Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, November 21, 2021
Let us offer our prayers to the Father, knowing that his son, Jesus, is the king of the universe who rules with mercy and love for all who call upon him in faith.
- That the Church may be a beacon leading all peoples, nations, and languages to serve the Son of man who has received dominion, glory, and kingship. We pray to the Lord.
- That presidents, chancellors, prime ministers, monarchs, and all heads of government may see in Jesus a life that came into the world to testify to the truth and may strive to belong to the truth by listening to his voice. We pray to the Lord.
- That in observing Thanksgiving Day this week, we may be truly grateful for the many people, blessings, and graces that we have experienced in our lives through the abundant generosity of the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
- That on this day of Global Celebration of Young People, may Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, look with favor upon all young people who are bearers of hope for the Church and the world.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That Jesus Christ, companion of youth and young adults, will bless the paths of discovery and discernment, through times of joy and experiences of hardship, with the constant love and support of a Church that invites all to the table of the Lord.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That the Church may emerge from its history of abuse of young people and encounter all young people, drawing them into a community so that as one Church we may embark on our holy mission.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That young people who do not have the nurturing love of a mother will be cared for by a society that values their lives; and may they look to Mary the mother of all confidently knowing that anyone who has fled to her protection, implored her help, or sought her intercession has been aided and answered. We pray to the Lord.
- That youth who have no father or father-figure in their lives will seek the protection and care of St. Joseph who watched over and taught Jesus while keeping him safe during his early years on Earth. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may have the courage of Jesus to testify to the truth in all aspects of our lives and not retreat from truth in the face of those who question our convictions as Pilate questioned Jesus. We pray to the Lord.
- That the U.S. bishops who met in their annual conference this week and “brazenly dissembled the truth[4]” will search for and recognize truth in providing justice for Fr. Christopher. We pray to the Lord.
- That refugees and those seeking asylum at the border between Belarus and Poland, in nations torn by war, and at our own national border may be met with compassion, justice, and opportunity consistent with the value of all human lives. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are ill or fearful because of covid may receive the medical care, vaccines, and drugs needed to protect their lives and be grateful for the work that has provided these blessings from the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died in this past week from terrorism or random violence may be welcomed into the eternal peace of the kingdom of heaven for all eternity. We pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, your Son came into this world to reveal the Kingdom of God as a kingdom of mercy. We ask for that mercy as we offer these prayers and petitions for our needs and the needs of the world. We make these prayers through your Son, Jesus, the king of the universe. Amen.
[1] From “A Prayer for Youth and Young Adults” in USCCB National Pastoral Guiidebook for the Global Celebration of Young People.
[2] Based on “A Prayer for Youth and Young Adults” in USCCB National Pastoral Guiidebook for the Global Celebration of Young People.
[3] Based on “A Prayer for Youth and Young Adults” in USCCB National Pastoral Guiidebook for the Global Celebration of Young People.
[4] Winters, M. S., “No explosion but plenty of simmering differences on Day 2 of bishops’ meeting.” National Catholic Reporter, Nov 17, 2021. https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/no-explosion-plenty-simmering-differences-day-2-bishops-meeting
parishionersforjustice.com 
We like all of these petitions. They are a reminder to us to pray and act for justice and peace
for all people— for Fr. Christopher….he deserves to be remembered for being the good priest he has always been! We still pray for his return to full ministry. We have not forgotten him.
–The apostles are said to have passed on thier ‘authority’– authority that was given to them by Jesus –who chose the apostles!
– we can still hope that the bishops of today’s church will hold onto that ‘Special Honor’ and they will always be truthful and sincere, wise and kind in their teachings —and they need to be living examples of what Jesus would do and say and how He always acted first -with love.
Then, when the bishops pass along that same faith to every diocese, it will eventually come to us – the people of the Church today. At the meetings last week—I hope they were reminded that they must act like Jesus in all their teaching and decisions. They must act with love.
Sincerely, Mary Jo Maher
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