The Universal Prayer Sunday 9 th September 2018 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Child Protection Sunday

Transcription

1 Sunday 9 th September 2018 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Child Protection Sunday Sisters and brothers, the call of the prophet Isaiah, Courage! Do not be afraid! and the compassion of Jesus healing the deaf man, both invited us into trusting prayer on the Child Protection Sunday. 1. May the Church everywhere, with the leadership of Pope Francis, be fully committed to the protection of children, teenagers and vulnerable people at all times and in every place. 2. May we, mindful of children everywhere, including in detention centres, work together to eliminate every form of abuse which breaks the spirit of the young and vulnerable,: sexual, emotional, physical and spiritual, so that all grow to maturity in a healthy way. 3. May each of us examine our conscience to see if in any word, action or thought we have sinned against the dignity of any child, teenager or vulnerable person, and if so be sincere in our repentance and restitution. 4. May anyone who has suffered any form of abuse, rise above their fears and have that courage to confide in someone trustworthy and so begin the journey to justice and peace of heart.

2 5. May we not make distinctions between people because of their wealth, status in life, where they live, or their nationality, but treat everyone with equal kindness, recognising that we are all the children of God. 6. May those who live with hearing loss or limited hearing, have hearts open to God and loving toward others, receive understanding in the community, and teach the rest of us the virtues of patience and courage. 7. May those who have found the burden of abuse so intense that they took their own lives, find in the eternal embrace of Jesus Christ one who took their pain upon himself. We also remember.. Lord Jesus, hear the cry of our appeal and the sorrow and distress of those with pain in their hearts, and deliver all with your compassionate mercy, you who live and reign forever and ever.

3 For Use In Places Outside of Australia The Universal Prayer Sunday 9 th September 2018 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time My sisters and brothers, the mercy of God is seen in the action of Jesus healing the man unable to hear or speak, and in the apostle James showing that the materially poor are most often rich in faith. 1. May the Church everywhere, with the leadership of Pope Francis, be fully committed to the protection of children, teenagers and vulnerable people at all times and in every place. 2. May we not make distinctions between people because of their wealth, status in life, where they live, or their nationality, but treat everyone with equal kindness, recognising that we are all the children of God. 3. May those who live with hearing loss, limited hearing or speech difficulties, have hearts open to God and loving toward others, receive understanding in the community, and teach the rest of us the virtues of patience and courage. 4. May those who work with people who have limited or no hearing, or speech difficulties - teachers, therapists, doctors, researchers, and technicians - apply themselves to their care of them, aware that they carry a privileged responsibility.

4 5. May all who face the ravages of nature people enduring floods, those living with drought, people displaced by volcano eruptions, and all facing typhoons and cyclones, receive the support and relief which they need. Grant this, almighty God. 6. May Grant this, almighty God. 7. May our departed family members and parishioners live in the presence of God as they await the day of their resurrection. We remember Grant this, almighty God. Heavenly Father, you uphold the widow and orphan, you are close to those blind and deaf, you love the just and protect the stranger. Look upon all in need and give them your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.

5 Monday 10 th September rd Week in Ordinary Time Jesus was always his own person, doing good, even in the face of criticism and opposition. 1. May the Church continue its mission of being an instrument for peace and reconciliation in the world, and never be daunted by those who ridicule or oppose her good actions. 2. May those whose hearts are hardened by hatred, especially those who are terrorists, be touched by the Holy Spirit of God, and so find a new way of living which can lead to peace. 3. May we be sensitive to the needs of those who live with disabilities, and find ways to make life easier and more comfortable for them. 4. May we act with a right motive in all circumstances and not be swayed by the criticisms and judgmental attitudes of others. 5. May this Suicide Prevention Day alert us to this national tragedy, be attentive to those struggling and encourage the vulnerable to seek professional help. 6. May this first day of the Jewish New Year bring blessings upon the Jewish community in our city, for peace and Harmony. Lord, look upon our world with justice, protect and shelter those who are in need, and enable those who love you to rejoice now and forever. Through Christ our Lord.

