First Sunday of Lent, Mar 6, 2022

First Sunday of Lent, Mar 6, 2022

We begin Lent standing with Jesus as we encounter temptations in the deserts of our lives.  We ask the Father to hear our prayers so that we may turn away from what the world finds attractive and live in closer union with him. 

1. That as we come together in peace to worship the Lord, we may be responsive to the appeal of Major Archbishop Shevchuk of Ukraine to receive the Eucharist for those who cannot go to church due to the evil of war.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That political leaders of nations with vast armies, those who lead large companies with enormous financial resources, and those who can only offer simple hospitality will work together to bring peace and security to those who suffer in Ukraine and in all parts of the world ravaged by war.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That the evil war in Ukraine may end.  But while it persists may this evil “squeeze the good juice from the grape, and that good juice is compassion, mutual support, and love [that shows the true face of humanity]^[1].  We pray to the Lord.
4. That the forces invading Ukraine will see the horror of their ways and put down their arms to help those who have been trapped in buildings, victimized by fires, and forced to flee the comforts of their homes.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the millions of refugees from war and poverty will find assistance and welcome as they plan to return to their countries and rebuild their homes and their lives with hope and trust in God’s love and mercy.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That when the devil is finished tempting us, we will recognize that he departs only for a time before returning and strive to strengthen ourselves to resist him at all times with prayer, sacrifices, and the grace of the Eucharist.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That we may not look to bread and the riches of this world alone for life but may live by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.  We pray to the Lord.
8. Knowing that the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him, may those in combat see all with fraternity that says “No” to war but selects “love that transcends the barriers of geography and distance.”^[2] We pray to the Lord. 
9. That children who have lost their parents due to war, illness, accident, or disease will be valued, protected, and cared for in recognition of the sacredness of their lives.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That parents who have lost their children due to senseless violence, disease, or accidents will be consoled by knowing that the gifts God has given them have been cherished and returned to him with love.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That all Christians facing new bioethical challenges may defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.^[3] We pray to the Lord.
12. That as he enters the final three years of his time as the local ordinary, Bishop Dewane will resolve to right the many wrongs of his tenure and seek reconciliation with Fr. Christopher and the many others he has scorned, alienated, and abused.  We pray to the Lord.
13. That those who are ill and in fear will call out, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust” as they pray, “Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.” We pray to the Lord.
14. That those who have died seeking justice in Ukraine will be welcomed into the eternal peace of heaven with all the angels and saints.  We pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, as we observe the horrors of war in Ukraine, may we be determined to live for peace and find the strength and guidance to do so by our Lenten sacrifices that help us hear your answers to all our prayers which we offer through Jesus Christ, y

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^[1] From the words of Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk of Kharkiv, sheltering with his Orthodox counterpart.

^[2] From the first chapter of Fratelli Tutti.

^[3] Intention of Pope Francis for March, 2022.