INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Today’s grand finale of the liturgical year reminds us of the night we thrill to gather around the paschal fire. In the light of its flames the Easter candle is marked with a cross, two Greek letters, and the numerals of the year, as the presider prays “Christ yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. All time belongs to him and all the ages. To him be glory and power through every age and for ever. Amen.”
Five grains of incense are inserted with the invocation, “By his holy and glorious wounds, may Christ the Lord guard us and protect us. Amen.” At this time of widespread confusion and conflict, these are emphatic confessions of faith to repeat.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who feel overwhelmed by the global crises confronting the human family, that the hopeful spirit of Christian believers will renew their confidence and call them to action.
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, the realm of Jesus is one of truth, life, holiness and grace. Let us pray for all people on earth to dwell in his domain.
READER
We pray for the world’s spiritual, political, cultural and financial leaders, that they will use all the power at their disposal for the good of humankind and the health of the planet. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the church around the world, that today’s concluding festival for the liturgical year will be one of joyful celebration and thankful remembrance. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people sharing in local celebrations of World Youth Day today, that, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “they who hope in the Lord will walk without tiring.” (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the women of every nation, that tomorrow’s UN Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) will help make them safe wherever they may be. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the people of Palestine, that this week’s international Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (29 November) will reinforce their hope for a homeland of peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for journalists, artists, scientists and scholars, that they will be undaunted in their endeavour to seek and convey the truth in all its forms. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those with formal responsibility for the safeguarding of minors, that the fulfilment of their obligations will protect children from harm and enable them to thrive. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for parents and families grieving the death of a child, that they will draw strength from the support of a loving community and loyal friends. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . , those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, and all the faithful departed, that they will join Jesus, the First-born from the dead, in the glorious courts of heaven. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
All-loving God, by his death on the cross Jesus your Son reconciled all things in heaven and on earth. In your goodness make us apostles of peace. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.