Sunday September 6, 2026

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Leo, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May they find joy and support in our common worship and hope in their service to the marginalized.

We pray to the Lord.

For the people of Nepal. May God tend to the grief of families who have lost loved ones, homes and jobs. May the Holy Spirit offer strength to workers who search for the living and the dead.

We pray to the Lord.

For courage to mend our relationships. May Christ offer solace and healing among people we have hurt and those who have wounded us.

We pray to the Lord.

For gatherings of two or three. May the Holy Spirit help us trust the miracles of God. May God gather us in prayer and send us into the world to proclaim peace.

We pray to the Lord.

For children in a new school year. May our youth not be bullied for their differences. May each child find their unique talents and have the courage to express their gifts.

We pray to the Lord.

For courage to reconcile family differences. May we step back from technology and privilege and help mend family members who feel estranged and lonely.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who lean on walkers and canes. May they find the support of healthcare workers and family members to help them trust the healing love of God. May their pain be eased through our support.

We pray to the Lord.

For healing among those who grieve. May the Holy Spirit guide our losses into consolation and courage. May grief give way to gratefulness.

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead. May our loved ones who encouraged us on earth now be freed of pain and sorrow in the face of Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

CLICK HERE to read today’s scriptures

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PRAYER

Rev. Ronald Patrick Raab, C.S.C.

O God of our longing, you call us to wake from our slumber, to be always ready for your arrival. Open our hearts for your presence among us. May we not stumble among the wicked and not be unprepared by our sinfulness and apathy. May we hear your voice with courage and hope. May we be awakened to your healing grace and be steadfast in your call to serve others. May we hear only the sounds of your loving voice, inviting us safely beyond our selfish ways as we wait in joyful hope for your coming among us. Amen

CLICK HERE TO READ THE reflection for today

Sunday August 30, 2026

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Leo, our Pope. May his leadership help us focus on the promise of Christ Jesus. May we take up our cross and follow the command of Christ.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who cling to pride and arrogance. May we surrender our lives to the grace of God. May the crosses we bear be the source of eternal life here on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For peace among all nations under heaven. May peace be the food we share and the hope for which we long. May God offer us courage in times of violence and war.

We pray to the Lord.

For our children who begin a new year in school. May they remain inquisitive and enthused about the beauty of learning. May God open their lives and hearts to wonder and awe in all learning.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who face destructive storms, floods and droughts. May our lives on earth be eased by the support of our neighbors and communities.

We pray to the Lord.

For reconciliation among neighbors. May we not build fences between people. May we reach out in peace among people whom we have neglected or hurt.

We pray to the Lord.

For the care of our earth. May we work for the survival of wildlife in forests and oceans, maintaining clean water and air for all creatures under heaven. May we name all life as God’s creation.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who bear the cross of illness and disease. May we help ease the bodily and emotional pain of our loved ones. May God give us patience and perseverance.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who now rest in God. May we pray for the souls of people who taught us how to love. May we let go with faith and courage in eternal life.

We pray to the Lord.

CLICK HERE to read today’s scriptures

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CLICK HERE TO READ the article from the Congregation of Holy Cross website

PRAYER

Rev. Ronald Patrick Raab, C.S.C.

O God of Ancient Wisdom, may we turn to you and follow your ways and commands. Give us new life as we live our heritage of compassion, our faith in everyday life. May we surrender to your call and to your challenge to live simply and in love. May we not ignore people who survive mental anguish or with diminished resources. May we seek true treasures in heaven as we live more intentionally upon our earth in the name of Christ the Lord. Amen.

Click HERE to read FaithND for today, from the University of Notre Dame

Sunday August 23, 2026

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Leo, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May our leaders use wisely the keys of faith handed down to us from Christ Jesus. May we unlock love and forgiveness for people on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For all religious and political leaders. May our leaders unlock the genuine gifts of people and communities. May we seek to lead others with purpose and delight.

We pray to the Lord.

For our people who have been ravaged by storms, fires, floods, and droughts. May we unite with those who have lost every possession under heaven. May hope be found on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For our people who live with disability and body pain. May those who question their value or worth be given keys of hope and compassion. May their anguish be healed.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who suffer depression and emotional turmoil. May God reveal joy and peace to those whose lives are fragile. May darkness ease into the light of Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who hold keys on behalf of our children. May we open new possibilities of education and insight. May we open for our youth the beauty of art, mystery and exploration.

We pray to the Lord.

For all prisoners who live behind bars. May we unlock restorative justice for people wrongly imprisoned. May we not warehouse people who suffer mental illness. May the keys of mercy unlock our future.

We pray to the Lord.

For our people who hold keys in jobs that do not open joy for them. May we seek to earn a living with purpose in our world. May families find balance in work and responsibility, in play and deserved joy.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who now rest in the promise of eternal life. May our beloved now see the face of Christ Jesus for all eternity.

We pray to the Lord.

A Home Within Us

The zealous youth approaches Jesus with profound longing. He desires a true home in God, yet based on his own efforts. Jesus challenges the young man to allow God to be his only priority, his only attachment even on earth. The eager youth struggled with such surrender, so he went away empty.     

In Matthew’s gospel, we may consider the young man as an image of the newly baptized, the youthful presence of believers. When baptismal waters settle, even youthful zeal cannot accomplish the mystery of living solely in the heart of God. Along the way to God’s perfection, that is his overwhelming mercy and compassion; there is much to let go of, as we so often cling to identities of achievement to make our lives look better than others– even in our own prayer.  

Years ago, I prayed that I might live in God. Only after treacheries, I discovered my error, so I prayed to allow God to make a home in me. My naivete gave way to wiser and deeper prayer, not of my youthful pride, but of growing into a richer awareness of God’s compassion. The young man most likely matured into a wise follower of Jesus.

Our discipleship grows from within our hearts. The greatest of all calls, the hope for our place in heaven, is to make room in our lives to cling to only one thing: God making a home within us. All other perceived priorities or attachments, we need to give away or change or distribute among God’s poor.

Fr. Ronad Patrick Raab

Fr. Ronald Patrick Raab, CSC, serves as religious superior at Holy Cross House, a medical and retirement facility at Notre Dame, Indiana. He is an award-winning author and visual artist. Learn more at ronaldraab.com

CLICK HERE to read today’s scriptures

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