INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The two scenes could scarcely be more different. John has fearful disciples gathered in a closed room at nightfall on Easter Day; in this intimate setting Jesus breathes his Spirit on them and sends them on a mission of forgiveness.
Luke, by contrast, presents a public manifestation of divine majesty before crowds of pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem 50 days later. It’s an awe-inspiring display that summons them to faith.
Together these accounts testify to the irrepressible nature of the Spirit, always defying our neat categories and tidy logic. The Spirit’s ways within our hearts and abroad in the world are wonderfully mysterious, but always, as Paul says, for a good purpose.
Come, Holy Spirit, set our hearts on fire with your love.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For minority groups driven to anti-social violence by resentment and mistrust, that they will be drawn to healthy participation in the life of the community.
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, baptised in the one Spirit and blessed with many gifts, let us pray together for the world to be made new.
READER
We pray for all who profess the Christian faith, that God’s mighty Spirit will make their hearts blaze with ardent love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Christian churches of Australia, that they will spread the joy of the Gospel throughout the land. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family, that people everywhere will be moved by the Spirit to renew the face of the earth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the nations of the world, that they will be transformed by the Spirit into communities of welcome, mercy and compassion. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the peacekeepers of the United Nations, that they will achieve their mission of defusing conflict and creating a climate of peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the First Nations peoples of Australia and the Islands of the Torres Strait, that this year’s observance of Mabo Day will deepen their bond with the land. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all in our midst who struggle with loneliness, poverty and illness, that many helping hands will reach out to them and offer support. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for foster parents, that their generous love will give the children in their care the precious gift of a loving home. (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 raised to glory by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Holy God, your Spirit of love makes all things new. Help us walk always in newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.