Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020

Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020

Physically separated in our homes from our community of faith, we raise our voices in unison to the Father confident that he hears and answer all our prayers.

1. That in this time of struggle with disease and isolation, the church will proclaim Christ to all the cities of the world, as did Philip in Samaria, so that they may be filled with great joy. We pray to the Lord.
2. That political leaders may react responsibly to the threat posed by the coronavirus, war, greed, and violence and work to provide hope, healing, and security to those they serve. We pray to the Lord.
3. That the vicious hospital attack on pregnant women, newborn babies, new mothers, and nurses in Afghanistan will be widely denounced and, despite its horror, serve as a catalyst to sensitivity and recognition of the sacredness of all stages of human life. We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may demonstrate our love for the Lord by keeping his commandments so that the Spirit of truth will be with us always. We pray to the Lord.
5. That children who have been orphaned will be welcomed into loving families and will know the profound truth of Jesus’ pledge to his disciples that he will not leave them orphans. We pray to the Lord.
6. That all people of faith may prayerfully consider Pope Francis’ assertion that clericalism, rigidity, and an attachment to wealth can impede Christians from knowing Jesus so that we may find the freedom to love Jesus and follow him unreservedly. We pray to the Lord.
7. That in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Pope John Paul II, we may draw inspiration in our suffering from his ability to overcome loss of family, persecution, assassination attempts, and disease to achieve sainthood. We pray to the Lord.
8. That medical professionals who labor selflessly in our country, in even more difficult circumstances in developing nations among the most vulnerable, and throughout the world will be protected from harm and know the presence of the Lord with them as they offer his mercy and healing to the sick. We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher and all who suffer at the hands of authority more concerned with exerting power than providing justice will be hopeful as they seek a future free from oppression. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are afflicted by coronavirus, cancer, Parkinson’s, surgery, or life-threatening disease may be people of hope who receive loving care and radiate the Advocate who remains with them and is in them. We pray to the Lord.
11. That all who die alone, separated from loved ones, in hospitals, nursing homes, in alleys, and as refugees may be welcomed by the Lord into the community of saints in heaven. We pray to the Lord.

O God, as we live these days without access to Mass and the sacraments, we are more acutely aware of our need for your presence in our lives. May we always love you so that your Spirit will be with us at all times, in hardship, in better days, and as we look to our eternal reward.  We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen