Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe C, November 24, 2019

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe C, November 24, 2019

On this last Sunday of the Church year, we acknowledge the kingship of Jesus in our lives and offer our prayers that we may be faithful and loving members of his kingdom on earth.

1. That Pope Francis’ pastoral visit to Japan will proclaim a respect for all life as he prays at the Twenty-Six Martyrs’ Shrine and at the peace parks in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. We pray to the Lord.
2. That the world may be freed from the threat of nuclear war as political leaders place the well-being of all people above pride, self-interest, and greed. We pray to the Lord.
3. That Pope Francis’ meeting with the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch in Thailand will be an encouragement for all Catholic people and parishes to reach out to people of other faiths in an ecumenical spirit. We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may join with St. Dismas, who was crucified with Jesus, in recognizing our failures and in asking for mercy that we may be with him in heaven. We pray to the Lord.
5. That the atmosphere of distrust and disillusionment that pervades the Diocese of Venice will not dissuade Catholic people from going rejoicing to the house of the Lord to worship him in faith. We pray to the Lord.
6. That we may follow Pope Francis’ exhortation to the Catholics of Thailand and to us that we be missionary disciples of the Lord who share with others and reach out to the poor and marginalized helping them realize the blessings of their closeness of God. We pray to the Lord.
7. That the lives of the nearly one million people of Burkino Faso, Mali, and Niger displaced by insecurity linked to growing extremist attacks may be protected so that a humanitarian crisis will be averted. We pray to the Lord.
8. That in response to false narratives about Fr. Christopher’s ministry and in the face of irresponsible action against many parishioners of St. Isabel, the Catholic women and men of Sanibel may remain strong in their commitment to their faith and to their outreach to those in need. We pray to the Lord.
9. That at this Thanksgiving season, we will take the time to offer our gratitude to God for the many ways he has blessed us. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are ill may receive insightful and attentive medical care and have their spirits raised by the concern of friends and God’s grace. We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have succumbed to the terrible scourge of cancer will be received with joy into the kingdom of heaven, and that the grief of those who mourn will be diminished by good memories and faith in God’s mercy. We pray to the Lord.
12. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

Loving Father, we acknowledge your Son as our shepherd and king who is ever watchful of our lives and of his Church.  May we always walk with Jesus, acknowledging our faults and our needs, that we may gain eternal peace where he lives and reigns forever.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.