INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Unlike the secret deliberations of the papal conclave, Luke openly reports the arguments that Peter, Barnabas and Paul, and James present to the Council of Jerusalem. However, they are in verses Sunday Mass-goers never get to hear (15:3-21).
The speakers are of one mind. Gentile believers are not bound by Jewish Law or the requirement of circumcision. As already revealed to Peter in a vision (Acts 10), the Gospel is open to all who come to faith in Jesus.
It’s possible to view this Council as an exercise in synodality. One can also see a parallel between its welcoming stance and the missionary outreach of Popes Francis and Leo. It encourages every Christian community to radiate the joy of the Gospel to all and sundry.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for dioceses, parishes and all communities of believers, that they will be havens of hospitality for all in search of healing and hope.
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, before returning to the Father, Jesus promises his disciples peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Trusting in his word, we pray for God’s blessing on the church and the whole world.
READER
We pray for Pope Leo, that he will tirelessly proclaim Jesus’ word and never cease to call for peace on earth and care of the poor. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all church leaders, that like the apostles and elders at the Council of Jerusalem they will heed the wisdom of the Spirit and guide the church on the way of the gospel. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for UN peacekeeping personnel, that wherever they are stationed they will defuse volatile conflict, keep local people safe and pave the way for lasting peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the multitude of refugees in various countries of Africa, that they will be given safe shelter, life-saving nourishment and the hope of a place to call home. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all Australians, especially the land’s First Peoples, that tomorrow’s National Sorry Day (26 May) and the start of Reconciliation Week will bring everyone together in remembrance of the past, acceptance of the present, and commitment to a shared future. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people priced out of the housing market and for older people under threat of homelessness, that all relevant authorities will collaborate to alleviate the housing crisis. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for rural and regional communities experiencing severe drought, that they will stay strong together and have their hardship eased by just and fair assistance. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community as it celebrates the Feast of the Visitation (31 May), that like Mary and Elizabeth all will be filled with a spirit of joy, gratitude and generosity. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . . , and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will take their place in the new Jerusalem lit by the glory of God and the Lamb. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Giver of all good gifts, Lord God, you make your home in all who keep the word of Jesus. Keep our minds and hearts open to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord.