INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
No two Gospel endings are the same. Mark concludes strangely on a note of fear (16:8), Matthew ends triumphantly with the great commission (28:18-20), John signs off with a statement of purpose (20:30-31), while Luke doesn’t wind up definitively at all (24:52-53).
That’s the point, of course. Luke has had Jesus steadfastly make his way to Jerusalem to meet his fate (9:51), but that’s only part one of the story. In part two – the Acts of the Apostles – Jerusalem becomes the launching pad of the apostolic mission. It’s a largely upbeat tale of steady progress. Paul’s letters offer a partial antidote to Luke’s sunny cheerfulness. His reports of painful disputes and setbacks being overcome testify to the Spirit’s work amid our earthly shadows.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all members of the College of Cardinals, that their conclave experience will invigorate their apostolic service in churches around the globe.
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 farewelled his disciples with the parting promise of the Spirit. Sharing in their joyful expectation, let us pray for the world to welcome the good news.
READER
We pray for all who have been baptised in Christ and anointed with the Holy Spirit, that their lives of joyful praise will bear witness to the gift of God’s life-giving love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Christian churches around the world, that in all their rich diversity they will testify with one voice to the saving mystery of Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the hungry and fearful in theatres of war, refugee camps and places of natural disaster, that the world community will respond humanely and generously to their needs. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family, that the observance of both World Environment Day (5 June) and World Ocean Day (8 June) will encourage everyone to protect nature from plastic pollution. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the followers of Islam, that their festive celebration of the Greater Eid (6 June) will be joyful and faith-filled. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for families in this Jubilee Year of Hope, that they will be united lovingly across the generations from the new-born to the advanced in age. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Australia’s First Nations peoples, that the observance of Mabo Day (3 June) will deepen their connection to country and help them treasure their cultural heritage. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young Australian men at risk of taking their own lives, that they will acknowledge the pain they feel and reach out for the help they need. (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 follow Christ, their supreme high priest, into the eternal house of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Ever-living God, you raised your faithful Son out of death and restored him to glory at your right hand. In your kindness, bless us with the fervent desire to follow him with all our hearts. We ask this through Christ, our risen and ascended Lord.