INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Part one of Ordinary Time this year has seven Sundays. We will hear a mix of historical and prophetic readings from the Old Testament, extracts from chapters 12-15 of 1 Corinthians, and passages from the early chapters of Luke.
Curiously, however, today’s Gospel reading is from John, not Luke. It’s the only time in the three-year Sunday cycle that the wedding at Cana story is told. What appears to be a simple and heartwarming domestic tale is so much more, as key Johannine words like ‘hour’, ‘sign’ and ‘glory’ attest.
Mary appears as much a faithful disciple as a devoted mother, just as she will at the foot of the cross. In this appealing story, John’s mastery of mystery is on full display.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for children, especially girls, denied a school education because of war, poverty or ideology, that their families will find ways to teach them skills for life.
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 let his glory be seen at the wedding feast in Cana and his disciples believed in him. With Mary’s faith in Jesus, let us pray for the power of divine love to change the world.
READER
We pray for world leaders, especially the incoming President of the United States. May they use their power to promote peace among nations, the care of the planet and the wellbeing of the human family. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the people of God around the world. May their everyday lives be inspired by the Gospel and radiate the glory of God for all to see. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who minister the sacraments of the church. May they be faithful stewards of these vital signs of God’s goodness and power. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the parishes and dioceses of the church in Australia. May each one be a community of faith in which the many gifts of the Spirit are encouraged to flourish. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have lost homes and livelihoods in early summer bushfires. May they be heartened by the support of their local community and by the provision of emergency relief. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who are setting out on a new path of life this year. May the choices they make be wise and life-giving for themselves and for many others. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for couples preparing for marriage. May they use this time well to lay the foundation for a loving, faithful and life-long partnership. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are struggling with addiction of any kind and for their loved ones. May they find the strength to break free from their destructive habit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they see God face to face and rejoice in glory forever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Joyous God, in Jesus your Son you united heaven and earth, flesh and spirit. Draw us ever more deeply into this mystery of your eternal love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.