Fifth Sunday of Lent, A, March 29, 2020

Fifth Sunday of Lent, A, March 29, 2020

In raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus showed his compassion to Martha and Mary who had sent word asking for his help.  In these particularly difficult times, we call out to the Lord asking for his mercy and compassion in our community and throughout the world.

1. That the Church will join with Pope Francis in responding to the coronavirus pandemic “with the universality of prayer, of compassion, and tenderness … [making] our closeness felt toward those who are the most lonely and tired.” We pray to the Lord.
2. That decision-makers will be blessed with wisdom and grace in forming policies that will best protect all people from the coronavirus, violence, and domestic turmoil. We pray to the Lord.
3. That those living and working in nursing homes, prisons, and the close quarters of institutions will be spared the infections of the coronavirus in their communities. We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may have the courage of Jesus, who risked being stoned in Judea, in serving those who call out to us in need. We pray to the Lord.
5. That we may have the faith of Martha in troubled times believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that whatever he asks of God will be given to him. We pray to the Lord.
6. That although we are like Martha and Mary, at times scolding the Lord for being absent from events of our lives, may we also be people of faith, as were they, who go out to meet him in times of trial. We pray to the Lord.
7. That those who cower in fear and isolation due to the coronavirus will know Jesus as the resurrection and the life confident that if they believe in him, even if they die, they will live. We pray to the Lord.
8. For the safety of those caring for the sick and for wisdom for those engaged in medical research. We pray to the Lord.
9. That all who are facing unemployment, loss of resources, and hunger at this time will receive compassionate assistance and encouragement. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are infected with the coronavirus will not be instruments of spreading of the disease but will quickly recover and be blessed with good health. We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who are dying isolated from families and friends will receive comfort in their suffering and be welcomed with joy into the community of saints in heaven. We pray to the Lord.
12. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we come before you in this broken world where churches are closed, people are confined to their homes, and fear has tightened its grip on all humanity. We pray that you will be with us in our uncertainties, that you will put your spirit in us that we may live, that we may know your kindness and plenteous redemption.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(At this particular time, we also continue to pray that the Church will not be distracted from the importance of ending the abuses that infect it even as attention is focused on the coronavirus.  We pray that all victims of injustice, including Fr. Christopher, will find relief.)