Restorative Justice Month: Week 4: Pray for communities’ response to violence and their willingness to play their role within the restorative justice and practices lens.

Week 4 – Sunday, November 24, 2024

Pray for communities’ response to violence and their willingness to play their role within the restorative justice and practices lens.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Gospel Jn 18:33b-37

“Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Reflection on Restorative Justice: In this passage, Jesus speaks about His kingdom being not of this world and emphasizes His mission to testify to the truth. These themes can be deeply relevant to the principles of restorative justice. Jesus’ kingdom is transformative, offering a new way of living based on love and truth. Restorative justice aims to transform individuals and communities by addressing the root causes of violence and fostering a culture of respect and accountability. This transformation is not just about resolving a specific incident but about creating lasting change.

Suggestions for Prayers of the Faithful

We pray:

1. For freedom from the bondage of collective fear and prejudice that plague our people. We pray that people today receive the calling to work for social and restorative justice, choosing to get actively involved in healing the lives of their neighbors.

2. For the welfare of our families that make up the foundation of our communities. Recognizing that the family is the building block of a Godly society, we pray for a return to the divine role that families once held. May we prepare our children to love and obey You, seek to live as You command, and fulfill Your will for their lives.

3. For the return of education and welfare to the role of the family from where they originated. We pray that families be raised to a level of importance and leadership influence in our society.

4. That new leaders emerge within our communities with the wisdom and compassion to help restore the lives of all family members affected by violence, both victims and offenders.