Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, January 31, 2021

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, January 31, 2021

We offer our prayers and petitions to the Father that we may hear the voice of Jesus, the Holy One of God, in all aspects of our lives.  

1. That the prophetic voice of Pope Francis, which has been raised up among us, will be heard and welcomed as he speaks the word of God to the Church and to the world.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That civil leaders will speak with an authority that models the love of Jesus for all people as they work to rid the world of evil.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That generous cooperation, and not competition, may be exercised in providing vaccinations to the vulnerable, the needy, the impoverished, the marginalized, and all people in recognition of the intrinsic sanctity of human life. We pray to the Lord. 
4. That in the times of our lives when we are brought down by evil forces and unclean spirits, we may turn to Jesus who drives away all that disables us and brings light into the darkness.   We pray to the Lord.
5. That those who teach in the Church will do so with authority to reveal the meaning of the Scriptures and not to be mere scribes intent on advancing personal agendas.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That in this time of pandemic, we may be free of anxieties about the things of the world and may confidently embrace the Lord’s will for us.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That disrespect for human life in all its stages will be recognized as an unclean spirit and be driven from our midst through prayer, kindness, and attention to the astonishing teachings of Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That in observance of the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life this Tuesday, we may support and give thanks for the consecrated religious who have formed us in faith and have revealed the love of Christ to those in need.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That those who dwell in the darkness of depression may be comforted by seeing the great light which arises over lands overshadowed by illness and death.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That Fr. Christopher and those priests who promote the values of Vatican II will not lose heart as they face contempt and attacks from scribes who are lacking in authority.  We pray to the Lord. 
11. That those who are ill, and the people who care for them, will be strengthened by their faith in Jesus who commands even the unclean spirits and drives them out.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those mourning the death of loved ones may be comforted by good memories and consoled by prayers for those who have passed on to their heavenly reward. We pray to the Lord.

As we experience the presence of God in our lives, may we never grow complacent.  May we respond to his answers to our prayers with a sense of amazement that asks not, “What is this?” but which offers praise and thanksgiving for the love that he gives us despite our many faults.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.