The Epiphany of the Lord, January 3, 2021

The Epiphany of the Lord, January 3, 2021

Just as the Magi set out to find the newly born Jesus, we look for Jesus who is born in our hearts and offer these prayers that we may be better able offer him homage and praise.    

1. That the Church will hear the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no one to help them so that their lives may be saved and every nation on earth will adore the Lord.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That all nations shall walk by the light of the Lord, and kings and heads of state by his shining radiance, leading their people to rise up, not in war or violence, but in splendor.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That although the darkness of the corona virus covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples, we may see the Lord shining upon us and know his glory appearing over us.  We pray to the Lord. 
4. That those fleeing oppression, poverty, and violence will raise their eyes and look about, able to see the majesty of God in the stars as they wander in search of the love of the Lord that strengthens and consoles them.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the treasures we have accumulated, and those of our nation, may be willingly shared and offered to those in need as we see the face of Jesus in each individual. We pray to the Lord.
6. That the light of Christ may shine brightly in Bethlehem and throughout the Holy Land so that as the Magi came to Jesus from afar, Christians, Muslims, and Jews may come together in mutual respect and live together in peace.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That the Lord will give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
8. That Christians living in lands where they are persecuted for their faith will be freed from the treachery of Herod and find a way to do homage to their king in freedom and without fear.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That in this new year, Fr. Christopher and those who suffer from the pains of abuse will find escape from their tormentors, healing, and hope in new opportunities as they travel the path with the Magi to the manger of Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are ill may not suffer alone in darkness but will see the light of Christ shine upon them in their friends and caregivers who strive to bring them strength.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died in this past year — friends, parishioners, family members, and people who lived alone and in fear — may be bathed forever in the perpetual light of heaven which dispels all sorrow and suffering.  We pray to the Lord.

O God we pray that this day will be an Epiphany for us, a day when we more clearly see your presence in our lives so that are better able to pay homage to you through all that we do and all that we experience.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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^[1] Intention of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for January, 2021