INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
As a youth Jesus may have done his apprenticeship as a carpenter-builder, but many of his parables are rooted in nature and agriculture.
Today’s two images of the kingdom of God – the seed growing secretly and the mustard seed – show his awareness of the world around him. He’s in tune with its cycles, seasons and systems.
Harmony with creation isn’t just a satisfying sentiment, it’s a catalyst for integral justice, as Pope Francis points out in Laudato si’.
Francis of Assisi ‘was particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and outcast. . . He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace’ (#10).
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who farm the land and sea, that they will put sound environmental science into practice.
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, Christ is forever sowing seeds of the kingdom in our midst. Let us pray for a world-wide harvest of peace and justice.
READER
- For Pope Francis, that he will continue to lead the church on the path of inclusion and hospitality. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the many peoples stifled by oppressive regimes, that they will hold fast to their hope for a new order of freedom and respect for human rights. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For front-line health workers in lands where the coronavirus remains uncontained, that vaccination will keep them strong and safe. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For international leaders, that this week’s world observance will persuade them to take effective action to combat desertification and drought. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For indigenous peoples seeking recognition and redress for unjust policies of the past, that their call for truth will be heeded. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For local councillors and council staff, that they will serve their communities with energy, integrity and wisdom. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For young people trying to find their pathway in life, that they will be given the support they need and be blessed with real opportunities. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For elderly people vulnerable to manipulation by unscrupulous relatives and friends, that they be protected from all forms of abuse. (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 make their home with the risen Lord for ever. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of all goodness, your Word and Spirit make our lives bear a harvest of love. Keep us joyful in your service. We ask this through Christ our Lord.