INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Nearly 20 years ago, Benedict XVI published an apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist. This Sacrament of Love, he wrote thoughtfully, was a mystery to be believed, celebrated, and lived. Here’s a fragment: ‘Our communities . . . must become ever more conscious . . . that the Eucharist compels all who believe in him to become “bread that is broken” for others, and to work for the building of a more just and fraternal world. Keeping in mind the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, we need to realise that Christ continues today to exhort his disciples to become personally engaged: “You yourselves, give them something to eat” (Mt 14:16). Each of us is truly called, together with Jesus, to be bread broken for the life of the world.’ (#88)
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For a church-wide desire for full, conscious and active participation in the eucharistic liturgy, that it truly be the source and summit of the church’s life.
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, gathered to remember Jesus in bread and cup as he commanded, let us pray earnestly for humanity’s hungers to be satisfied in full.
READER
We pray for all the peoples of the Middle East, that warring regimes in the region will choose to hold their fire and engage in diplomatic negotiations to resolve their differences. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Christian communities around the world, that every eucharist they celebrate will truly proclaim Jesus’ death and profess his resurrection until he comes again. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who preside at the Lord’s table and those who serve as liturgical ministers, that they will enable the whole community to celebrate a eucharist of mercy and mission. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who have care for the world’s seas and oceans, that they will bring an end to destructive and excessive fishing practices so that marine life can flourish. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Pope Leo and all who serve in the church’s diplomatic corps, that in today’s turbulent world they will be effective agents of peace, reconciliation and human solidarity. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Australia’s state, territory and federal parliamentarians, that they will work faithfully and tirelessly for the wellbeing of the land and all its people. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who work in the many different fields of Catholic media, that they will succeed in communicating the good news with creativity and conviction. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for our local communities of faith, that Friday’s feast of the Sacred Heart will a celebration of divine love and care for the poor. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for those who have died recently . . ., and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be made welcome at the table of eternal life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Ever-loving God, your Son bade us remember him in the breaking of bread and the washing of feet. Help us be faithful to his command. We ask this through Christ our Lord.