24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 11, 2022

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 11, 2022

Emboldened by the parables we have heard that reveal the tenderness and mercy of God, we ask the Father to hear our petitions and grant our needs.     

1. That the Church will consistently proclaim a message of peace to a depraved world that in embracing violence, war, and selfishness has turned aside from the way pointed out to us by God.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That as the nations of the world recall the horrors of September 11, 2001, all will reject the evils of terrorism and seek to overcome long-nurtured grudges through commitment to forgiveness that recognizes the value of differences in races, cultures, and traditions.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That families torn apart by avarice and pride may find reconciliation through the model of the generous and loving father who welcomed the return of his prodigal son.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That Pope Francis’ trip to Kazakhstan will be “a great blessing” for Catholics and the entire country, and that the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions he will attend “can be a sign which points to God as the source of peace.”^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
5. That when friends or family lose faith, we may be able to light a lamp and help them search for it so that we may rejoice with them on finding what was lost.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That in examining our lives, we may be among those sinners who repent rather than among the righteous people who have no need of repentance.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That the sufferings of those enduring intense heat in California, drought in the horn of Africa, and flooding in Pakistan will inspire world leaders to unite behind the principles of Laudato Si’ in forming policies that protect the Earth and everyone in it.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That schools may provide safe haven for children and inspire young minds to seek truth, integrity, and fulfillment as they prepare for productive lives in service to their communities.  We pray to the Lord. 
9. That each of us may be grateful to Christ, Jesus our Lord, who strengthens us, considers us trustworthy, and grants us the same mercy he gave to Paul, an arrogant blasphemer and persecutor, who was appointed a minister of the Gospel.  We pray to the Lord. 
10. That Pope Francis’ declaration that abuse of authority, abuse of power, and sexual abuse by those in the Church are monstrosities that always destroy will be applied to all bishops and will enable Fr. Christopher to live his call to service, unity, and growth.^[2]  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who are suffering from diseases that will soon take their lives may be comforted and know the love of God as they move to the moment when they will meet him face to face.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who died from terrorism on September 11 and all victims of terrorism and hatred will be received with love into the peace of heaven where all animosity is wiped away.  We pray to the Lord. 

God, our Father, we ask you to heal the divisions that exist in our society and strengthen us to be instruments of your peace that advance the faith and welfare of all people. We make our prayers through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

---

^[1] Quotes from interview of Archbishop of Astana Khazakstan, Tomasz Peta, September 6, 2022.

^[2] Based on Aug. 11 interview of Pope Francis with CNN Portugal broadcast on Sep 5, 2022.