The Ascension of the Lord, May 24, 2020

The Ascension of the Lord, May 24, 2020

During the pandemic we are enduring, we find ourselves physically separated from those we love.  On this feast, we celebrate the day that Jesus became physically separated from us, but remember that he is with us always, until the end of the age.

1. That Pope Francis may be blessed with a Spirit of wisdom and revelation at this time as he leads the Church in finding ways to serve those who suffer from illness, poverty, and dismay. We pray to the Lord.
2. That political leaders may ignore political divisions and unite to provide leadership that frees the world from the coronavirus and all scourges that threaten the well-being of the people they serve. We pray to the Lord.
3. That millions who suffer from loss of jobs and rising poverty due to the coronavirus may find the emotional, spiritual, and physical assistance they need to carry on with hope and determination to find a better future. We pray to the Lord.
4. That in the same way that the apostles worshiped the risen Lord but acknowledged their doubts, we may receive the grace to persist in our faith even when the events of our lives cause us to doubt. We pray to the Lord.
5. That during this Memorial Day weekend when we make social sacrifices for the welfare of others, we will pray with thanksgiving for those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our freedom. We pray to the Lord.
6. That military personnel, first responders, hospital staffs, and workers who provide essential services will be protected from illness and harm and know the gratitude of those they serve so well. We pray to the Lord.
7. That Fr. Christopher and all who suffer from separation from their communities, friends, and families may find solace in the joys of their lives and look forward to the opportunities of the future. We pray to the Lord.
8. That those who have been injured or become ill in in the service of others may be healed from their spiritual, psychological, and physical wounds, and be blessed with the Lord’s peace. We pray to the Lord.
9. That as we work through the corona virus on this fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, we may acknowledge our limitations and work to re-establish the harmony between the creator, humanity, and all creation. We pray to the Lord.
10. That as we conclude this month dedicated to our Blessed Mother, we will continue to flee to her protection, implore her help, and seek her intercession confident of her aid. We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who are suffering from the coronavirus, depression, loneliness, fear, and incapacitating illness will pray with confidence and hope that the Lord is with them, and that we may find ways to support them in their trials. We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who are dying separated from families and friends will be at peace and will look forward with joy to the everlasting life of heaven. We pray to the Lord.

O God, although we recall your ascension into heaven from earth on this day, never let us be separated from you so that we will know your actions in our lives and in the lives of all people.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.