Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 8, 2020

Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 8, 2020

We offer our prayers to the Father, watching for the wisdom that never disappoints but frees us from our cares.  

1. That the wisdom of the Church may be resplendent and unfading, perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That “amid the fray of conflicting interests” in our election. “where victory consists in eliminating one’s opponents,” we may “raise our sights to recognize our neighbors or to help those who have fallen along the way.”^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
3. That our newly elected officials will have the wisdom to find “effective solutions to … human trafficking, the marketing of human organs and tissues, the sexual exploitation of boys and girls, slave labor, prostitution, the drug and weapons trade, terrorism, and international organized crime.”^[2] We pray to the Lord.
4. That throughout the world, wise peacemakers may emerge who are “prepared to work boldly and creatively to initiate processes of healing^[3]” of open wounds created by poverty, pride, selfishness, and greed.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That we will not be foolish or sleepy but will live our faith wisely so that we may meet the bridegroom at those moments when he comes to be with us now and in preparation for the heavenly wedding feast.  We pray to the Lord. 
6. That those fleeing grave humanitarian crises, those persecuted for their faith, and victims of war, poverty, drought, fire, and floods may find safety, freedom of religion, and the support they need that recognizes the value of their lives.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That wisdom may guide and inspire people of every nation, health care workers, medical researchers, and all who serve others during this pandemic so that they may be kept safe from harm and steadfast in their efforts to rid our world of the scourge of the coronavirus.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That those who are discouraged and beaten down may be renewed in bold hope that desires to achieve great things, things that fill their hearts and lift their spirits to lofty realities like truth, goodness, and beauty, justice and love, the grand ideals that make life more worthwhile.^[4]  We pray to the Lord.
9. That in his dealings with Fr. Christopher, Bishop Dewane may be inspired by the statement of the Bishops of South Korea that true peace “can be achieved only when we strive for justice through dialogue, pursuing reconciliation and mutual development.”^[5] We pray to the Lord.
10. That in preparation for their General Assembly beginning next weekend, the U. S. bishops will encounter wisdom that will be a light in their lives so that their discussions will lead to insights, policies, and decrees that will encourage all who strive to meet the Lord as he comes.  We pray to the Lord. 
11. That as we give thanks for those in our community who have overcome illness, surgeries, and depression, we may know that God’s kindness is a greater good than life and offer him exultant praise.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That we may not grieve like those who have no hope for our friends and family who have died because our faith assures us that God, through Jesus, will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, we know that your answer to our prayers is your wisdom for our lives.  May we readily perceive that wisdom and allow it to permeate all our thoughts and deeds that we may live with joy. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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^[1] Quotes from Fratelli Tutti, Paragraph 16.

^[2] Quotes from Fratellii Tutti, Paragraph 188.

^[3] Quote from Fratelli Tutti, Paragraph 225.

^[4] Based on Fratelli Tutti, Paragraph 55.

^[5] As quoted in Fratelli Tutti, Paragraph 214.