INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Unlike the synoptic gospels, John has no ‘agony in the garden’ scene. Instead, he has Jesus make a public confession of his inner turmoil in advance of his ‘hour’.
Likewise, John has no transfiguration story and only alludes to Jesus’ baptism, but today’s voice from heaven brings both these synoptic stories to mind.
There’s much to ponder here. In this short passage John testifies to the integral humanity and divinity that is unique to Jesus. One and the same Jesus is both deeply troubled yet displays divine authority.
We ourselves share in this mystery as clay pots bearing divine glory (2 Cor 4:7). This stage of Lent is a good time to rediscover and find joy in the glory of grace within us.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for the elect preparing for Christian initiation this Easter, that their journey of faith will be crowned with joy and bear fruit within their parish family.
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, faced with rejection and death, Jesus prayed with his whole being for the strength to fulfil his mission. In union with him, let us pray with all our hearts for God’s saving work to be accomplished.
READER
We pray for God’s faithful people, that in company with Jesus they will be as grains of wheat that die and yield a rich harvest of life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the growing number of Christian communities world-wide that suffer state discrimination, hostility and violence, that the courage and faith of Jesus will inspire them to remain steadfast. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who are engaged in negotiations for peace in places of war, that their patient persistence will bring an end to bloodshed and open the way to a just future. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the human family, that this week’s World Water Day (22 March) will raise awareness of the need to protect vital freshwater resources and secure equitable access to them. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Caritas Australia, that our generous support for Project Compassion will enable it to maintain its partnerships with agencies of justice and development around the world. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the First Peoples of Australia, that determined national collaboration will succeed in closing the gap in health outcomes for them. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who lead lives of quiet desperation in our midst, that the caring outreach of the community will lead them from loneliness to the companionship they need. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for our parish community, that the joyful celebration of Sunday eucharist will keep renewing the new and everlasting covenant made for us by Jesus’ saving death. (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 be lifted up with Jesus to the glory of everlasting life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Life-giving God, you heard the pleas of your Son and raised him out of death. Listen to our prayers and renew our faith in your power to save. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.