Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2023

Today, we celebrate the paradox of Jesus dying on the wood of the cross and
the victory of his resurrection. We bend our knees to his love for humanity. We
wait to be converted by his love within the suffering we face this day.

I invite you to kneel before him. I invite you to kneel before the
sufferings of people in your silent prayer. We kneel without blame. We kneel
without political colors. We kneel because this paradox is the source of our
identity in life and in the church. We kneel in surrender to Christ alone. This
cross is the way to new life. We offer him everything that creates
hopelessness, suffering, and despair within us.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of those facing the consequences
of natural disasters. We bend our knees to the survivors of fire in Maui and
earthquakes in Morocco and floods in Libya. We pray for the children who have
lost homes, the parents who may never be able to build again. We pray for people
overwhelmed with fear. We pray for the loss of trees, of water, and natural
resources. We pray for the birds who built nests upon the earth, for wild
animals who survived in the forests. We pray for people who are now homeless
and who face years of financial and family struggle. We pray for the dead and
the survivors.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of people who have lost loved ones
from mental illness and gunfire. We are humbled by our loved ones who have
taken their own lives in this past year. We bend our knees to pray for all who
are jailed only because of mental anguish and outbursts.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of our nation that remains so
divided. We bend our knees for those who live in rage and anger about their
lives. We bend our knees on behalf of people who have made their identity from
one political color or the other. We bend our knees to you alone.

Jesus, we bend our knees to you, the crucified, on behalf of our
divided Church. We pray for those who claim the past as the only answer. We
pray for those who have given up on the Church completely as a way forward. On
our knees today, speak to us of how love must be our guide, how your kindness
is our road home.

Jesus, we bend our knees on behalf of those who have suffered from
our world’s pandemic in these past few years. We offer up to you the suffering
of those who have lost a loved one. We lift high to you those who have lost
their businesses and support systems.  We lift high our children who face
anxiety. Depression and loss have made a home within us all. We bend our knees
to you, the source of healing. We bend our knees in absolute surrender to your
holy name.

Jesus, we bend our knees to you, the source of hope, amid the
children who have been abused within our church. We beg you to heal us, to mend
the fear of our people. We beg you to heal the child within us all.

Jesus, we bend our knees to you. Lift us from the darkness we face.
Lift us into seeing once again the beauty and joy of your life within us. May
we surrender to your ancient and holy grace.

Amen

Friday September 15, 2023

Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, Memorial

Let us pray for Church leaders and decision makers. May God reveal hope through the lives of those who serve in the Church. May we all become instruments of justice and concern for people who most need us.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray bowing our heads in memory of people who suffer the most. May people in long-term healthcare facilities find comfort in their pain. May we strive to bring hope for people who cannot communicate their suffering.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray in heartfelt silence for our children who have been abused. May we reach out to survivors so to bring ongoing healing and mercy. May our Mother of Sorrows lead us to humility and truth.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray on our knees for the people of Maui and Morocco. May we seek God’s tenderness upon the people who have lost loved ones in the catastrophe of fire and earthquake. May Our Lady of Sorrows stand among the ashes to bring consolation and healing.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray without ceasing for the end of war and violence in our world. May we seek the presence of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, to help us weep for those who have lost loved ones in Ukraine. May Ukraine’s children hush the fear and hopelessness from their lives with the kindness of Mary, Mother of Sorrows.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray this day to live the example of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows by standing next to those who suffer. May we hold the broken hearts of our people and learn to listen to those without resources for survival.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for motherless children.  May Our Mother of Sorrows reveal tenderness to those who cry out in the nighttime. May our work in daylight help ease the weeping of our young.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to stand among people who face uneasy and uncertain questions in life. May Our Lady of Sorrows wrap the concerns of all people in a mantel of protection and love. May we work for clean water, adequate housing, and available health care for the least among us.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for the Congregation of Holy Cross as they celebrate their Patroness, Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. May our Priests, Sisters, and Brothers strive to lift up people in poverty and help carry the burdens of the lost as they learn a greater fidelity to model Mary’s care and love.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for our elderly who cannot remember their own name or recognize those they love. May we seek Our Lady of Sorrows to console those readying to recognize their eternal home.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray in our lasting grief for our loved ones who have died. May we journey into the depths of loss with the consolation and guidance of Our Lady of Sorrows.

