First Sunday of Lent (A) Mar 1, 2020

As the Church begins this season of Lent may the Lord remind us of what is important and what is not; of where we are wandering away and what we need to change; so that by Easter we will be renewed and strengthened for service in the world.

The world’s misery and pain and desperate need of healing are clear to see and affect us all. We pray now for this damaged world with all its weakness, longings and failings, with all its potential and hope.

Whenever a child is born we celebrate the creative hope of God. We pray for all being born this week and for their families and communities, that all our children may be loved and cared for, safe and happy.

We pray for all who suffer through others’ sin; all victims of abuse or oppression or apathy; all whose adult lives are distorted and misshapen by early damaging experiences which need God’s healing love.

We remember those who, freed from the aging and pain of their bodies, can live now with the Lord in the peace and joy of heaven.