Second Sunday of Lent, February 28, 2021

Second Sunday of Lent, February 28, 2021

Whether being tempted by Satan in the low desert or revealing himself as the son of God on a high peak, Jesus offers us wisdom and salvation.  We pray that we might hear him in all that we do.

1. That the Church will be an agent of healing by revealing Jesus to a world torn apart by war, injustice, and disease.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That civil leaders will implement policies that ensure equitable and efficient distribution of vaccines and medicines against all diseases, securing the well-being of the elderly, the poor, the outcasts, and the weak.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That on his apostolic visit to Iraq, Pope Francis will be received by the people and their leaders as one who sows seeds of peace and who walks alongside the poor, the abandoned, the infirm, and the outcast, the least of his brothers and sisters.^[1] We pray to the Lord.
4. That during this Lenten season, Jesus may be transfigured in our hearts and be fully recognized as God’s beloved Son so that we may better follow the Father’s command to “Listen to him.”  We pray to the Lord.
5. That during this Lenten season, our prayers may allow Jesus to lead us to high mountains to be apart with him that we might be strengthened for the arduous roads we encounter when we come down from the heights. We pray to the Lord.
6. That when clouds come over us and cast their shadows, we may see them as visible signs of God’s presence with us and a manifestation of his glory.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That we may join with Peter in exclaiming, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here!” as we experience God’s presence in the beauty of the earth, the seas, the stars, and the universe.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That Fr. Christopher and all who suffer times of trial will be consoled by the knowledge that because God is for us, no worldly power or plot against us can rob us of Christ’s love or commitment.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That our Lenten sacrifices will be sacrifices of thanksgiving offered with joy to God that we may be more closely united with him.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are sick in mind or body may be comforted, cared for, and healed, knowing that they are never abandoned by God. We pray to the Lord.
11. That the parents of infants who have died so early in their lives will find comfort in the knowledge that their children have returned to the Lord who loves them and gives them the joy of eternal life. We pray to the Lord.

O God, may the transfiguration of Jesus, which revealed his divinity to the apostles, strengthen us too so that our faith may not fail when we encounter the challenges of this life.  May we always know your presence with us.  We offer our prayers through Christ our Lord.   Amen.

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^[1] Based on Fratelli Tutti, paragraph 2.