ourth Sunday of Lent, Mar 27, 2022

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Mar 27, 2022

We rejoice on this Sunday which marks the middle of our Lenten journey and turn to the Lord asking that we might be instruments of reconciliation as ambassadors for Christ.

1. That the Church will welcome with compassion those who have sinned against God and against their neighbors, those who were lost but now wish to return in faith.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That the world may find a way to peace, a peace that restores people who have fled in fear to their homes and families, a peace that does not count trespasses but seeks full reconciliation.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That “the Lord of life [will] deliver us from the death of war” and inspire understanding in those who wage war that “there is no victory in a war; everything is defeated.^[1]” We pray to the Lord.
4. That aid workers striving to provide relief supplies to those whose lives are in disarray due to the wars in Ukraine and elsewhere will be kept safe from harm and uplifted by knowledge that the Lord is with them.  We pray to the Lord. 
5. That the elderly will embrace their vocation to hand on to new generations their personal experience of the Church’s faith so that the young may be faithful to God’s word, persevere in hope amid trials, and show compassionate love to all.^[2] We pray to the Lord
6. That the World Water Forum held last week in Senegal will serve as a catalyst in ensuring the right of the poor to access safe, potable water in areas where water supply is not always guaranteed.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That on this Laetare Sunday, we may look to the Lord that we may be radiant with joy and our faces may not blush with shame.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That those who mourn friends or family who have died suddenly in war, from drugs, or due to natural causes may be consoled by knowledge of God’s love for them and for those he has called back to himself.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That the Gospel readings may inspire the Bishop of Venice and all bishops to seek reconciliation rather than ways to distance themselves from those they look upon with disdain, jealousy, or a sense of superiority.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That we may not be like Pharisees and scribes who complained about who might be welcomed at the table of the Lord and reach out to all in need of care, compassion, and forgiveness.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That the sick will find comfort knowing that when they call out, the Lord hears and saves them from all their distress.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That the innocents killed in their homes, in hospitals, or on the streets of Ukraine will rest in peace for all eternity.  We pray to the Lord. 

God our Father, as we observe a world suffering from disease, war, and the storms of spring, we rejoice in your love on this day and ask that you answer our pleas so that we will be instruments of reconciliation and peace.  We make these prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord

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^[1] Based on General Audience of Pope Francis, March 23, 2022.

^[2] Based on remarks of Pope Francis at the General Audience of March 23, 2022.