INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The majestic book of Job is poorly served by the lectionary. Two short passages in three years give little clue to the titanic struggle that Job, his friends and God are engaged in throughout the book’s lengthy chapters, nor to the magnificence of its poetry and the grandeur of its vision.
The issue it wrestles with is the problem of suffering, especially that of the innocent. It’s astonishing that this vexed question should give birth to such an extraordinary work of literature. Yet it yields no plain answer, other than a declaration of divine power that reduces Job to silence.
The answer we have – the crucified Christ – is mysterious too. It sharpens, rather than short-circuits, our quest to make sense of suffering.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who live in constant fear from real or imagined threat, that they will find their way to safety in body, mind and spirit.
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, Jesus calls us, like his first disciples, to let go of fear and put our faith in him. With confidence in his power to save, let us pray for a new heaven and a new earth.
READER
We pray for church communities around the world, that they might be inspired by the bold faith of Saints Peter and Paul and bear missionary witness to Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family, that everyone might know the awesome power of nature, come to faith in its divine Creator, and become true caretakers of creation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the staff and volunteers of humanitarian agencies serving people in places of immense anguish and pain, that they will be agents of healing, hope and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the citizens of the many nations engaged in elections this year, that they will vote conscientiously for candidates pledged to serve with justice, integrity and care for the common good. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for a new spirit of respect to sweep through the Australian community, that the blessings we enjoy as a peaceful society will not be lost through division and discontent. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for safety in the workplace and at home, that children and vulnerable adults will be free from all forms of bullying and discrimination. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the residents of aged care facilities, that they will receive the physical, spiritual and emotional nurturing that accords with their human dignity. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community, that together we will welcome the many gifts of the Holy Spirit and enable them to bear much fruit. (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 be made a wholly new creation in Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of majesty and mystery, you chose to take flesh among us in the person of Jesus. May he guide and lead us until we see you face and face. We ask this through Christ our Lord.