INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Claims made by nations at war that God is ‘on their side’ may make us wary of the first words of today’s reading from Romans. In addition, we might not be entirely comfortable with Paul’s trial-scene language of accusation, acquittal and condemnation. But his point is clear and wonderful: God is for us in Christ Jesus.
Paul alludes to the sacrifice this entailed: ‘God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all.’ In sum, God’s all has been given us, once and for all and for ever.
To help us on our Lenten way, Paul’s emphatic declaration is echoed on the mount of transfiguration: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved.’ But there’s a rider: ‘Listen to him.’
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the victims of human trafficking, especially women and children, that they be set free from slavery and this cruel trade be brought to an end.
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, the sight of Jesus’ divine glory spurs us on our Lenten way. Let us pray with God’s Beloved Son for a new heaven and a new earth.
READER
We pray for the people of God. May the eyes of our minds be opened to see the glory of Christ present in the whole of creation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who revere Abraham as their father in faith. May Jews, Christians and the followers of Islam gladly work together for peace in the world. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for eco-conversion this Lent. May the whole human family accept its responsibility to care for the earth, our common home. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the many nations undertaking elections this year. May those whom voters elect to office promote the common good with integrity, wisdom and courage. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Caritas Australia’s local partners in the Philippines. May the work of the Faithful Companions of Jesus enable young women to gain the education they need to secure the future of their families. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for families, youth workers and the police. May their efforts to divert young people away from gang violence open up other pathways towards a fulfilling life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for new parents. May they wonder at the gift of new life and cherish the child that has been entrusted to them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community, especially those preparing for Christian initiation at Easter. May we listen intently to God’s Beloved Son and faithfully follow him. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they join Christ at God’s right hand and reign with him for ever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Holy God, in Christ we glimpse your glory. Keep our eyes fixed on him, our Leader in faith and your Beloved Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.