Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022
On this day, as we celebrate Jesus’ overcoming death by his Resurrection, we offer our prayers to the Father asking that the light of Easter may permeate our lives and penetrate the darkest corners of the world.
- That through all the trials and evils that infect our world, the Church may be resolute in pointing to the Resurrection which proclaims the ultimate triumph of hope, life, and love. We pray to the Lord.
- That world leaders may promote policies that preserve life and will act to prevent poverty, abortion, war, and all activities that destroy the lives of other human beings. We pray to the Lord.
- That migrants who flee bombs, blood, and persecution will not give up because they know that the great stone at the entrance of the tomb will one day be rolled away.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That as the women who went to the tomb of Jesus found it empty, the relief workers in Ukraine may find no more bodies in the rubble of their cities because Christ has risen so that life and peace are restored. We pray to the Lord.
- That the five million children of Ukraine who have been displaced, forced to leave everything behind: their homes, their schools, and often, their family members[2] will have their lives restored this Easter season as people of faith and all those of good will demand, “This war must end!” We pray to the Lord.
- That the Easter greeting, “Christ is risen, he is truly risen!” will announce in our minds and hearts that evil, death, and destruction are not the final word to each of us, our lives, or our world despite contradictory evidence.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That at times when we hear stories of the actions of Jesus in our world and think of it as nonsense, we may recall Peter’s similar skepticism on hearing of the empty tomb and go with him to be amazed on discovering that the Lord is risen and is indeed with us. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may be faithful and joyful witnesses of the Resurrection as were the women who went to the tomb on that first Easter Sunday. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may know that Jesus of Nazareth heals those oppressed by the devil and that by believing in him we will receive forgiveness of sins through his name. We pray to the Lord.
- That each day, in triumph or despair, we may give thanks to the Lord for he is good assured that his mercy endures forever through our faith in the great joy of Easter. We pray to the Lord.
- That as we celebrate the sixteenth anniversary of Fr. Christopher becoming pastor of St. Isabel this Easter Sunday, may he find hope and be strengthened by the message of the Resurrection. We pray to the Lord.
- That the sick, the hungry, the thirsty, the war torn, and all who suffer during these difficult days will be consoled and find hope in the Resurrection of the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
- That those whose lives have been taken prematurely by drugs, weapons, despair, torture, or illness will be united with Jesus who suffered for our sins, rose from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. We pray to the Lord.
On this day, amidst the suffering that we observe and in which we share, may your answer to our prayers strengthen within us the joy of the Resurrection and shine the light of love on all that we encounter. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen
[1] Based on Good Friday family reflections on the Way of the Cross, 2022.
[2] Based on remarks of M. Fontaine, UNICEF Emergency Programme Director, April 11, 2022.
[3] Based on O’Mahony, K. J., Hearers of the Word: Easter & Pentecost Year A.
parishionersforjustice.com 
I came to believe in the Resurrection — a friend had been ill and I had been praying for thier recovery— i did everything possible to make sure God heard my prayer and and answer as I asked…… i worked so hard – included asking friends and family and neighbors to let Doug live– he was the husband of a neighbor — I and believed that this person would not die. When he did die…….. I felt so let down by God.. I couldn’t believe that this person died…………God seemed to have turned his back on me! and all those who had been working and praying to help and to pray for his recovery–
In real dejection — i turned to my Bible——– I read for three days all of the scriptures about Resurrection………….. on the third day of reading those passages– listed inthe back of the Bible under Resurrection-
I had come understand and accept better Doug’s death to this life
— I been asking God for something that was not as great as what God had for this friend’s husband. He was given life in Heaven with God forever! It was the happiest Easter I ever had and Easter has become my favorite Holy Day—I came to believe in the gift of resurrection for all those who die. I still believe in asking for what we want—if some asks for prayers— i pray asking for thier return to health – but accepting of what God gives–
It has made a great difference in my life and in my prayers! I am going to go and read those same scriptures tonight and be reminded of the journey Jesus took during the last few days of his life. I want to strengthen again my personal belief in the Resurrection again this year.
Thank you for your petitions as mentioned . I think Heaven will be so good! Jesus showed us the way!
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