Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 8, 2022
On this day, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, and Mother’s Day. We come to the Father with our prayers asking that we may hear the voice of our Shepherd, that we might respond to the promptings of the Spirit in our lives, and that we will be ever grateful knowing that Mary is united with all mothers in seeking faithful life for her children.
- That Pope Francis may be granted the health to remain a strong voice for peace and a physical presence in parts of the world being torn apart by war and violence. We pray to the Lord.
- That the world may heed the words of Pope Francis that “for peace to flourish, all people need to lay down the weapons of war, especially the most powerful and destructive of weapons: nuclear arms that can cripple and destroy whole cities, whole countries.[1]” We pray to the Lord.
- That Russian soldiers and the young people of Ukraine may be bathed in peace so that their mothers will be spared the sadness and mourning that accompanies senseless loss of life. We pray to the Lord.
- That all mothers may be celebrated by their children with appreciation for the gifts of life and love modeled after the care of the Good Shepherd for his sheep. We pray to the Lord.
- That in observing the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, we may help those considering vocations to ordained ministries or religious life to discern their call and to have the courage, wisdom, and insight to follow their call. We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher, who followed his call to the priesthood, will be strong in living his vocation and will continue to respond to the Lord’s call despite efforts to deter him. We pray to the Lord.
- That young people, called to live life to the fullest, may see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That the extreme heat wreaking havoc in South Asia will ease and the lands may be blessed with rainfall that supports an abundant harvest and provides for basic needs. We pray to the Lord.
- That the disruption of the food chain due to the war in Ukraine and inclement weather in many agricultural regions will be overcome by generous sacrifices that demonstrate belief in love of neighbor as a great commandment. We pray to the Lord.
- That the horrors of killing innocents in Ukraine, in internment camps in China, and in clinics in our own country will usher in a new sensitivity to and respect for the sacredness of all stages of human life and renewed commitment to nurturing all life. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are ill may nevertheless sing joyfully to the Lord in the midst of their suffering and serve the Lord with gladness because of confidence in his kindness and faithfulness that endure forever for all his sheep. We pray to the Lord.
- That our deceased mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers will rejoice for all eternity in heaven as they join us in prayers for the salvation of the world. We pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father on this day we celebrate with great joy our Good Shepherd, those in ordained and religious life, and the love of our mothers. At the same time, we mourn over the senseless death and destruction in many parts of the world that stick out as ugly contrasts to our celebration. We ask for your mercy that the ugliness will give way to life and light. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Statement of Pope Francis at meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, May 4, 2022.
[2] Pope Francis’ monthly intention for May, 2022.
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