INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Elisha and Jesus transform a basketful of food into an abundance that feeds many and leaves much over.
Their stories bring to mind God’s provision of manna for the Israelites on their desert trek to the Promised Land. They were to collect only enough manna for that day; any surplus stored for later would spoil. The story suggests that the human drive to possess is at odds with divine bounty.
It’s a theme that Jesus expounds in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 6). Don’t worry, he says, God knows your needs, set your hearts on God’s dream, and all will be given you. And when you pray, ask only for the bread you need today.
He dares us to trust and be content.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for those who never go hungry, that they will know their good fortune and give generous support to relief agencies feeding the starving and hungry.
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, united in the one hope, the one peace and the one faith, let us pray together for all who are hungry in body, mind and spirit.
READER
We pray for the whole human family, that the Paris Olympics will be a powerful symbol of universal friendship and shared humanity in these fractured times. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Pope Francis, our local bishop, and all ministers of word and sacrament, that their love of the gospel will lead many to the banquet of Divine Wisdom. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for faithful believers taking part in Sunday Eucharist around the world today, that they will take delight in belonging to a global family of grace, prayer and peace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the many human beings struggling to survive from day to day on the barest rations of food and water, that the world community will do everything in its power to supply them with the necessities of life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the nation, that policy makers and the whole community will agree on measures to overcome the housing divide and uphold housing as a human right, not a means of wealth accumulation. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for youth workers, especially those engaging with young people from disadvantaged communities, that they will help them grow in self-respect and self-confidence. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for community health educators, that they will highlight the harm caused by our addiction to sweet and processed foods and persuade us to adopt a healthy diet. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for ourselves, that this week’s remembrance of Jesus’ friends, Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and the church’s great founders, Ignatius, Alphonsus and Dominic, will inspire us to follow Jesus ever more closely. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will join the company of saints in the kingdom of heaven. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of unfailing bounty, day by day you bless us with love and mercy. Open our hearts in generous love for friend and stranger alike. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.