Third Sunday of Easter, April 23, 2023
Knowing that Jesus walked with his disciples on the road to Emmaus, we offer our prayers asking that he may walk with us too, even when we do not recognize him, so that we may come to believe all that the prophets spoke.
- That the Church may open its arms to those who are wounded by life, excluding no one from God’s mercy, but welcoming each person in the same way that God welcomes everyone.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That refugees fleeing war, poverty, and repression may be welcomed by generous hosts, regardless of religion, language, or culture because charity and fraternity have no boundaries.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That on the roads we travel, we may avoid foolishness and slowness of heart when we encounter Jesus, and may he deepen our faith as we come to know him in the breaking of the bread. We pray to the Lord.
- That as we grieve for the atrocities of war and for its victims, we will seek peace in our own lives that will overcome all hatred, violence and discord.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That the horrific epidemic of violent death that infects our nation will give way to universal wonder at the life granted by God and renewed by his grace.[4] We pray to the Lord.
- That our commitment to life will encompass respect for the unborn, abhorrence of the death penalty, support for families struggling in poverty, and recognition of the sacredness of all of God’s creation. We pray to the Lord.
- That Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Hungary beginning on Friday will bring the message of the Gospels to the young people, clergy, and governmental representatives of that nation and offer hope for peace in Eastern Europe. We pray to the Lord.
- That each evening, when the day is almost over, we may offer thanks and urge Jesus to stay with us through the night and awaken us to a new day where our hearts are burning with the flame of faith. We pray to the Lord.
- That the arrival of Fr. Christopher on Sanibel this day 20 years ago will be celebrated with gratitude for all the good this has inspired, with petition that his unjust suffering may end, and with praise to God for his goodness to this community. We pray to the Lord.
- That the sick who are denied medical care due to civil disorder, natural disaster, or poverty may find comfort in the arms of their friends and family and recognize the Lord who walks with them along the road. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died from inhuman treatment may be raised to new life with Jesus who was tortured, crucified, pierced with a sword, and rose on the third day. We pray to the Lord.
God our Father, may your answer to our prayers strengthen our faith so that we may proclaim with all the apostles, “The Lord has truly been raised.” We make our prayer through Christ our Risen Lord. Amen.
[1] Based on comments of Pope Francis at “Regina Coeli” prayer, April 16, 2023.
[2] Based on statement of Pope Francis at his general audience, April 19, 2023
[3] Based on comments of Pope Francis at “Regina Coeli” prayer, April 16, 2023.
[4] Based on comments of Pope Francis at “Regina Coeli” prayer, April 16, 2023.
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