Pauca Verba is Latin for A Few Words.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Intercessions ~ Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ruined Maronite Church ~ Aleppo, Syria

The ancient Christian communities of Iraq and Syria are being driven out,/ starved,/ enslaved and destroyed by radicalized Islamists./ We pray for them/ and ask blessings for the work of those offering support and help./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for a fervent renewal of the Church in the West/ where it is often weakened by materialism,/ poor teaching and indifference./ We pray to the Lord.

It is said that the United States is a nation of problem-solvers./ Yet these are days of unprecedented individualism,/ dysfunction,/ fear and anger./ We pray to learn again how to be kind to one another./ We pray to the Lord.

We pray for those who are leaders in our country,/ and that for their part,/ each person in this land would feel welcomed,/ included and assisted./ We pray to the Lord.

January is the time of snow and ice./ And as the snow falls silently and gently,/ we pray to grow in our inner spiritual lives/ and that we would learn to be at peace with God and with others./ We pray to the Lord.

We intercede for those who are out of work,/ under-paid or who sincerely are unable to work./ We pray blessings for those whose work makes life easier for ourselves,/ who help us to stay safe and healthy./ We pray to the Lord.

Every week brings news of disasters somewhere in the world./ At Mass we pray in solidarity with those who suffer near and far/ from disease,/ violent crimes,/ natural disasters,/ wars and neglect./ And for those generous souls who bring rescue and comfort to others./ We pray to the Lord.