Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 20, 2022

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 20, 2022

We come to the Father mindful of the mercy of David toward Saul and of the words of Jesus calling us to be compassionate, merciful, and loving toward our enemies as we pray for the grace to overcome our reluctance to give and forgive. 

1. That the Church will resist those who persecute and curse it by deep faith in God’s mercy and love and through prayers for those who mistreat any of its members. We pray to the Lord.
2. That all nations may not concentrate on the faults of others but may be committed to treating their enemies with the compassion they seek for themselves and to bringing harmony to jealousies and bitterness.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That the resources of rich nations may be used to express love for all of God’s creation and a commitment to the sanctity of all lives regardless of age, culture, race, or faith.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That the Catholic bishops may be examples of God’s love by their kindness by inviting those whom they see as wicked and ungrateful to participate in the life of the Church and in the struggle to live with the compassion and generosity that the Gospel demands of each of us.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That we may find the humility and self-sacrifice to love our enemies and to do good for those who hate us as Jesus has taught through his words and example.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That this World Day of Social Justice may be successful in highlighting the need to achieve social justice through employment that provides a safe environment in which the dignity of the poor, refugees, and all in need of work is recognized.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That as we observe Presidents’ Day, may we be grateful for the leadership our democracy has enjoyed and ask that all our political leaders be blessed with wisdom and the spirit of self-sacrifice that the Gospel encourages.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That the continuing challenges presented by covid as it surges in various countries may be an opportunity to be grateful to God for the wisdom that has led to vaccines and to be generous to those in need without expectation of return.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That we may give cloaks to those who suffer in the cold, water to those whose lips are parched, food to those whose stomachs are empty, shelter to those whose homes have been destroyed, and not demand repayment.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the ill-treatment Fr. Christopher has received at the hands of those who perceive him as an enemy will be replaced by an attitude of compassion in accord with the message of the Gospel.  We pray to the Lord.  
11. That we will be given the grace to resist judging and condemning others but will instead turn to the Lord seeking mercy for the many times when we have failed to meet the needs of others with love.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who are sick will be confident and at peace knowing that the Lord pardons all their iniquities, heals all their ills, and redeems their life from destruction.  We pray to the Lord.
13. That the transgressions of those who have died during this last week from illness, old age, or tragedy will be put far from them as they are welcomed at the heavenly banquet where their suffering is at an end.  We pray to the Lord. 

Heavenly Father, on this day we ask for generous and loving hearts so that we may receive your generous gifts packed together, shaken down, and overflowing.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.