6 Tuesday 11 th September 2018 Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time The Gospel gives us a clear image of the ministry of Jesus: he prays, teaches and heals, and appoints coworkers for the kingdom. 1. That this 17 th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, inspire us to pray for world peace and be committed to building harmony in our own part of the world. 2. That those who are intent on terrorism will be moved by the Holy Spirit to seek a better way to live by which they respect the lives of others in all circumstances. 3. That we may follow the example of Jesus and devote time to personal prayer every day. 4. That those who teach in the name of Jesus in the life of the Church, may do so with a firm commitment to his truth. 5. That the members of the healing professions may treat those placed in their care with respect and kindness. 6. That all political parties will work together to protect children in detention and bring them and their families to Australia for a safe And happy life. Eternal God, guide us as we journey through life and bring us to the fullness of life. Through Christ our Lord.

7 Wednesday 12 th September 2018 Most Holy Name of Mary Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time (Readings of the Day or Readings for the Memorial found under Votive Mass: The Holy Name of Mary, Vol 3 p 844 and Preface 21, Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary) St Luke s form of the Beatitudes is shorter and sharper than St Matthew s. He shows us where blessings can be found, but also warns of dangers. 1. May the poor be a primary concern of Christians, as we learn how to be just with both this world s resources and our material possessions. 2. May the hungry be fed through the nations which have plenty, so that they will act with justice, and give freely to save people. 3. May those who weep know the consolation of Christ, and those who are happy not fall into the trap of over indulgence. 4. May those who are persecuted for their Christian faith be full of courage and determination, and those who are cruel to them learn the virtues of respect and understanding. 5. May the insights of St Paul into marriage and the single life help people to value their state in life and live it with generosity. 6. May we honour the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother, and in prayer seek her care and at all times follow her example of love and faith. Almighty God, when our life on earth is completed clothe us in the glory of your holiness. Through Christ our Lord.

8 Thursday 13 th September 2018 St John Chrysostom Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time Today s Gospel has brought us to the heart of Jesus radical way of life: to love even our enemies, and to be compassionate as God is compassionate. 1. We pray for our broken world, that the Spirit may bring every hatefilled heart to that point of conversion in which enemies can love and be reconciled. 2. We pray for people of all faiths that they may discover Jesus golden rule: treat others as you would like them to treat you, also enshrined in their own religious teachings. 3. We pray for each other, that we may grow in that compassion which is found in the merciful heart of our God. 4. We pray for those who hold grudges against others, that they may come to grant pardon, thereby restoring friendship and developing good relationships. 5. May the holiness and teaching of St John Chrysostom continue to be a light in the Church so that we can always be faithful to Christ. 6. May Eastern Catholics and Orthodox Christians who celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom draw close to the glory of God. Father, lead us all in the path that leads to eternal life. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

9 Friday 14 th September The Exultation of the Holy Cross Today we rejoice in the power of Christ s cross through which he showed the strength of his love for all humanity. 1. That Bishop Gregory O Kelly, Apostolic Administrator of Adelaide and Bishop of Port Pirie, celebrating the anniversary of his ordination as Bishop today, will be filled with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and lead us faithfully in the way of Jesus. 2. That the Church may preach Christ crucified and so show the world that love does not come to an end. 3. That each of us may carry our daily cross in a spirit of trust, patience and love. 4. That those who carry the cross of suffering at this time, especially in war torn countries, may look to Jesus Christ with great hope. 5. That the people of Holy Cross community at Goodwood may be firm in faith and generous in love. 6. That our relatives, friends and parishioners who have died, may be saved through the Cross of Christ and so share his risen life. Jesus Christ, we adore and praise you for by your holy Cross you have redeemed the word and you live and reign for ever and ever.

10 Saturday 15 th September Our Lady of Sorrows Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time (Preface Mary at the Cross, Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary) As yesterday we celebrated the triumph of of Christ s Cross, so today we honour his mother who stood with faith and courage beside him on the cross. 1. May the life and holiness of Mary, the mother of God, be a sign of hope for all Christians, and her courage teach us to continue to pray and work for unity. 2. May those who stand alongside people who suffer do so with love, offering support and encouragement. 3. May parents who are anxious for their children, especially when they are suffering or dying, be steadfast in their faith and sure in their love. 4. May mothers who are enduring the sorrow of war and those who live in refugee camps, not give up hope, but through their love be a sign of encouragement for all. 5. May Fr Michael Brennan and Fr Bob Wilkinson and the people of Kingswood community, dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother, be a community of faith and love for the world. 6. May today s United Nations International Day of Democracy help nations to give their citizens the right to choose leaders and to shape their nations for the common good. Gracious God, be our rock of refuge and mighty stronghold as we face the difficulties of life. Through Christ our Lord.