INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Newton’s law of gravity and Einstein’s famous formula both condense vast amounts of scientific data while serving as the catalyst for further exploration and enquiry.
The same might be said of The Beatitudes. They crystallise teaching that is spread through the prophets, the psalms and the wisdom writings. At the same time they never cease to provoke fresh reflection on what it means to be truly human.
As with the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ twofold precept to love God and neighbour, The Beatitudes situate our life’s project in relation both to God and our fellow human beings. In sum, they liberate us from the perverse illusion that we are self-made and self-contained. They are our passport for citizenship in the commonwealth of God.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for parents and teachers, that they will instil in their children a life-long love of learning.
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 teaches us the way of mercy, peace and humble faith in God. In the spirit of The Beatitudes, we place the world in God’s loving hands.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, that his visit to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (31 January – 5 February) will be safe and will sow new seeds of peace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the followers of all world faiths, that Interfaith Harmony Week (1-7 February) will draw them together in service of the human family. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for peace-makers in every place of bloodshed, that they will persuade warring parties to end their deadly violence. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for nature campaigners, that they will teach us to value and protect the wetlands of the planet. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for aid workers in the world’s refugee camps, that their care for the displaced will help restore people’s dignity and self-respect. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for teachers and students, that they will start the new school year with energy and confidence. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the primary carers of people with a disability or chronic poor health, that they will have all the support they need to provide sustained and loving care. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for women in violent or controlling relationships, that they will find their way to safety and freedom. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will live forever in the kingdom of heaven. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of heavenly wisdom, you call us to live with the trust of the poor in spirit. Open our hearts and minds to see your goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Image: Mount of the Beatitudes and Lake Tiberias – depositphotos.com