Second Sunday of Advent A, December 08, 2019

Second Sunday of Advent A, December 08, 2019

On this day we hear the call to repent.  As we acknowledge our faults and our needs, we turn to the Lord with humility that we may be prepared for his coming to us at Christmas.

1. That Pope Francis will be guided by the Holy Spirit in naming as bishops men who will hear the voice of John the Baptist crying out, “Prepare the way of the Lord,” for those they are to serve. We pray to the Lord.
2. That global leaders may govern their people with justice that will flower and yield profound peace for all the world. We pray to the Lord.
3. That our nation, which honors Mary, the Immaculate Conception, as our patroness may be committed to peace and justice. We pray to the Lord.
4. That parents and grandparents may raise their children with faith and join in prayer for the children of China who are banned from even entering a church. We pray to the Lord.
5. That Catholic clergy in need of renewal may ponder John the Baptist’s identification of many of the Pharisees and Sadducees as a brood of vipers and respond to his exhortation to produce good fruit as evidence of their repentance. We pray to the Lord.
6. That on this 54th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council, the Church may be recommitted to its spirit of renewal and reform. We pray to the Lord.
7. That we may value the grace of our baptism and repent of our sins that we may be better able to welcome the mighty Lord into our lives. We pray to the Lord.
8. That those who live amidst civil unrest, war, random shootings, and fear in all countries may be hopeful by their endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures. We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher may be sustained in his faith by the words of Isaiah promising a spirit of wisdom and understanding, decisions made aright for the afflicted, and an end to wickedness and ruthlessness. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are ill may know the season of Advent as a time of hope, a time of preparation for the Lord, and a time to be able to respond to God’s will for their lives. We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died may we welcomed into heaven where there shall be no harm or ruin. We pray to the Lord.
12. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

Loving Father, we hear John the Baptist calling us to look with expectation for one who is greater than he, one who will gather his wheat into his barn.  We ask today for the grace and wisdom to see the many ways that you come to us to transform us into your wheat as we wait in joyful hope for your coming.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.   Amen.