Solemnity of the Epiphany, Cycle B

General Intercessions

Celebrant: Christ has come for all people and intercedes for us.  Following his example, we offer these prayers to our heavenly Father for the needs of the world.

Deacon/Lector:

That the Church will continue to reach out and nourish the world with the Good News of the Gospel, we pray to the Lord…

That our Holy Father and all bishops may proclaim Christ clearly and courageously to all nations, we pray to the Lord…

That world leaders will put aside their differences and foster the common good of all their people, we pray to the Lord…

That all nations may walk in the Light of Christ by enacting policies that protect human life, which is always a manifestation of God's glory, we pray to the Lord...

That all in our community of faith may manifest the love of Christ in our everyday lives and foster true Christian fellowship, we pray to the Lord…

That all who have died may live in the embracing love of God for all eternity, we pray to the Lord…

Celebrant:

Good and gracious God,
have compassion on the needs of your people.
Grant that we may know your will and follow it faithfully. 
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

Bulletin Insert 

Notable quotes… 

"Is it all right for the government to allow the murder of an innocent human being? The evidence I see tells me the unborn is a human being. From the moment of conception, a new life comes into being with a complete genetic blueprint. The sex is determined. The blood type is determined… the moment that I learned that the unborn was a human being, not part of the woman's body but its own individual human being, I have no choice but to defend the most vulnerable among us." Actress and Model Kathy Ireland 

Homily Suggestions on Pro-life Themes  

The opening and closing prayer ,the Preface, and the readings of today’s feast all work powerfully together to enable us to communicate the message of the sanctity of life. Epiphany is about “revelation” and “manifestation,” and that, of course is what Christ does. Not only does he reveal the Father to us, but he reveals us to ourselves. He shows us that this human nature of ours, that can be so troublesome and burdened, has in fact been renewed. The Preface proclaims, “You have renewed humanity in his immortal image.” That, indeed is “the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel” that Paul proclaims to the Ephesians in the second reading. As the alternative opening prayer says, it is a promise that God will draw us “to the life where your Spirit makes all life complete.” Death is no longer the final word for the human family, and this gift is shared not only by one nation or one people, but by all humanity. 

The universal offer of God’s salvation extends to those still in the womb. Epiphany not only tells us that there are no national or ethnic boundaries to God’s call, but that there are no artificial boundaries between “born” and “unborn,” “wanted” or “unwanted,” “convenient” or “inconvenient.” 

Moreover, the “epiphany” most needed in our time is the ability to see beyond the appearances of those who are smaller and weaker, and beyond the illusion created when some are declared “non-persons” under the law. Breaking through all this darkness and blurriness is the clear light of Christ, that shines on every human life without exception, bringing those lives God’s love and giving us the sacred obligation to love them as well.

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