14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 3, 2022

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 3, 2022

We come to the Father this day in hope that we may unite our suffering with the cross of Christ and asking that the grace of our Lord Jesus may reside in our spirit.

1. That the Church may be blessed with an abundance of laborers who place their trust in the Lord and not in money bags, sack, or sandals.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That nations, cities, and towns will welcome those who bring them words of faith, truth, and healing so that the peace of the Lord may rest upon them.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That our celebration of the Fourth of July will be a celebration of gratitude to the Lord for the many blessings he has bestowed on us and on our country.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That the people of the United States will rededicate ourselves to the proposition that all men, women, and children are created equal so “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom^[1]” for all who strive to live here in peace and harmony.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the desperation of those fleeing poverty in Central and South America in search of a better life in our country will be mitigated by wise policies that recognize the dignity of each individual and end tragedies such as the death of the migrants in Texas.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That those who are persecuted and who, like Paul, bear the marks of Jesus on their bodies having been tortured for their faith will be troubled no longer but will receive the grace, peace, and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That those who seek to impose their will on others by invasion, war, or random violence will recognize the futility of their efforts, seek fraternity, and turn to the Lord for wisdom and guidance.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That all who have been displaced by war, poverty, or persecution will be comforted as a mother comforts her child and be able to return to their communities and homes so that their hearts shall rejoice and their bodies flourish like the grass.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That all the earth may cry out to God with joy for the rivers, forests, farmlands, beaches, mountains, sunsets, stars, and beauty he has given us, even as we commit ourselves to responsible stewardship of all our resources for generations to come.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That Fr. Christopher will continue as a laborer for the harvest, shaking off the dust from the Catholic Center of the Diocese of Venice, rejoicing because his name is written in heaven.  We pray to the Lord. 
11. That those who are suffering from COVID, cancer, substance dependence, or other illnesses may be cured of their ailments and in those cures hear the words, “The kingdom of God is at hand for you.”  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who have died from the heat — in their homes, on the streets, in large trucks, and in search of relief — may be granted the abundance of eternal life with all the angels and saints in heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

O God our Father, on this day we come to you seeing a world torn apart by wars, drought, famine, and selfishness.  Even as we rejoice at the prospects of life, liberty, and happiness that are the foundation of our country, we ask for an answer to our prayers that provides relief for all who are weary from their suffering, that they may experience your comfort. We offer these prayers through Christ our

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^[1] Abraham Lincoln in “The Gettysburg Address.”