INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
As a great story-teller, Jesus appeals to our imaginations. He invites us into his expansive, fearless and appreciative way of seeing and experiencing the world. He teaches, not by logical argument or categorical conclusions, but by stories that tease us to see things differently.
He unsettles us by refusing to give simple answers. He tempts us out of our conventional frameworks of cause and effect, success and failure, friend and foe. He dares us to imagine a world shot through with love, a world of grace and beauty, a world of mercy and compassion – a world not defined by its trade in fear and hate.
Each story he tells is a mustard seed of wisdom that has the power to set us free.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all the baptised in Christ, that guided by the Spirit of Truth they will give a convincing account of their faith to those who ask.
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, whenever we meet in Jesus’ name, seeds of divine wisdom are sown in our hearts. In union with Jesus, let us pray for the whole world to flourish with wisdom.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, bishop of Rome, and all bishops of local churches, that they will be great tellers of the Christian story for the world to hear. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are sowing mustard seeds of peace in Israel and Palestine, and in every place of terrible warfare, that their humble efforts will bring results beyond imagining. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the 130 million forcibly displaced or stateless people in the world, that this Refugee Week will persuade more and more nations to share the responsibility of providing them with shelter, safety and sustenance. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the children of Sudan, that the international community will provide the aid needed to avert the famine engulfing their land and its peoples. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people fired with a passion for justice and a better world, that they will be a leaven of hope and vigour for the whole community. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the followers of Islam, that this week’s Festival of Sacrifice will be a joyous celebration for families and their faith community. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for prisoners released on parole, especially those who have served long sentences for serious crimes, that they will be well accompanied in their adjustment to life and work in society. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who administer Australia’s art galleries, museums, performance venues and other cultural institutions, that they will be good stewards of these vital community assets. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will gladly take their place with all the saints in the courts of heaven. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of all wisdom, you never cease revealing to us the mystery of your love. Help us put that love to work in our care for one another. We ask this through Christ our Lord.