INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The mystery of the Trinity stretches our human capacities to their limit. Early church councils battled to agree on words that captured the truth of God’s oneness and threeness. Great theologians have written long and learned treatises on the subject. Yet it is with the simplest and most common of gestures that we confess our faith in the Trinity – the sign of the cross.
Indeed, we do much more when we sign our bodies with the cross. We testify that it’s the cross – symbolising the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus – that has revealed the mystery of Father, Son and Spirit most plainly to us, and it’s by the cross that we pledge ourselves to live. Such a simple sign, so full of meaning.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For newly baptised infants, that they will be embraced by a loving family and a vibrant faith community.
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, baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, let us pray for the whole world to welcome the saving love of God.
READER
We pray for all who study and teach the Christian faith. May they delight in sharing their knowledge and love of the Triune God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all the baptised. May they become ever more aware of their dignity and mission as the people of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family. May World Environment Day (5 June) call us all to care for the one world God has entrusted to us. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children around the world whose lives have been disrupted by war and poverty. May they recover from their trauma and regain their childhood. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the reversal of unjust disadvantage. May economic systems be thoroughly reformed for all to share fairly in the world’s wealth, resources and power. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for end to racist words, actions and attitudes. May people of every race and culture be valued and respected. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for people suffering from dementia, especially those in aged care. May they be looked after with love, compassion and understanding. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for one another in our worshipping community. May everyone be blessed with the grace of Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased, . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they enjoy the eternal life won for us by God’s Son. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Eternal God and Father, you sent your Son among us and enfold us with your Spirit. Keep us true to your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord.