INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Luke offers his Gentile readers the assurance of historical credibility via today’s catalogue of powers, people and places. Though not named here, the city of Jerusalem serves as the focal point of his Gospel.
In line with prophets like Baruch, Luke sees Jerusalem as the city of divine destiny. It is there that the drama of salvation plays out; it is from there that the Gospel goes out to the world. Tragically, in spite of its name suggesting ‘foundation of peace’, Jerusalem’s history has been violent and bloody.
Again today, it is a counter-sign of division, hatred and bitter suffering. But if the cross of Jesus could become the tree of life, could the earthly Jerusalem become a surprising symbol of love and peace?
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who live in the land of Jesus’ birth, that the brutal bloodshed there will cease and the long path to peace begin.
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, God’s word today revives our desire for a new world of peace and mercy. With Advent hope let us pray for all peoples to see the salvation of God.
READER
1. We pray for all communities of Christian believers. May they abound in love, wisdom and goodness as they look with longing for the Day of Christ. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for the humanitarian agencies providing food and shelter to displaced persons around the world. May they create havens of safety in which children can play and learn. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
3. We pray for the poorest peoples of the world under threat from the climate crisis. May the nations most responsible for global warming commit themselves to climate justice. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
4. We pray for the many who live under oppressive authoritarian regimes. May this week’s United Nations Day for Human Rights (10 December) renew their hope for freedom and justice. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
5. We pray for the church in France and Europe. May today’s reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris be a joyful celebration of faith, beauty and shared humanity. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
6. We pray for all who live in daily fear of domestic violence. May social media use its influence positively to promote respectful relationships. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
7. We pray for all still deciding on Christmas gifts for family and friends. May their choices be guided by what is least wasteful and by what best sustains a healthy environment. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
8. We pray for our parish community. May tomorrow’s solemn festival of Mary’s Immaculate Conception deepen our faith in God’s saving grace for us all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
9. We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they be led with gladness to their homeland in heaven. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of all goodness, you sustain us on our pilgrim way towards the Day of Christ. Send us out as apostles of hope into our fractured world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Russian Church of Saint Mary Magdalene on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Depositphotos.com