INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
It’s a blessing, early in this Jubilee Year, to be drawn again into Simeon and Anna’s undaunted hope. Their devout longing to see God’s age-old promise of salvation fulfilled finally bears fruit.
The times were not propitious, the circumstances unremarkable. A routine religious obligation is met by a poor out-of-town couple, witnessed by two people of no official consequence. Not quite the fiery whirlwind manifestation imagined by the prophet Malachi. Yet the hearts of Simeon and Anna, fine-tuned to the mysterious movement of divine love, thrill with joy at what is being revealed to them.
They invite us to trust, to pray, to observe, and to delight in the surprise of grace. And to be clear-eyed about what it asks of us.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all engaged in negotiations to bring murderous wars to an end, that they will never cease pursuing peace, no matter how unpromising the prospects.
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 company with Simeon and Anna, we bless God today for the dawning of the light of Christ. Let us pray, with Mary and Joseph, for the world to find hope in God’s saving power.
READER
We pray for all faithful believers, that on this Word of God Sunday their hearts will burn within them when they hear the scriptures proclaimed and preached. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray today for the members of all institutes of consecrated life, especially those inspired by today’s feast, that their dedication to lives of prayer, service and mission will bring them peace and enfold the world with love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who honour Abraham as their forebear in faith – Jews, Christians and Muslims alike – that they will build on what they hold in common and bear common witness to the one true God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for world leaders, that they respect the international bodies and treaties whose mandate is to keep the world safe and serve the common good of humanity. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Australia’s political leaders, that everything they do or say will promote peace, harmony, truth and justice across the nation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for parents, that like Mary and Joseph they will see their children grow to maturity with grace and wisdom. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all consumers, that out of care for God’s creation we will take personal steps to reduce waste and especially to keep our waterways free of plastic pollution. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community, that our lives of joy and generosity will shine forth in the world and draw many to find life in Christ. (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 see the glory of God and live in peace forever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Saving God, by taking our flesh and blood to himself your Son became our true high priest and set us free from sin and death. Help us live always in the light of Christ. We ask this through the same Christ, our Lord.