Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, March 28, 2021

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, March 28, 2021

As we meditate on the torturing and killing of Jesus in the narrative of his Passion, we offer our prayers for those subjected to injustice and suffering.

1. That in the midst of terror, war, ethnic hatred, and religious persecution which cover the world in darkness, the Church may offer the light of hope in proclaiming the ultimate Resurrection of Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That leaders of nations will inspire their people to reject the hatred and jealousy which degrades human life and calls for the death of the innocent by promoting recognition of mutual dependence of diverse cultures and activities for the well-being of all people.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That the Christian people of China and other countries who endure religious persecution will remain resolute and will bring faith to their oppressors by living the call of the Gospels to love God and to love their neighbors.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That those tens of thousands of refugees further displaced by the massive fire in their camp in Bangladesh who have experienced loss of life, damage to shelters, and the feeling of helplessness that threatens to destroy their determination to live will find relief in the care of those who are more fortunate.   We pray to the Lord. 
5. That the families of those killed in the shooting in Colorado will be consoled by joining their grief to the suffering of Jesus and look forward with the hope of the Resurrection that the deaths will result in renewed determination that that such tragedies will not be repeated.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That the immigrant children at the US southern border will find, security, be reunited with their families, and be granted a trouble-free and joyful childhood.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That all who are struggling because of the pandemic — those who are sick, those who have lost loved ones and are fearful, those who have lost their jobs, and students who face educational challenges — may anticipate a brighter future.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That when people question our determination to live our faith by asking, “Why are you doing this?” we may have the courage and conviction to respond, “Because the Master has need of it.” We pray to the Lord.
9. That we may see our sins to be a joining in with the shouts of the crowd to Pilate, “Crucify him” and be renewed in our commitment to turn away from evil by our Lenten sacrifices.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That we may be like Peter in expressing profound regret for the times when we deny our faith and always seek to be close to Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.  
11. That Bishop Dewane and the Congregation for Clergy will display a compassion and mentality different from that of the chief priests and the Sanhedrin in showing kindness to Fr. Christopher and other priests who have been victimized by injustice.  We pray to the Lord. 
12. That the sufferings of those who are ill might pass by as we join with them in praying “but not what I will but what you will.”  We pray to the Lord.
13. That those who have died in pain and agony may have died with Christ and may rejoice with him in the everlasting life of heaven. We pray to the Lord.

O God, on this day we commemorate both the triumphal entry of your Son into Jerusalem and the tragedy of his Passion and death on the cross.  May your answer to our prayers enable us always to be people who welcome your Word into our lives and who reject the evils of injustice, hatred, and murder.  We offer our prayers through Christ our Lord.   Amen.