INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Marriage and divorce have received ample attention over the years, and the treatment of children in more recent times, so let’s turn our attention to the letter to the Hebrews.
Sadly, we never hear its majestic opening verses, except in the rare event of their use in the Day Mass for Christmas. The whole letter is a literary and theological masterpiece in the form of a homily, but it demands familiarity with both Jewish scripture and Greek philosophy.
Today’s text from chapter two, the first of seven, introduces some of the letter’s major themes: Jesus’ unique identity as a mortal human being yet gloriously divine, his saving suffering once and for all, and our solidarity with him on our journey to the Promised Land.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all whose hopes for a life-long partnership of love have not been realised, that they will not harbour blame or shame but find their way to a new and fruitful 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 presents us with God’s age-old ideal of lifelong fidelity in marriage. With trust in God’s pledge of love for us, let us pray for the world to be graced with mercy, healing and kindness.
READER
We pray for all taking part in the Synod on Synodality, that Friday’s anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (11 October) will be a source of inspiration for them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for married couples and all in committed relationships, that they will be blessed with the gift of faithful love and wherever necessary with the balm of forgiveness. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for a humble and honest church, that it will repent of its abuse of children and do all in its power to make amends. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all guardians of nature, that tomorrow’s World Habitat Day (7 October) will help them bring an end to land clearing that deprives creatures of their natural home. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the multitude of people caught up in wars to which the world pays no attention, that their plight will not be ignored and their need for relief be met. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all nations to abolish the death penalty, that those guilty of serious crime may have the opportunity to repent and the innocent be saved from unjust execution. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Jewish people observing the Day of Atonement this coming Saturday (12 October), that it will be an occasion of purification and heartfelt renewal for them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the scavengers who eke out a living from the rubbish tips of the world, that they will find their way to work that is healthy and justly paid. (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 they will be crowned with the glory and splendour of Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Faithful God, you made us in your own image and re-made us in Christ. Help us to be true to you and to one another. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.