INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Last week’s story of Jesus’ temptations highlighted our human attraction to power, wealth and status. Today’s vision of glory invites us to hope for divine transformation.
Paul assures the Philippians that in the end our ‘wretched bodies’ will be transfigured into ‘copies of his glorious body’. With that in view, they should ‘remain faithful in the Lord’. That’s the call of Lent, to faithfully let God’s transforming work be done in us and through us.
Personal and social transformation go hand in hand. The body of the world is presently so wretched and in need of relief. One way of making a real difference is by supporting Project Compassion. If we’re brave enough to let it happen, it can transform us too.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For humanitarian agencies seeking to alleviate hunger, disease and despair in places of great suffering, that they will be sure of full support from the international community.
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, on the mount of transfiguration the apostles saw the glory of Jesus. Drawn into their vision, let us pray for all people to see the grace of God at work in the world.
READER
We pray for all who put their faith in Jesus, that they will set out on their Lenten journey with a desire to pray deeply as he did. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Christian communities around the world, that all the baptised will listen keenly to God’s Chosen One and take his words to heart. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who feel overwhelmed by the pain and suffering of the world, that the faithful love of family and friends will dispel the despondency that weighs on their hearts. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family, that World Water Day (22 March) will highlight the vital importance of water in our lives and of our duty to protect and share our water resources. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Caritas Samoa, that its work of providing water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene at primary schools will be sustained by our support for Project Compassion. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the First Nations peoples of Australia, that this week’s Close the Gap Day (20 March) will show progress in achieving good health outcomes for all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Australian community, that Harmony Day (21 March) this week will help strengthen our solidarity as we celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich the nation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community, that this week’s feasts of Saints Patrick and Joseph will gladden our hearts and inspire our Lenten observance. (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 their mortal bodies will be transfigured with the glory of Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of might and mystery, you revealed your glory to us in your Son, the Chosen One. Help us hear his word and put it into practice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.