Third Sunday of Advent, December 14, 2025
We rejoice on this Gaudete Sunday with thanks that Jesus was born, with hope for his coming again, and with confidence of his presence with us now through the Holy Spirit as we offer our prayers to the Father.
- That the Church’s diplomacy will remain “consistently directed toward serving the good of humanity [with special attention to] those who are poor, in vulnerable situations, or pushed to the margins of society.”[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That world leaders will “recognize that armed struggle brings no benefit; [that] while weapons are lethal, negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive; [and that] all [will] choose peace as a way, not just as a goal.”[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That despite record levels of internal displacement, rising humanitarian needs, and the highest-ever death toll of migrants in transit, those forced to migrate will be resilient and hopeful, recognized for their contributions to labor markets, skill gaps, innovation, and contributions to demographic challenges in aging societies.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That when we pray for help in overcoming life’s challenges, we may be patient as the farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, and wait with joyful hope for the coming of the Lord to make his will known. We pray to the Lord.
- That lands devastated by war will exult, that fields parched by drought will bloom with crops and abundant flowers, and that residents of these areas will be able to rejoice with joyful song. We pray to the Lord.
- That Christians living in the Middle East and other areas of war or conflict might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.[4] We pray to the Lord.
- That we will observe Advent as “a time to pray for peace, to advocate for justice, and to work toward a society where the values of love and charity prevail.”[5] We pray to the Lord.
- That the unconscionable waste of 30-40% of food in our country — enough to feed the 47 million hungry residents — and the wanton destruction of food destined for poor countries in need will be addressed effectively so that those who starve in our nation and around the world will gain access to needed nutrition.[6] We pray to the Lord.
- That we will support all human life from conception, through the challenges of these times until natural death and overcome any blindness that fails to see the dignity of all people regardless of their land of origin, economic status, race, or disabilities.[7] We pray to the Lord.
- That the hands of those who are feeble will be strengthened, that the knees of those who are weak will be made firm, and that those whose hearts are frightened will be strong and fear not because God comes to save them from their distress. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died, whose season of waiting has ended, will find new life in the kingdom of heaven. We pray to the Lord.
God our Father, may know your answers to our prayers through the good news proclaimed to us in word, action, and deed and be people filled with joy. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Pope Leo in his remarks receiving Letters of Credence of thirteen new Ambassadors to the Holy See. December 6, 2025.
[2] Quote from Pope Leo as he departed Lebanon. December 2, 2026.
[3] Based on United Nations statement Celebrating the Contributions and Opportunities of Migration prepared in advance of International Migrants Day observed December 18, 2025.
[4] Prayer intention of Pope Leo for December, 2025.
[5] From “Lord’s Day Reflection…” by Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM, November 29, 2025.
[6] Information from US Department of Agriculture and Reuters news service.
[7] This petition is an attempt to avoid politics while also countering President Trump’s reference to Somali immigrants as “garbage” with a prayer that we will honor the dignity of all people.
parishionersforjustice.com 