Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 16, 2022
We present our needs to the Father trusting in his decrees and seeking the refreshment of our souls.
- That the Church may not be sad and weep on hearing, proclaiming, and interpreting the words of the law but might rejoice always in the Lord our strength. We pray to the Lord
- That the nations of the world may join together as parts of Christ’s body without divisions but with concerns for one another, providing assistance in times of suffering and sharing in mutual joy at honors, blessings, and peace that are bestowed. We pray to the Lord.
- That to fulfill the words of Jesus in the Scripture, we will bring glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom for the oppressed, and be among those blind whose sight is restored so that we may see the work of the Lord among us. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may live as consistent witnesses to the truths that new human life is a gift of the Father, lived human life is shared with the Son, and the end of human life is reserved to the wisdom of the Spirit. We pray to the Lord.
- That violence against the unborn, children, the disabled, the frail, people of faith, refugees, those at the margins of society, and those who are simply different will cease through a renewed respect for all of God’s creation. We pray to the Lord.
- That the victims of the volcano and tsunami in Tonga, the tornados in Florida, and of floods, droughts, fires, winds, and famine will receive aid for their survival and recovery and hope in the Lord who is their rock and redeemer. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who suffer from loss of jobs in Afghanistan and in countries plagued by covid and economic failings will receive lifesaving assistance, have essential services maintained, and preserve community-level systems that reflect respect for all human life[1]. We pray to the Lord.
- That humanitarian and refugee crises throughout the world will be addressed with compassion that recognizes the dignity of all life. We pray to the Lord.
- That the treatment Fr. Christopher receives from his bishop will be consistent with the respect for life that all members of God’s creation deserve. We pray to the Lord.
- That as we celebrate this Sunday of the Word of God, we may be grateful that we are among the blessed who hear the word of God and ask for the grace to live that word each day. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are sick will be treated with respect and in ways that confirm their dignity as humans created in God’s image. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died from actions that fail to respect the sacredness of all life will be received with joy into the eternal life of heaven with all the angels and saints. We pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, on this weekend as we are called to respect life and to clearly hear the Word of God, we ask that you hear our prayers and strengthen us to do good in this world inspired by your word which are Spirit and life. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Inspired by “Afghanistan has lost 500,000 jobs under Taliban,” https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2022-01/afghanistan-ilo-half-million-job-losses-under-taliban.html
parishionersforjustice.com 