Sunday of the Word of God[1] (Third Sunday of Ordinary Time), A, January 26, 2020
We bring our prayers and petitions to the Lord praying that he will hear our words and knowing that we must be always mindful of the Word of God to us.
- That we will observe this first Sunday of the Word of God in ways that conform with Pope Francis’ vision that we strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and pray for Christian unity[2]. We pray to the Lord.
- That we will recognize the Bible not just as the heritage of some, but as a testament that belongs above all to those called to hear its message and to recognize themselves in its words[3]. We pray to the Lord.
- That we will be mindful of the unbreakable bond between sacred Scripture and the Eucharist, gifts from the Lord, present in our midst, who speaks to us and nourishes us[4]. We pray to the Lord.
- That world leaders and those who serve in the military will labor mindful of God’s word that constantly informs us of the merciful love of the Father who calls his children to live in love[5]. We pray to the Lord.
- That this Sunday of the Word of God may help God’s people grow in religious and intimate familiarity with the sacred Scriptures[6]. We pray to the Lord.
- That inspired by the call of the Word of God to love one another, we may seek peace and justice, mercy and compassion, for refugees, migrants, the poor, and all who suffer from persecution. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who celebrate the lunar New Year beginning this weekend will be blessed with peace, health and increased freedom of religion in their countries. We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher’s ability to exercise his gifts as a homilist in helping people enter “more deeply into the word of God through simple and suitable language[7]” will be restored for the well-being of the people of the Diocese of Venice. We pray to the Lord.
- That the threats of disease and plagues will be mitigated by prudent governmental policies and consideration for others by those who are ill. We pray to the Lord.
- That as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz we pray for the 1.1 million people murdered there with hope that the evil of hatred will be purged from the face of the earth and all those who have died from prejudice and persecution may be welcomed with joy into heaven. We pray to the Lord.
- For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.
O God we offer these prayers with hope that your Word will enter the hearts and open the minds of all people that in the midst of our fears and bewilderment we will know your will for us in all aspects of our lives. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1]Aperuit Illis, Apostolic Letter Issued “Motu Proprio” by Pope Francis instituting the Sunday of the Word of God. http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio-20190930_aperuit-illis.html
[2] ibid. Item 3.
[3] ibid. Item 4
[4] ibid. Item 7
[5] ibid. Item 13
[6] ibid. item 15
[7] ibid. Item 5.
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