Prayer based on Rejoice and Be Glad (Gaudete et Exsultate)
"Amid the thicket ofprecepts and prescriptions, Jesus clears a way to seeing two faces, that of the Father and that of our brother. He does not give us two or more formulas or two or more commands. He gives us two faces, or better yet, one alone: the face of God reflected in so many other faces. For in every one of our brothers and sisters, especially the least, the most vulnerable, the defenseless and those in need, God's very image is found. Indeed, with the scraps of this frail humanity, the Lord will shape his work of art."
- Pope Francis, Rejoice and Be Glad [Gaudete et Exsultate], no. 61
Father and Creator,
Show us your face reflected in the faces of our brothers and sisters, especially the least, the most vulnerable, the defenseless, and those in need.
In refugee families fleeing violence or war, show us your face.
In those suffering from hunger, show us your face.
In children not yet born, show us your face.
In those enslaved by drug addiction, show us your face.
In parents who work two jobs but still struggle to get by, show us your face.
In those on death row, show us your face.
In young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, show us your face.
In those aging and alone, show us your face.
In all faces, we know that your divine image is reflected. Help us to recognize always that image.
Help us to work together to protect the dignity of all people—each one created in your image.
Lord, in our families, communities and world shape your final work of art with the scraps of our frail humanity (cf. GE, no. 61).
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.