INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Five months will pass before we hear Jesus say: “My yoke is easy and my burden light” (Mt 11:30). That time lapse spares us the immediate challenge of reconciling its comforting reassurance with today’s daunting task of loving our enemies and as being perfect as our heavenly Father.
For now, we should note Jesus’ recognition of the way things are for human beings. We live in a world of violent, demanding and dominating people. This reality tempts us to let their behaviour define our life’s stance.
Jesus invites us to resist this reactive instinct by opening our eyes to the greater truth of God’s gracious, all-embracing love. He wants us to inhabit the realm of divine mercy and find the freedom to forgive.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all prophets and practitioners of peace, that they will never cease to call us to the way of non-violence.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish along with those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, Jesus challenges us to love even those who wish us harm. Let us pray for God’s help to love as Jesus loved.
READER
We pray for the people of Turkey and Syria so tragically devastated by earthquake. May their terrible suffering be eased by prompt and large-scale humanitarian aid. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Pope Francis and all promoters of peace. May they be resolute in their mission to bring war and bloodshed to an end. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for governments and companies that profit from the arms trade. May they invest instead in industries that advance human well-being. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for industries that produce environmentally harmful plastics. May they commit themselves to rapidly develop safe alternatives. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for lay Catholic leaders in the fields of education, health and welfare. May they be filled every day with the joy of the Gospel. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for youth workers serving in disadvantaged communities. May they be well supported in their efforts to engage with troubled young people. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for families and friends grieving a loved one’s death by suicide. May they find a path of healing through their pain and anguish. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community. May we commence our Lenten journey this Wednesday with a deep desire for newness of life. (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 be blessed with everlasting peace and joy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Holy God, heavenly Father, you enfold all things in your loving embrace. Open our hearts to love one another as you love us. We ask this through Christ our Lord.