INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
In these times of great uncertainty and change in world and nation and church, it seems providential to be reading from the Apocalypse (or Revelation) this Easter season. Though conveyed in cryptic language and strange symbolism, its truth is plain. Worldly powers are ultimately no match for the sovereignty of Christ. At the same time, its mixed bag of visions and coded storytelling make it vulnerable to misinterpretation by those who peddle falsehood and conspiracy theories.
Fortunately, our lectionary selections are uniformly inspirational, inviting us to ‘look for the things that are in heaven,’ as Paul advised the Colossians last Sunday. We gaze with patient love at the new and heavenly Jerusalem as we await ‘a new heaven and a new earth’ (21:1).
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for the Catholic community in Australia, that it will lead the nation in hearing the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
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, forgiven by Jesus and stirred by his Spirit, the apostles bore bold witness to the gospel. Trusting in the saving power of the risen Lord, let us pray for the needs of the world.
READER
We pray for the poor, for migrants and refugees, for all without power or voice, and everyone for whom Pope Francis was a tireless advocate, that their claims for justice, dignity and peace will be heard and fulfilled. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all whose hope and faith have been refreshed by the example of Pope Francis, that they will follow Christ the Lamb ever more closely and find life in him. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the church, that the whole community of faith will advance together on the path of synodality laid open by Pope Francis. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the voting members of the college of cardinals, that their consideration of the next Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the global church will be guided truly by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for workers in this Jubilee Year of Hope, that they will be assured of safe working conditions, fair pay, and the opportunity to build a better world. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have been jailed unjustly, especially those sent to overcrowded and violent prisons, that they will find the strength to survive and not be embittered by anger and hate. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have been elected to Parliament in yesterday’s federal election, that they will serve the nation with integrity, diligence and care for the common good. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for communities in rural and remote Australia affected either by floods or looming drought, that they will receive the short-term assistance they need and call the whole nation together to respond to climate change. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased, especially Pope Francis, . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will join the heavenly chorus forever acclaiming the Lamb of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Holy God, your risen Son gave mercy and peace to those who failed him. Free us from fear, take away our shame, and send us out in Jesus’ name. We ask this through him, the heavenly Lamb, our risen Lord, for ever and ever.