Fourth Sunday of Lent, A, March 22, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Lent, A, March 22, 2020

Jesus cured the man blind from birth and in doing so attacked physical as well as spiritual blindness.  We offer our prayers to the Father asking that we too may see God’s will and grace in our lives.

1. That the Church will remain united in faith even as we are kept apart physically by the need to fight the coronavirus. We pray to the Lord.
2. That those who have the responsibility to make wise decisions in leading their people will put aside personal agendas, jealousies, and animosities to work in union for the needs of all people who are targets of the coronavirus We pray to the Lord.
3. That Jesus healing of blindness will be extended to all people of the world who cannot see the beauty of his creation or envision his unwavering love of the weak, the sick, the outcast, and the strong. We pray to the Lord.
4. That the hunger we encounter for the body of Christ in our assemblies and in the Eucharist may teach us never to take such gifts for granted. We pray to the Lord.
5. That although many events in our churches and towns have been cancelled, we may be mindful of the fact that the command to love God and love our neighbor must be embraced with increased fervor. We pray to the Lord.
6. That the words of Pope Francis may resonate with and uplift those who feel alone and isolated that they may know that “united to Christ we are never alone. We pray to the Lord.
7. For peace in all areas of the world torn apart by war, violence, and ethnic hatred; and for the safety of those fleeing in fear. We pray to the Lord.
8. That doctors, nurses, and all who care for those suffering from the coronavirus will be protected and successful in their efforts. We pray to the Lord.
9. That the abuses that have infected the bishops of the Church like a virus and that have caused harm to Fr. Christopher, many priests, and many of the faithful may be wiped out as the perpetrators are distanced from their offices. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those infected with the coronavirus, their families, and their friends will remain resolute in their battle and will be comforted by encouragement and the love of neighbors. We pray to the Lord.
11. That all who have died in recent days will rest in peace, and that their families may be comforted in this time of isolation and loss. We pray to the Lord.
12. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we offer our prayers acknowledging that we are blind to many of your gifts to us and in seeing your will.  May we be cured of all our shortcomings and join with the man healed from his blindness in proclaiming, “I do believe, Lord” even as we face the trials and tribulations of this life.   We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.