It has been the hallmark of Pope Francis’ papacy since his first appearance on the balcony in St. Peter’s – his emphasis on humility and service. People noticed it straight away – how he wore only the simple white cassock and black shoes, how he refused to live in the spacious papal apartments, how he paid his own hotel bill, and has kept focus on simplicity. Francis wants to send out a clear message – we must imitate Jesus by living as simply and as humbly as possible. Whatever your rank in the Church or State, we must place ourselves at the service of others. We are never to lord it over anyone. Our model must always be Christ, the servant king. This is difficult to do because it runs counter to the values of today’s society, which are all about celebrity and wealth and power. To be a follower of the servant king is to live a life at odds with the prevalent culture. It is to be a counter-witness. It is a very tough challenge. It is our challenge. As we come to the end of the Liturgical ‘Year of Faith’ and begin the season of Advent, let us pray: We pray for our leaders of Church and State that what they do and how they live will reflect the kingdom values of service, humility and love. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. Lord, Jesus Christ, you are our master and our king. Help us to follow you to the best of our ability. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. We pray for ourselves, our families and our communities for the strength to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. As we approach this year’s Christmas celebration we pray for those in need, most especially we pray for the children in need and the poor in our midst, that they are not forgotten but comforted by the Church and State. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. Merciful Jesus, during Your life on earth You showed great concern for the sick and the infirm. Have compassion now on all those who are sick or in pain. Grant them a healing of mind and body and restore their strength and spirit. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. We pray for those who take care of the sick. In their own time of need, bestow on them a hundredfold the blessings they have given to others. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. Almighty Father, Eternal God, hear our prayers for those whom You have called from this life to Yourself. Grant them light, happiness, and peace. Let them pass in safety through the gates of death, and live forever with all Your saints in the light you promised to Abraham and to all his descendants in faith. Guard them from all harm and on that great day of resurrection and reward raise them up with all Your saints. Pardon their sins and give them eternal life in Your kingdom. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. We pray for God’s healing of the nations of the world. Lord hear us; Lord graciously hear us. We pray to you, Lord, with honest hearts, in tune with one another, entreating you with sighs and tears, as befits our humble position – placed, as we are, between the spiritually weak who have no concern for you, and the saints who stand firm and upright before you. We pray that you may soon come to us, leading us from darkness to light, oppression to freedom, misery to joy, conflict to peace. May you drive away the storms and tempests of our lives, and bring gentle calm. We pray that you will care for us, as a father cares for his children. Amen. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a more prosperous New Year ahead.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 02:47:57 +0000
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