INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
For those who like their films, books and music arrive at a clear resolution, Jesus’ parables can be annoyingly inconclusive. Today’s is especially so.
We get to the happy outcome of the younger brother’s return, only to find there’s more to come, and it leads to questions rather than answers. Did the elder brother join in the feast of forgiveness or not? Were all three reconciled?
Jesus doesn’t give us the satisfaction of a neat ending for us to archive. We’re left to stay engaged with the drama, to keep reflecting on how the push and pull of desire, duty, judgment, repentance and mercy are at play in our own lives. We’re truly a work in progress until our last breath.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for parish catechists guiding the elect on their way to the Easter sacraments, that they will be wise, faithful and loving companions for them.
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 word and action Jesus constantly announced the good news of God’s boundless mercy. Let us place our wayward world in God’s kindly hands.
READER
We pray for the human family, that all who have lost their way in life may find and take the path of hope and love again. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the church, that it will repent of all conduct that has betrayed the Gospel, confess its sins, and humbly seek forgiveness. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are negotiating ceasefires in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and all places of ruthless bloodshed, that they will achieve agreements that can lead to lasting peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the international community, that today’s United Nations Day of Zero Waste will encourage a global commitment to reduce waste and live sustainably. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Australia’s Moslem community, that they will complete their devout observance of Ramadan tomorrow and gladly celebrate together. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for health workers of every kind, that in this Jubilee Year of Hope they will help the sick stay strong and steadfast in spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Caritas Australia’s partners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that our support for Project Compassion will ensure young women there receive the vocational training that enables them to support their families. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for parents and children who have become painfully estranged, that by the grace of God they can be reconciled and reunited. (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 be made new in Christ and become the goodness of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
All-forgiving God, you reconciled the world to yourself in Christ. Fill us with your empowering spirit that we may be ambassadors of your mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.