How often are we asked to pray for someone who is ill, who has died, who is having trouble with addiction, or whose marriage is in trouble? Obviously, we DO believe in the value of intercessory prayer. We request that Masses be offered for the repose of the souls of deceased family members or friends.

Today’s Gospel makes a clear case for the value and effectiveness of intercessory prayer. Who is this Jesus who proclaims to the hearers of his day and us today that he is the way, the truth, and the life? Through our participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we have access to the Father, and Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for us.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he responded to requests for healing. Sometimes it was an individual, like a blind man, a person who was lame, or one possessed by demons. More often, the Gospels tell us wherever Jesus traveled, the sick and those with disabilities were brought to him and laid at his feet, and all were healed.

Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God – the return of the unity with the Creator God and all of creation. That was our “Original “ state. The division brought about by sin, which alienated the Creator, was to be restored in the Kingdom. Sin, affliction, alienation, violence, and the neglect of the poor would be no more. That Kingdom is prefigured in Christ, a human person with a unique relationship with God.

While the Eucharist is primarily a prayer of thanksgiving and praise throughout the Liturgy, we ask for forgiveness, support, salvation, and peace. Let us knock, ask and entreat the Lord for our needs and the needs of all those who suffer.

Let Us Pray:

Lord of all creation, you sent Jesus, the Christ, to convince us of your great love and mercy. Help us always approach your throne of grace with confidence knowing that you will always grant to what is most suited to our true happiness and eternal life with you. Amen.