INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
There’s an absoluteness about Jesus’ decree – call no-one rabbi, father or teacher, for there is only one Master, one Father and one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters – that suggests it’s an original saying rather than Matthew’s formulation.
Yet Jesus also singled Peter out and authorised his leadership. Simply put, there’s an enduring tension between radical equality and a community’s need for structure. Historic attempts by Christian reformers to take Jesus literally have failed, sometimes at great cost, but the challenge to strike the right balance between equality and authority is ongoing.
Pope Francis’ sharp critique of clericalism and his promotion of synodality have begun to swing the pendulum back towards the primacy of our common baptism and servant leadership.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for religious leaders of every kind, that they will be transparent examples of wisdom, goodness and fidelity.
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 sheds light on our shared equality before God and calls us to humble service. In the spirit of our common discipleship, let us pray for the whole human family.
READER
We pray for all who sow seeds of peace in hearts, homes, communities and nations, that their ministry of mercy will quench the flames of hate and anger. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Jews and Palestinians living around the world, that in their anguish at the terrible bloodshed in Israel and Gaza they not be subjected to or engage in any form of abuse or vilification. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all nations observing Remembrance Day this week, that honouring those who have died in armed conflict or peacekeeping will strengthen their resolve to work ceaselessly for peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the world-wide church, that the deliberations of the Synod will inspire the whole people of God to realise their common dignity as sisters and brothers in Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the people of Australia, that the outcome of the referendum will call us to deep reflection and a renewed commitment to justice and reconciliation throughout the nation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for prison inmates, their guards and their chaplains, that today’s Prison Sunday will give them common cause to advocate for reform of the penal system. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who have Covid or are vulnerable to infection, that public authorities will maintain effective health measures and nursing care for them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for ourselves, that we will gladly accept God’s message as a living power among us. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will take their place in the communion of saints and rejoice in God forever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Holy God and Father of all, you surround the peoples of the earth with your loving embrace. Help us live as your daughters and sons and as servants of one another. We ask this through Christ our Lord.