INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Mary’s great canticle of praise, her Magnificat, is not prompted by the bewildering message announced by the angel, but by the joyful encounter she has with her cousin Elizabeth.
Her song isn’t the pious prayer of a submissive young female but an emphatic assertion of the power of God to revolutionise the way of the world.
It brings to mind another Mary, Australia’s own Mary MacKillop, and her mission to raise up the poor. In the face of great adversity, opposition and betrayal, she and her companions laboured tirelessly to educate poor children, provide refuge for women, and overcome all kinds of disadvantage. Allied with unfailing trust in providence and acceptance of the cross, her life’s work was a true Magnificat.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for the women of faith who enliven the church with their gifts, that through their courage and conviction the church will be lead on the path of renewal.
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 promises of old came to fulfilment in Mary’s “yes” to the angel’s message. In the spirit of her trusting faith, let us pray for the salvation of the world.
READER
We pray for all women of faith, that their wisdom, experience and abilities will inspire the whole people of God to live the good news in spirit and truth. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for Pope Francis, all bishops and ministers of word and sacrament, that like Paul the apostle they will boldly proclaim the glorious mystery that is Jesus Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who profess faith in Christ, that they will be a shining beacon of hope in the darkness of the world’s distress. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who eagerly look forward to God’s coming among us, that their eyes will be opened to see divine beauty and goodness in the whole of creation. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who do not grasp the true meaning of Christmas, that they will still work with all their hearts for peace on earth and good will to all. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the innocent women, children and men enduring terror, starvation and disease in places of bloodshed, that their cries for pity will be heard by those who persist in waging war. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for our families and all with whom we will gather for Christmas, that we will celebrate the feast together with gratitude and generosity of spirit. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who have helped make this Advent a season of prayer, peace and hope, that they will be blessed for their loving service of the community. (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 Mary and all the saints in the glory of heaven. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
PRESIDER
Faithful God, our everlasting rock, you revealed the mystery of your love to the young woman of Nazareth. Give us the courage to welcome your love as she did. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.