Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Mark 3:1-6) as we celebrate the Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr:

God Our Father, You sent Your Son into the world not to condemn, but to heal, to restore, and to save. As we contemplate Jesus in the synagogue, stretching forth His hand to bring life where there was suffering, we ask You to heal our own hardened hearts.

On this Memorial of St. Agnes, young in years yet strong in faith, we thank You for her pure love, courageous witness, and steadfast fidelity to Christ, even unto martyrdom. Like her, may we choose faithfulness over fear, truth over compromise, and love over the comfort of silence.

Lord Jesus, You remind us that it is always lawful to do good, to save life, and to act with compassion. Free us from attitudes that resist Your grace,
from indifference to suffering, and from any hardness that prevents us from loving as You love.

Through the intercession of St. Agnes, grant us purity of heart, courage in trial, and the grace to bear witness to You in word and deed. May our lives proclaim that You are Lord, the One who heals, restores, and gives life in abundance. Amen