INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Jesus’ rebuke to his disciples for their fear and lack of faith is but the first of several such reproaches in the gospel of Mark.
There are enough of them to distinguish Mark from all the other gospels. Peter’s profession of faith at Caesarea Philippi proves shallow. In the end it’s a Roman centurion, not a disciple, who utters the fullest truth about Jesus.
Mark catalogues the disciples’ failures as a warning to later believers. Every generation must grapple with the mystery of Jesus’ Messiahship. He teaches, heals and liberates with awesome authority yet does not resist betrayal and shameful execution.
Mark’s Jesus is not an easy companion and he doesn’t want us to make him one.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For judges, magistrates, lawyers and police officers, that they will hold fast to truth and justice in the administration of the law.
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, in Christ we have become a new creation. Let us pray faithfully for all things to be made new.
READER
- For all people on earth, that the whole human family will learn to respect and live in harmony with the world of nature. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all displaced persons and refugees, that today’s observance of World Refugee Day will spur nations to take collective action to address their plight. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the church in Australia, that dioceses holding local synods this year will be blessed by the fire of the Spirit and the light of God’s word. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For parliamentarians debating euthanasia and assisted dying legislation, that they will uphold the inherent dignity and value of every human life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all overseeing the implementation of child safeguarding measures, that their diligence will ensure that every child is kept safe. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For seafarers around the world, that their right to safe working conditions and just remuneration will be respected. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For state and federal public servants, that they will fulfil their responsibilities with integrity, courage and expertise. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For regional and remote communities, that they will have access to the services they need to thrive. (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 made eternally new in Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Holy God, you made all things and declared them good. Open our eyes to see your beauty and goodness in everything. We ask this through Christ our Lord.