INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
As he departed this world Jesus commissioned the Eleven to ‘proclaim the Good News to all creation’ (Mk 16:16).
It’s a happy coincidence that we hear the words ‘to all creation’ as the year of Laudato si’ comes to a close. Pope Francis’ appeal for us to care for our common home must become good news for creation – the world’s oceans, forests, rivers, grasslands, skies and all creatures that dwell in it.
This is the world that Jesus farewelled in the flesh in order to fill it with his life-giving spirit. This is the world we need to see with eyes of faith.
It’s the work of God’s creative love, shot through with the glory of the Risen One.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For young people around the world, that their hope of inheriting a safe and healthy planet will be fulfilled.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, before returning to God Jesus commissioned the Eleven to preach the gospel to all creation. Let us pray for the whole world to hear the good news.
READER
- For all who have been baptised in Christ, that they will use their many gifts to proclaim the good news across the face of the earth. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Christian churches, that they grow ever closer together in faith and become one Body united in one Spirit. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For young people crying out for climate justice, that they will stir the world to the eco-conversion called for by Pope Francis. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Jewish community celebrating the Feast of Weeks, that they will be faithful to the covenant God made with them of old. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For international leaders, health authorities and medical suppliers, that they will do all in their power to achieve a just distribution of the COVID vaccine to needy countries. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For federal parliamentarians, that they will work together to deliver a national budget for the wellbeing of the whole community. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the countless Australians who offer their time and energy as volunteers, that National Volunteer Week (17-23 May) will recognise their generosity and swell their numbers. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For librarians and their support staff, that Library Week (17-23 May) will help them promote the love of reading, especially among young children. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be raised with Christ to the right hand of God. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of unfailing joy, your Son entrusted us with the good news of salvation. Make us worthy ambassadors of your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.