Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 07, 2021

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 07, 2021

We come to the Father, sharing some of the anguish of Job, some of the commitment of Paul, and with a sense of wonder at all God has done for us.  From these different perspectives, we offer our prayers of petition.  

1. That the Church may offer hope to those whose lives are drudgery through the Gospel message of renewal and healing.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That leaders of nations may foster the call of Pope Francis to build a presence of peace and fraternity among disparate individuals, cultures, and religions in recognition of the common values shared by all humankind.^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
3. That the millions in Ethiopia who are displaced, fear starvation, are victims of atrocities, and who share the despair of Job may have their later days blessed, as were Job’s, and be restored to lives of peace where they again find happiness. We pray to the Lord. 
4. That those victims of human trafficking who are enslaved and long for shade may find release from their months of misery and raise their voices in praise of the Lord who heals the brokenhearted.   We pray to the Lord.
5. That Fr. Christopher and all who suffer from abuse will know the presence of the Lord who speaks to us, came to drive out all the demons that afflict us, and grasps our hands that he may help us up.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That we will know the freedom of St. Paul in preaching the Gospel so that we may live in ways that will win over many to have a share in Christ’s message.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That those who labor to combat the pandemic through research, distribution of vaccines, and care for those who are ill may be kept safe in their work and know that their efforts on behalf of life are valued and appreciated.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That the observance of National Marriage Week may provide encouragement and blessings for all who strive to live their marriage vows, and healing for those suffering from troubled or broken marriages.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That children who are suffering during this pandemic from the loss of their parents’ jobs, from exploitation, from separation from friends and family, from reduced educational opportunities, and from worries about the future may not lose heart and may have confidence in the Lord who is gracious and mighty in power.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That Jesus may enter the houses and rooms of all who lie sick to cure them of their various diseases and ailments.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That the FBI agents killed last week and all who have died fighting crimes against children may be welcomed into the life of heaven where misery has ended, nights are untroubled, and hope is endless. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we are among those “everyone” whom Simon identified as “looking for you.” May we find you in your answer to our petitions and as we encounter you in all aspects of our lives.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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^[1] Based on weekly General Audience of Pope Francis, February 03, 2021.