miscarriage, that they will find peace of heart and other ways of living fruitful lives. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for local cultural, sporting and service groups, that their grass-roots activities will break down barriers and help communities grow strong together. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for workers in essential industries, especially those employed in dangerous, demanding and unpopular work, that they will be justly appreciated for their service. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children returning to school, that this week’s Schools Tree Day (25 July) will inspire them and their families to love nature and care for the earth. (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 the mystery of Christ will be fully unveiled for them in the kingdom of heaven. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of wisdom and bounty, you revealed your glory to us in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help us live by the wisdom of the cross. We ask this through Christ our Lord.