INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Demonic powers loom large in Mark’s Gospel, as Brendan Byrne observes in his commentary A Costly Freedom (Sydney: St Paul’s 2008): “People in the ancient world generally and the biblical world in particular spoke of demonic possession when they felt themselves held captive from within by forces and compulsions over which they had not control – transpersonal forces that robbed them of freedom and choice, stunted their human growth, and alienated them from God, from life in community, and from their own individual humanity” (xii).
Mark’s Jesus sets about liberating people from such forms of servitude. He does so with alacrity, energy and authority, as we read today. All of which makes for good news, as Mark said at the outset (1:1).
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who work in the field of mental health, especially with young people, that they may be agents of lasting freedom and wellbeing.
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, wherever Jesus went he offered healing and hope to the afflicted. Let us pray for his Spirit to bring new life to the whole human family.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis and all Christian leaders, that like Paul the apostle they will proclaim the good news unceasingly and announce God’s saving grace to all the world. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the people of God, that this Word of God Sunday will encourage everyone to read and pray and find life in God’s written word. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the whole human family, that all will take to heart the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the many in war-torn places enduring extreme weather, famine and trauma, that they will receive the humanitarian aid they need to survive. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all preparing to observe the lunar New Year this coming weekend, that they will celebrate safely with their families and communities and be renewed in a spirit of hope. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for economic policy makers, that they will have the wisdom and courage to undertake reforms that promote the common good. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for cancer patients, especially children, that today’s World Cancer Day will encourage the sharing of research and resources for life-saving treatment. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for food producers and suppliers around the country, that they will care for the land and be paid fairly for the fruits of their labour. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will become a new creation in the glory of Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of mercy and compassion, you showed your love for us in the healing work of Jesus. Set us free from fear and send us out as heralds of hope. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.