13th Sunday in Ordinary Time June 26, 2022

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time June 26, 2022

We turn to God, asking for the grace to respond to Jesus’ call to follow him, setting aside all earthly cares.

1. That Pope Francis and all bishops will echo Jesus command, “Go and proclaim the kingdom of God,” through their actions, their words, and their example of love of neighbor. We pray to the Lord
2. That nations that engage in bickering holding on to grudges and past differences will not go on biting and devouring one another but rather will seek ways to reconcile with their neighbors.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That world leaders and local leaders of communities and organizations will wisely address divisions and mistrust that plague humanity cognizant of Pope Francis’ observation that, “violence does not solve problems but increases unnecessary suffering^[1].”  We pray to the Lord.
4. That we will be able to throw off the yokes of slavery that keep us from following the Lord so that in freedom our hearts may be glad, our souls may rejoice, and our bodies may abide in confidence that he will never abandon us.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan, those thirsting from drought in South Africa, and those forced to flee the floods in China will find safety and will receive the resources needed to sustain their lives through efforts that exemplify love of neighbor.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That the outbreaks of violence that shatter the sense of safety and security in our communities will cease, and that the families who have lost loved ones will be consoled by friends, neighbors, and trust in God.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That rising COVID rates in our communities will be mitigated by responsible precautions and actions that demonstrate love of neighbor.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That in celebrating this World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the elderly may see and rejoice at the dreams of children and the young may draw strength from the elderly that inspires them to go forward and prophesy.^[2]  We pray to the Lord.
9. That for those in the frailty of their old age, the “forcibly inactive act of following” the Lord — listening to him and contemplating him — will become “the best part of their lives.^[3]”  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the sacredness of all life will be demonstrated by compassionate care and generous assistance offered to refugees forced to flee war and violence.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That Fr. Christopher may live in the freedom set for us by Christ, standing firm, not submitting to the yoke of slavery, but serving God’s people with love.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That children in our nation and throughout the world will be given love, protection, and the fullness of joys so that they may grow to build a world more able to reflect God’s love for all people.  We pray to the Lord.
13. That those who are ill and who have been abandoned to the streets will receive care that proclaims their dignity and offers them hope for healing.  We pray to the Lord. 
14. That the thousands who die each day without water, shelter, or food will be welcomed with joy to the feast of heaven with all the saints.  We pray to the Lord.  

O God our Father, we ask that through the answers to our prayers, your kingdom may be made manifest on this Earth and your Word may be welcomed in every village and town as we journey toward eternity. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] Pope Francis’ comments at General Audience, June 22, 2022.

^[2] Based on announcement of Pope Francis’ establishment of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be observed on the fourth Sunday of July each year. 

^[3] From the weekly General Audience of Pope Francis, June 22, 2022.