We pray to the Lord.

Sunday September 17, 2023

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For a new awareness of human dignity for our world and political leaders. May we learn to reconcile our wealth among people in poverty, our abundance with people who struggle with the basics of life.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new freedom among enemies. May forgiveness remedy hatred and brashness. May God’s way become our way as we learn to reconcile our relationships.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new hope among family members. May estranged members of our families be brought into our circles of love. May forgiveness become our lifestyle and compassion be our way of life.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new dedication toward people facing natural disasters. May we collect our resources from around the world to support people suffering loss and homelessness. We pray to the Lord.

For a new generosity among us. May we forget to count the times of forgiveness. May we live in peace well beyond seventy times. May integrity become our way of life.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new consolation within our own lives. May we learn to let go of regret, shame and darkness of heart. May healing and forgiveness settle into our own lives as children of God.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new understanding of our earth’s resources. May we reconcile with our selfish ways as we explore our resources and our future. May our entitlement be transformed into service for people in need of housing, water and health.

We pray to the Lord.

For our fragile elderly. May we work for adequate healthcare, for sufficient food and shelter. May we not forget the work and dedication of people who have served us in the past.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who have died. May our beloved now find themselves basking in the beauty of the face of Christ Jesus. May our loved ones be freed of all harm.

We pray to the Lord.

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Sunday September 10, 2023

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May we find joy in our gatherings of worship, and hope in our service to the marginalized.

We pray to the Lord.

For courage to mend our relationships. May we seek Christ’s healing to find solace among people whom we have hurt and those who have hurt us.

We pray to the Lord.

For gatherings of two or three. May we rely on the Holy Spirit in our prayer to courageously trust the miracles of God. May love gather us and send us into the world.

We pray to the Lord.

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

We pray to the Lord.

For courage to reconcile family disparities. May we step back from technology and privilege and help mend family members who feel estranged and lonely. May fear not find home in family life.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who lean on walkers and canes. May they find the support of healthcare workers and family members. May their pain be eased through our encouragement.

We pray to the Lord.

For healing in generational disparities. May our youth find courage to listen to the wisdom of grandparents. May our elderly not discourage the gifts of the young. May love find home in all generations of believers.

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.

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September 3, 2023

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May our leaders teach us to pray in the abundant mercy of God. May they yield their earthly power to  God’s fidelity toward every human soul.

We pray to the Lord.

For a deeper desire for prayer. May we surrender to the gift of God’s desire for us. May love abound and faithfulness be our way of life.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who labor for others. May our work bring hope for people on earth. May all who labor in daylight and throughout the nighttime find satisfaction and financial security.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who cannot manage their burdens. May the cross free those who carry body pain, emotional turmoil or financial misfortunes. May Christ reveal freedom to all people.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who help relieve the burdens of the earth. May scientists, explorers, farmers and theologians all work together to teach climate awareness. May we all become aware of our role to lift up the cause of the earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For our children in the new school year. May our next generation be open and inquisitive to the beauty and wonder of life. May our emerging talents open new doors for the future.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who wish their lives had turned out differently. May the cross of regret not hinder our lives or our present relationships. May love be found in the here and now.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who live in emotional chaos. May our loved who suffer dementia or memory loss find hope and comfort. May God relax them with each breath they take while on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead not forgotten among us. May God receive the souls of those who have taught us how to love on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

CLICK HERE to read my latest article in The Priest Magazine, September 2023

The Priest Magazine is published in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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