26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 25, 2022

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 25, 2022

We offer our prayers to the Father asking that we will not be blind or deaf to his will for us that cries out in the world around us.     

1. That as the Church proclaims the richness of the Gospel, we may reach out to those who are poor and covered with the sores of poverty and disbelief so that they too may receive what is good.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders and all people will pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness as we seek solutions to the problems that cause sin and division.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That on this World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we will commit ourselves to honoring the dignity and sacredness of all human life and not view those who flee their homelands as burdens.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That migrants and refugees will find respect and not be treated as pawns to be used or abused for social, political, or financial gain.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That migrants, refugees, displaced persons, and victims of trafficking will not be excluded from constructing the Kingdom of God on Earth but will be known as vital participants in building the future.^[1] We pray to the Lord.
6. That we will not be among the complacent who stretch comfortably on our couches enjoying rich food, fine music, delicious wine, and the best of oils oblivious to the suffering of others but will be those who secure justice for the oppressed, give food to the hungry, and sustain those in need.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That as Fr. Christopher endures his suffering on Earth, may he be strengthened by the knowledge that one day he too will sit with Lazarus at the side of Abraham.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That we will work to build the Church as a home for the wounded and broken, not an institution for the perfect.^[2]  We pray to the Lord.
9. That the teachings of the church will provide a basis for a welcoming community that is faithful to God but does not give the impression that we are qualified to pass judgment on other people.^[3]  We pray to the Lord.
10. That increased strength may be found in councils, committees, groups, and activities within the Church that welcome a variety of perspectives and understanding that arise from diversity of age, race, and life experience.^[4]  We pray to the Lord.
11. That immigrants and refugees who are ill from filth, malnourishment, dehydration, and oppressive weather may find relief, healing, and hope.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who have died in search of hospitable homelands will rest in peace for all eternity in the open and welcoming arms of the Lord in heaven. We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, as we pray for refugees and migrants, we ask for the grace to be faithful to our own paths of migration by bringing peace, tranquility, and hope along our path to heaven.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] Based on Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2022 (25 September 2022).

^[2] From Region XII Synthesis in the National Synthesis of the People of God in the United States of America for the Diocesan Phase of the 2021—2023 Synod, USCCB (September, 2022).

^[3] From Region IX Synthesis in the National Synthesis of the People of God in the United States of America for the Diocesan Phase of the 2021—2023 Synod, USCCB (September, 2022).

^[4] From Region I Synthesis in the National Synthesis of the People of God in the United States of America for the Diocesan Phase of the 2021—2023 Synod, USCCB (September, 2022).