18th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 31, 2022
Today we are called to consider what we value — to avoid vanity and greed. We turn to the Lord humbly to ask his favor seeking what is truly important and what matters to God.
- That the Church will avoid being a set of ideas and precepts to drill into people, but will be a welcoming home for everyone where true reconciliation is possible among Church leaders, those wounded by the Church’s failures, and all people.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That the Church will not decide for others or pigeonhole everyone within our preconceived categories but will place ourselves before our crucified Lord and before our brothers and sisters in order to learn to walk together.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That vanity may not be an impediment to peace as world leaders seek reconciliation between nations and peoples divided by grudges, mistrust, and fear with humility, generosity, and honesty. We pray to the Lord.
- That religious beliefs may not be used as an excuse for violence between neighbors, war between nations, or persecution of communities so that all people may freely seek the truth that rests in God. We pray to the Lord.
- That the lands will produce a bountiful harvest, not to be stored in large barns but to be distributed to those who suffer from poverty and hunger. We pray to the Lord.
- That we will act with knowledge that one night our lives will be demanded of us and not store up riches for ourselves but seek to become rich in what matters to God. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may overcome our prejudices against those who are different from us in race, culture, origins, status, age, or belief by seeing Christ in all. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may avoid vanity over the wisdom, knowledge, and skill with which we have labored in our lives but see all our achievements as rooted in the gifts with which God has generously blessed us. We pray to the Lord.
- That the days of those who have lost loved ones may not be occupied by sorrow and grief, with their minds not being at rest even at night, so that they may be renewed in spirit and receive God’s comfort and peace. We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher will receive insightful medical care that helps restore his body and be filled at daybreak with God’s kindness. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are sick, injured, or disconsolate may be comforted by the concern and support of their friends and ministered to by compassionate medical teams who are instruments of God’s love. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died from oppressive heat, overwhelming floods, raging fires, and long-term droughts will be received with joy in heaven and serve to awaken us to the necessity of caring for God’s Earth for future generations. We pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, we come to you as people who often cling to our vanities and possessions as our sources of security. May we be freed from these weaknesses through your answer to these prayers which we offer through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] From address of Pope Francis at Sacred Heart parish in Edmonton, July 25, 2022.
[2] From address of Pope Francis at Sacred Heart parish in Edmonton, July 25, 2022.
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