The Ascension of the Lord, May 21, 2023
On this feast of the Ascension, we join with the apostles and the women who devoted themselves with one accord to prayer and ask God to hear and answer our pleas.
- That those who lead the Church will heed the exhortation of the angel not to stand around looking intently at the sky but will have the eyes of their hearts enlightened so that they may see and address the needs of the world. We pray to the Lord.
- That national and civil leaders may be blessed with a Spirit of wisdom and revelation that inspires legislation and action that serves all humanity. We pray to the Lord.
- That when we worship, despite our doubts, we may be renewed in our desire to observe all that Jesus has commanded and know that he is with us always, until the end of the age. We pray to the Lord.
- That “all who face the pressing challenges of war, injustice, ecological disaster, or spiritual poverty may be consoled and strengthened” by knowledge that despite the presence of evil, “all manner of thing[s] shall be well.”[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That we will be willing to “sacrifice self-convenience for the sake of others in responding to the endemic problems of isolation and loneliness felt by” the marginalized, aged, and impoverished in our society.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That during this week of commemoration of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, we will be renewed in our determination to act in ways that bring “hope for the earth and hope for humanity.” We pray to the Lord.
- That this month dedicated to the gracious virgin Mary will inspire us to have confidence to stand before her sinful and sorrowful, knowing that she will mercifully intercede with her Son for us and for our petitions. We pray to the Lord.
- That we will not become complacent about the almost daily reports of mass shootings in our cities and communities but will prayerfully seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to inspire action that will lead to safety and respect for all life. We pray to the Lord.
- That on this World Day of Social Communications, the Lord Jesus may help us make our communication clear, open, and heartfelt; disarm all hostility that divides us; and enable us to speak the truth in charity so that we may protect one another.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are ill, starving, fleeing in fear, or suffering in spirit may know that the ascended Jesus has not left them but stands with them through all their trials. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died will be with our ascended Lord in the joy of heaven for all eternity. We pray to the Lord.
O God, while we recall your ascension into heaven from earth on this day, may we understand that we are not separated from you but that the actions of our lives proclaim your presence to all the world. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.
[1] Based on message of Pope Francis to pilgrims commemorating the 650th anniversary of the Revelations of the Passion of Christ of Mother Julian of Norwich (May 15, 2023).
[2] Same as footnote 1.
[3] Based on Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 57th World Day of Social Communications (May 21, 2023) issued January 24, 2023.
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