23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 04, 2022

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 04, 2022

Jesus calls us to make following him the top priority of our lives.  We offer our prayers to the Father seeking the grace of the Spirit that enables us to better respond to that call.     

1. That all who lead the Church may “experience wonder before God’s plan, and, in that spirit passionately love the Church and stand at the service of her mission … however the Holy Spirit may choose^[1].”  We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders will shun their personal ambitions, carry their crosses, and follow the call of Jesus by humbly serving citizens of their own nations for the welfare of all people.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That we may have the faith to place love of God above all people, possessions, and ambitions.  We pray to the Lord. 
4. That as Paul received the slave Onesimus into the Church, may we receive refugees, victims of violence, and those who have been marginalized with hospitality that reveals God’s love for all people.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That decisions of young people to accept their calls to vocations in the priesthood or religious life will not be a source of division within families or between friends but will be a cause for rejoicing.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That we may be grateful for all who labor in service of humanity, that those who seek labor may find satisfactory opportunities, and that the dignity of all work will be respected and appreciated.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That those returning to school and their teachers may experience the joy of learning and come to know the Lord through the truths that they encounter.  We pray to the Lord. 
8. That the hatred evidenced in the fighting in Ukraine, the threats of energy shortages in Europe, and the danger of meltdown of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant will end as warring parties seek to live as followers of Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher may continue to follow Jesus despite the hatred he endures for his commitment to his vocation.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the catastrophic floods that have inundated Pakistan causing death, wiping out agriculture, destroying villages, and displacing the impoverished will recede so that those who suffer may begin to reclaim their lives.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That the people of Jackson, Mississippi who have been forced to evacuate, have had their homes inundated, and have lost the infrastructure provided by roads and treatment plants will be assisted in recovery from this disaster.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That the excessive heat, drought, rainfall, and winds that are plaguing our nation and the world will awaken all citizens to the need to care for the environment which is our legacy to subsequent generations.  We pray to the Lord.
13. That those who are ill will not be hated by their families but will be cared for with compassion and love that shows themselves to be disciples of Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
14. That those victims of hatred who have died due to the tumult in the world will be welcomed with joy into the peace of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, may your face shine upon us your servants so that we may learn your laws and live according to your will. We make our prayers through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] From homily of Pope Francis at Mass on August 30, 2022 with the College of Cardinals.