Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time C, November 17, 2019

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time C, November 17, 2019

On this third World Day of the Poor, we come to the Father acknowledging our poverty in so many areas of our lives while seeking the grace to share from our abundance.

1. That Pope Francis’ identification of loving attentiveness as the beginning of true concern for the poor will lead to sacrificial acts of gratuitous love that seeks no reward^[1]. We pray to the Lord.
2. That the actions of political leaders will provide hope to the poor and inspiration for all people to work for universal justice. We pray to the Lord.
3. That the words uttered at the U. S. Bishops meeting this past week calling for justice, for relationships ordered toward the salvation of souls, and for an end to clericalism that proclaims that one who is ordained is lord and master over others will find their way into the actions of all members of the hierarchy^[2]. We pray to the Lord.
4. That the people whose lives are plagued by political unrest, religious persecution, or war in Chile, Bolivia, Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Hong Kong, and troubled spots throughout the world may be granted peace, security, and a sense of joy. We pray to the Lord.
5. That the Catholic people of Sanibel who endure injustice and scorn will be consoled by Jesus’ encouragement that by their perseverance they will secure their lives.. We pray to the Lord.
6. That those suffering from the devastating bushfires in eastern Australia, floods in Venice, Italy, droughts in India and Zimbabwe, and all people whose lives are disrupted by environmental phenomena may find relief and creative long term solutions. We pray to the Lord.
7. That Fr. Christopher may be given wisdom in speaking so that all adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute the truth and he may be restored in his ministry. We pray to the Lord.
8. That those friends and members of our community who are nearing the end of their lives as they endure and resist serious illness may look forward to being united with Jesus forever in heaven. We pray to the Lord.
9. That those who are ill may be comforted in their suffering and find healing of mind, body, and spirit through grace and knowledge of God’s love made manifest by those who care for them. We pray to the Lord.
10. That Catholic people, and all people of good will, will join with those who grieve the death of a loved one offering them support as we pray that all souls will be welcomed with joy into heaven. We pray to the Lord.
11. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

We offer these prayers to God expressing the needs of our lives.  On this World Day of the poor, we are reminded that “The hope of the poor will not perish forever.” In stating our needs may we resolve to maintain our hope that the Lord hears and sustains us.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

^[1] http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20190613_messaggio-iii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2019.html

^[2] http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/2019-november-meeting/upload/usccb-assembly-2019-11-nov-presidential-address-20191111.pdf