THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
"Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became "sin" for our sake (2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (Mt 3:17 ), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out."1
We pray for all priests; that they be lifted up and strengthened by the Holy Spirit for their public ministry.
We pray that priests always are assured of God’s permanent relationship with His people and celebrate in gratitude for the gift of faith.
THE WEDDING AT CANA
"The first of the signs is given at Cana (Jn 2:1- 12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers."2
We pray that just as Mary was there at the beginning of Her Son’s public ministry; that all priests are assured and hold in their hearts that She remains for all time for all priests as their special intercessor and guide.
We pray that priests are always reminded and guided by the image of Mary’s fidelity to Her Son and Jesus fidelity to Her.
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM
"Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls us to conversion (Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47- 48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which He continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which He has entrusted to his Church (Jn 20:22-23)."3
We pray that all priests are blessed by this call to conversion and inspired by the graces they receive to live lives of holiness.
And we pray that when priests feel helpless or in need that they are always reminded that God’s kingdom is at hand and reminded of God’s mystery of mercy and reconciliation.
THE TRANSFIGURATION
"The Transfiguration is traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to "listen to him" (Lk. 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit."4
We pray that all priests be likewise transformed by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
We also pray that priests be assured that nothing can separate us from God’s Glory. We pray that they be continuously called and strengthened to live a life of conversion and spiritual courage as examples for us all.
THE INSTITUTION OF EUCHARIST
"Christ offers his body and blood as "real food" and "real drink" in the form of bread and wine, thus instituting His Eucharistic presence, and testifies "to the end" his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice."5
We pray that the gift, graces, and joy of consecrating simple bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ be spiritual fuel to nurture and strengthen priests’ lives.
And we pray that priests manifest their love of the Eucharistic Lord as they live their lives as "persona Christi" for us.
1,2,3,4,5 quotes derived from the wording of www.therosarylady.com (Shannon Daughton)