INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
It’s striking that in Mark’s Gospel those who acclaim Jesus are demons and outsiders, while his own insiders – the Twelve – are repeatedly and severely reprimanded for their lack of faith.
This scenario is encapsulated on Calvary. The apostles are nowhere to be seen. A lone centurion confesses Jesus to be ‘a son of God’. The faithful women stand by, but when some of them find the tomb empty the following day, Mark says they ‘were frightened out of their wits’ and ‘said nothing to a soul’ (16:8).
It’s a stark ending to what Mark boldly began as his ‘Gospel’ (1:1). Is he inviting us, calling us perhaps, to own our darkest doubts and fears so that light can dawn and faith begin to blaze?
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all victims of betrayal, imprisonment, torture and execution, that the injustice of their suffering will summon the world to repentance and conversion.
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, Jesus chose the way of the cross, not the path of glory, that he might lead us to life. Let us pray for the whole of creation to become fully alive in him.
READER
We pray for leaders of church and state, that they will exercise the authority entrusted to them with integrity, wisdom and purpose. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the whole human family, that the example of Jesus’ non-violence will call everyone to work untiringly for peace and reconciliation. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for young people in every land, that their passion for justice will be a driving force promoting the common good and care for the planet. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Christian communities around the world, that this week’s solemn celebrations of the paschal mystery will reinvigorate their faith and discipleship. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for social policy makers, that they will develop and advocate for programmes that support respectful care for human life from beginning to end. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for donors to Project Compassion, that our support for the work of Caritas Australia and its partners will not be confined to Lent but will continue throughout the year. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the many women subject to or at risk of domestic violence¸ that campaigns to eliminate male aggression will make their home a safe place for them and their children. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for our parish community, that these days of Holy Week will inspire us to follow ever more closely in the footsteps of Jesus, our way, our truth and our life. (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 forever acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Holy God and Father of Jesus, you sent your Son among us to break the bonds of sin and death. Give us the courage to follow him always. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.