28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 10, 2021

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 10, 2021

We join with the man kneeling before Jesus as we offer our prayers this day seeking what is needed so that we may inherit eternal life. 

1. That as Pope Francis opens the period of preparation for the 2023 Bishop’s Synod on Synodality, the Holy Spirit will guide all bishops to hear the voices of the People of God in their dioceses so that the Church may be renewed in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the world.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That through prayer and pleas, prudence and a spirit of wisdom may come upon world leaders, so that all good things may come together for the benefit of Earth’s people.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That the tragic stories of abuse of children in France will convince Church leaders that vigorous action, not cosmetic measures accompanied by prayers, apologies, and expressions of regret, is necessary to overcome the myriad forms of abuse that infect the Church even to this day.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That victims of abuse in the Church will experience a resurrection after what has been their crucifixion at the hands of hypocrites who speak the words of the Gospel but act to undermine it.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That young people who hear the horrific tales of abuse in the Church will not turn away but will seek to build a Church that honors and respects all people and joins sinners in love and hope as we strive to live together with mercy, peace, and mutual forgiveness.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That we will know the riches of this world to be as nothing in comparison with the riches of seeing the Lord in all elements of our lives.   We pray to the Lord.
7. That the three million Afghan children under the age of five who face severe malnutrition will be fed and assisted through international recognition of their right to life and to the pursuit of happiness as the hope for the future of their country.   We pray to the Lord.
8. That we may observe the commandments and also strive through our prayers recognize our faults and receive the grace to overcome them.   We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher may be relieved of the stress he endures, recover his health, and be freed of the shackles that impede his ability to live his vocation.  We pray to the Lord.  
10. That in this Respect Life Month in the Year of St. Joseph, all fathers will commit to acting with reverence for all stages of the lives of their children, born and unborn, and be aided by St. Joseph to protect their families just as St. Joseph safeguarded the family entrusted to him.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who suffer from extra stress in their families, at work, and in their lives due to the pandemic or other illnesses may be comforted by sincere encouragement and support and find the peace the Lord offers to all who turn to him in faith.   We pray to the Lord.
12. That as we mourn the lives of those who have died, we may be lifted up by memories of their goodness and pray that they will live forever in the joy and everlasting light of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

O God, despite the generous gift of your Son to be the light of the world, we often stumble in darkness and fail in our call to live according to your will.  We ask that you guide our lives and bless us with your grace as we offer these prayers to you through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.