INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
John alone links Moses’ serpent with the cross of Christ. It’s a creative connection. In each case, an instrument of death becomes the source of life. In each case, a gaze of faith opens the way to God’s saving action.
Many generations of believers have grown up in sight of all sorts of crosses and crucifixes, but it took centuries for Christians to begin fashioning the symbols that became emblematic of Christian faith.
The first crosses, bare or bejewelled, embody John’s merging of crucifixion and resurrection, but later ages saw crucifixes with the wounded body of Jesus gain dominance. With crosses now trinkets of personal decoration, Lent’s a time to take a long loving look at one that stirs us to faith.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for artists of every kind, that their works of imagination will help us glimpse God’s beauty in humanity and in creation.
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, happily reminded of God’s gracious gift of life for us, let us pray for the whole world to be bathed in the light of Christ.
READER
1. We pray for Pope Francis, that the health challenges he faces may strengthen his determination to proclaim the joy of the gospel to the ends of the earth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for all who profess their faith in Jesus Christ, that through this season of Lent they might delight ever more in being God’s work of art. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
3. We pray for the followers of Islam who begin observing Ramadan tomorrow night (11 March), that their month of prayer, fasting and community will renew their devotion and faith. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
4. We pray for the countless people who live in exile with no hope of return, that they may have the freedom, courage and support they need to settle in new lands. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
5. We pray for children orphaned, wounded and traumatised in places of pitiless warfare, that the loving care of their communities will heal their sadness and pain. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
6. We pray for Caritas Australia’s local partners in Malawi, that our giving to Project Compassion will help them maintain their training programs for rural young women. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
7. We pray for the scientists and guardians of the world’s oceans, that they might persuade us to save this irreplaceable source of life from the peril of global warming. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
8. We pray for workers of all kinds, that they may be assured of safety from workplace bullying, harassment and discrimination. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they be raised up to eternal life with Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of infinite grace, you made us in your image and re-created us in Christ. Help us live the good life that you meant us to live from the very beginning. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.