INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
All up, the four accounts of Jesus’ eucharistic gift of himself deal more at length with the cup of wine than the loaf of bread, yet it’s the bread that dominates our sacramental consciousness.
This may tempt us to imagine the eucharist primarily as a convivial meal. Today’s focus on the blood of the covenant offers a timely corrective. It reminds us of the violent death to which Jesus surrendered himself in order to become our peace and reconciliation.
In language that defies logic, we are the people whose robes have been washed white by the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:14). Freed and forgiven, we take the path of self-sacrificing love so powerfully evoked when we drink together from the cup of salvation.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for Christian communities subject to hostility and discrimination, that they will draw unfailing strength from the bread of life and the cup of Christ’s saving blood.
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, we have become a covenant people in the saving blood of Christ. In communion with him, let us pray for all to enjoy the blessings of God’s reign among us.
READER
We pray for the whole church, that the baptised faithful will realise their glory as a chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation, called to proclaim God’s mighty works. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for people in every place where blood is being shed out of anger, hate, revenge or the lust for power, that their hopes for peace and freedom will never be extinguished. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family, that this week’s World Environment Day (5 June) will call them to enter a new covenant of care for the whole of creation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Christian communities deprived of the eucharist for lack of an ordained minister, that church reform will respond to their hunger for the bread of life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the indigenous peoples of Australia, that tomorrow’s observance of Mabo Day (3 June) will honour their spiritual and cultural ties with the land, its waters and its creatures. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for parents, that they may be blessed with the knowledge, wisdom and skills they need to guide their children in the safe use of social media. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for defence personnel and emergency workers returning from service in combat and disaster zones, that their mental health needs will be fully recognised and met. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all members of parish St Vincent de Paul groups, that Friday’s feast of the Sacred Heart (7 June) will help provide them with the goods they need to serve the poor. (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 led with joy to their place at the banquet of eternal life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God, our Creator and Provider, you sealed your covenant of love with us in the blood of Christ. Strengthen us day by day with the bread of life and cup of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.