Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 15, 2020

Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 15, 2020

Knowing that the Father has entrusted us with the gift of faith, we come to him asking for the courage to increase that faith by investing ourselves in his will for us.   

1. That the Church will recognize its treasure in the poor, the hungry, and the downtrodden, and act with mercy and generosity in caring for and uplifting all who suffer.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That the world which is longing for “peace and security” in the midst of the disasters of disease and division may look to the Lord who brings light into every darkness.   We pray to the Lord.
3. That husbands may give thanks to God as they entrust their hearts to their wives who bring them good all the days of their lives through heroic efforts, strength, dignity, compassion, and generosity.   We pray to the Lord.
4. That the increasing spread of the pandemic in our country and in the world will be met with determined action by all people to protect the vulnerable and fearful giving evidence of a universal respect for life in all its stages.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the Vatican report on former-Cardinal McCarrick will provide impetus for the Church to rid itself of sexual abuse and all abuses including ignoring or violating canon law, abandoning consultative processes, and ruling by intimidation, the use of fear, shaming, bullying, and other non-Christian behaviors.  We pray to the Lord. 
6. That the virtual General Assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops this week will be marked by openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and by alert and sober deliberations that reveal the bishops to be children of the light for all to see.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That as we rightly honor military veterans who have suffered for our freedom, we hold out hope for a future when similar sacrifices will not be needed where all may live in freedom, peace, and harmony.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That we may accept the responsibility to use the talents provided to us by God’s generosity for the well-being of others and as gifts we can give to those in need of encouragement, assistance, and assurance of God’s love.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That the treasure of Fr. Christopher’s priesthood may continue to be invested in the Church for the growth of our faith community.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are persecuted may never lose hope and will look forward to the day when they will be rewarded by the Master for their use of the gift of faith he has entrusted to them.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That all who are ill and isolated may be encouraged by compassionate health care, efforts by family and friends to provide support, and knowledge that the Lord is with them in their time of trial.  We pray to the Lord. 
12. That those who have died will not find darkness but will be welcomed into the joy and light of heaven as children of the day.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, we ask for the strength to be people who recognize that all we have been given during our time on earth is to be used to build up your kingdom for all ages.  May we commit ourselves to act out of faith in the light of your love for us and not hide in fear in the darkness we so often see.   We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.