INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The setting is humble – Jesus’ home-town synagogue – but the prophetic mission he claims is grand. It resounds again in this Year of Jubilee, a year of new hope.
‘May our hope in God,’ Pope Francis wrote last year, ‘help us to recover the confident trust that we require, in the Church and in society, in our interpersonal relationships, in international relations, and in our task of promoting the dignity of all persons and respect for God’s gift of creation. May the witness of believers be for our world a leaven of authentic hope, a harbinger of new heavens and a new earth, where men and women will dwell in justice and harmony, in joyful expectation of the fulfilment of the Lord’s promises.’
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the church, that in every land it will proclaim the good news of God’s unfailing grace and favour.
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, today as we listen Jesus reveals his mission of healing and liberation. Moved by his prophetic Spirit, let us pray for a world made new.
READER
We pray for peace in Gaza, that the ceasefire will allow humanitarian aid to reach those most in need of food, shelter and medical care. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Pope Francis and all church leaders, that they be Spirit-filled prophets of a new heaven and a new earth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the poor and downtrodden, especially those forced to flee their homeland by war, famine or oppression, that they may find the safe refuge they seek. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are blind or held captive in body, mind or spirit, that they be set free for lives of fulfilling love and service. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who will celebrate the lunar new year this week (29 January), that they may travel safely, renew family ties and be refreshed in spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who dwell in this ancient land, that today’s national observance will be an opportunity to give thanks for our blessings, reconcile our differences and commit ourselves afresh to work for the common good. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children, parents and teachers at the start of this new school year, that it will be a rewarding year of discovery, growth and achievement. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish and faith community, that we will give thanks for being one body in Christ, blessed with the many gifts of the Spirit. (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 the joy of the Lord will be their strength forever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of all goodness, by the power of your Spirit you make all things new in Christ. Help us renew the face of the earth. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.