Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 15, 2023

Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 15, 2023

We come to this Eucharistic feast, asking God to hear our pleas and clothe us in the garments of repentance and humility.  

1. That the ongoing Synod will be inspired by the Holy Spirit leading the Church to better understand its mission to send its servants into the streets gathering all who are found, bad and good alike, into the Eucharistic feast.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That the hand of the Lord will rest on mountains, plains, and valleys where wars are raging so that the tears of those who are suffering may be wiped away and their needs will be provided for.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That women, children, the aging, the disabled, and all who have been kidnapped or displaced by war will not be used as political pawns or civilian shields but will find safety from all weapons and from those who use them indiscriminately.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That we will always be grateful for the invitation to the banquet of the King that we received at our baptisms and recognize our membership in the Christian community as a most precious gift.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That we will ponder the faith symbolized by the unsoiled white garments we wore at the time of our baptism and reflect on how we can renew those gowns by a commitment that gives witness to what we value and believe. We pray to the Lord.
6. That we will better embrace our responsibility not to merely show up at Mass but also to wear the gown of welcoming for those who long for God’s forgiveness and for support in their lives of faith.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That a sense of compassion and a deep longing for peace will enter the hearts and minds of those who view violence as a tool for achieving their goals.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That the continuing rise in the numbers of refugees and immigrants will be understood as a symptom of problems and inspire world leaders to work to eradicate the insecurities that cause people to unwillingly flee their homelands.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That in observing this International Day of Rural Women and Girls we will be mindful of the injustice of the backbreaking efforts of rural women who fight extreme poverty, hunger, and malnutrition while often being denied access to education, health care, and compensation.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan, drought in East Africa, and other environmental disasters will find safe havens, clean water, and adequate food that sustains them in this time of great need.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who are injured by fighting in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, and other troubled areas of the world may find the medical care needed to restore them physically, mentally, and spiritually so that they may be ambassadors of peace.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That our family members who have died will be clothed in festal garments and live among the chosen at the banquet of the Lord in heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

God our Father, we offer these petitions knowing that you will fully supply whatever we need, in accord with your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To you we give glory forever and ever.  Amen.