Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 6, 2020

Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 6, 2020

We come to the Lord as people who have sinned against our brothers and sisters.  We ask for the grace to listen to his response to our petitions so that we may be reconciled to himself and to one another.  

1. That the Church will speak out courageously against wickedness, wherever it is encountered, and act always to promote decency, charity, morality, and humility. We pray to the Lord.
2. That the fomenters of violence, war, hatred, and unease will today hear the voice of the Lord with unhardened hearts and be inspired to love their neighbors.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That the “Season for Creation” announced by Pope Francis for the month of September will be a time when we are attentive to the rhythms of this created world which helps us to discover in its beauty the Lord of all and to return to him.^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
4. That on this Labor Day weekend, the Lord will bless those who selflessly work so that others might have food, electricity, health, comfort, and security even as the coronavirus and civil unrest threaten their own safety.  We pray to the Lord. 
5. That through the intercession of St. Joseph the Worker, those who have lost their jobs and are seeking new opportunities may find fulfilling employment that utilizes their talents.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That the rancor, blame, and divisions in society fueled by the coronavirus may be replaced by unity of effort and purpose so that all will have access to vaccines, health care, and resources needed to overcome this pandemic.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That the command to love our neighbors as ourselves will be the defining principle as we address issues of poverty, human trafficking, racism, and persecution.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That during this time of physical isolation, we will be assured that as we gather in spirit with two or three in prayer — though separated by distance — Jesus is in our midst.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That as Fr. Christopher and all who have suffered vicious personal attacks in the Church may find the grace to seek reconciliation and peace in accord with our calling as Christians to love our neighbors as ourselves.  We pray to the Lord. 
10. That those who are ill may receive comfort in moments of despair, healing from their afflictions, and the consolation of being united in prayer with their friends and loved ones.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who during their years on earth labored building families, communities, societies, and our Church so that we may have life and have it to the fullest may rest with the Lord in the eternal light and peace of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

O God, we call upon you in our time of need seeking reconciliation with each other and with all you have created.  May we respond with commitment to uplift all that you have granted us.  We make our prayers together through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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^[1] Message of Pope Francis for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2020/documents/papa-francesco_20200901_messaggio-giornata-cura-creato.html