INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Just as Einstein’s simple formula E = mc2 belies its world-shattering power, so the spare words and gesture of the Sign of the Cross barely hint at its tumultuous history and revolutionary potential. It condenses the grand saga of Israel’s discovery of the one true God, the shock of the Word-made-flesh, the scandal of the cross, the wonder of the resurrection, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
All the great mysteries of the Christian faith are crystallised in this familiar sign. Few believers can sum up the subtle theological arguments and fierce debates about Trinity and Incarnation that raged at the early councils of the church, but all make that faith their own with the Sign of the Cross.
It’s a powerhouse.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for a synodal church of prayer and mission, that God’s truth, beauty and goodness will be made known across the face of the earth.
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, delighting in the mystery of our one and threefold God, let us pray for all humankind to find invincible hope in the love of the Holy Trinity.
READER
We pray for those who are commissioned to preach and teach the great mysteries of the Christian faith. May they kindle the fire of love in their hearers’ hearts. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have been baptised in the love of God, the grace of Christ and the communion of the Holy Spirit. May they be no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, but one in Christ Jesus. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children on this first World Children’s Day (25-26 May) declared by Pope Francis. May they be blessed with parents who are their first and best teachers of the good news of Jesus. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for United Nations peacekeepers deployed in dangerous places around the world. May they stay safe while serving the cause of peace and civil order. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all Australians, both First Nations peoples and the many late arrivals in this ancient land. May today’s National Sorry Day (26 May) and the start of Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) renew our pledge to work together on truth-telling, healing and mutual respect. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are struggling with severe cost-of-living pressures, especially those under threat of homelessness. May the whole nation unite to reverse the growing divide between the well-off and the disadvantaged. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the whole Australian community. May all sectors of society work together to secure a working balance between freedom of speech and the right not to be vilified or discriminated against. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for expectant mothers. May this week’s feast of Mary’s Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth (31 May) celebrate the gift of motherhood and women’s friendship. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us. all
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they dwell forever in the love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, we give you thanks for revealing to us the unfathomable mystery of your being. Keep us ever mindful of your loving presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.