Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020

Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020

In the Gospel for today, Jesus calls us to be free from trouble, to have faith in God, to know that he will come.  We respond by asking for God’s mercy as we offer our prayers and petitions.

1. That during this time of trial, the Church may boldly proclaim the value and sanctity of human life as paramount while decisions are made about reopening the economy. We pray to the Lord.
2. That civil authorities will act for the welfare of the people they serve in renouncing war, greed, and all divisions that lead to poverty, suffering, and disease. We pray to the Lord.
3. That our voluntary practices of social distancing and isolation may raise our consciousness to the plight of those confined in refugee camps, forcibly separated from their families, and find ways to provide them relief. We pray to the Lord.
4. That all mothers on this day will rejoice and be gladdened by knowledge of their role in God’s continuing creation and receive the gratitude of their children and of society for their selfless love. We pray to the Lord.
5. That women preparing to give birth in this time of uncertainty may look to Mary for consolation, be free from anxiety, blessed with good health, and overwhelmed by joy at their impending motherhood. We pray to the Lord.
6. That Stephen and the other six deacons whose calling we recount today will inspire all deacons to be faithful in their service to the Word and the poor so that they will be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church^[1]. We pray to the Lord.
7. That those who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus may receive the help they need from friends, family, charities, and public services so that they will have adequate food and shelter and will look forward with hope to better days. We pray to the Lord.
8. That as we strive to overcome the coronavirus, we may prayerfully ask for mercy and place our trust in Jesus’ comforting words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”  We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher and all victims of injustice may be united with Jesus who was rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God so that they may announce him as the way, the truth and the life. We pray to the Lord.
10. That the sick and the medical professionals, families, and friends who suffer with them may be resolute and optimistic knowing that the eyes of the Lord are upon those who hope for his kindness. We pray to the Lord.
11. That our mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers who nurtured their children and encouraged them in a life of faith may be received with joy into the Father’s house at the time of their death. We pray to the Lord.

O God, at this time when we dwell on the impact of the coronavirus on our lives, we come to you reminded of our obligations to be charitable to those in need, strong in our faith in Jesus, and grateful for our mothers who have given us life.  We ask that you answer our prayers so that we may be a community that reflects your love for us as we look beyond ourselves to a brighter future for all humanity.  We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

^[1] Pope Francis’ prayer intention for May