Shalom

6Sep Thu	22nd Week in Ordinary Time
	Col. 1:9-14 Ps. 98:2-6 Lk. 5:1-11

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How do we obtain knwoledge? Today our options are many, visit a library, search the internet, ask someone who knows. Paul also wants the Colossians to have knowledge. But aside from teaching them, he also prays for them everyday. He does this, because what he wishes for them is knowledge of a very special kind. It is a knowledge of God that will have an effect on their lives. It is a knowledge that will bring them the strength to joyfully do what the Father wants of them.

This life-changing, will-strengthening knowledge flows not just from a teaching but from an encounter. Today's Gospel passage gives us an example. It ends with Simon Peter and his companions leaving everything to follow Jesus. Where did they find the strength and conviction to make such a radical decision? Not just from listening to Jesus preach from Peter's boat. But from being completely overcome by the miraculous catch of fish, and then beginning to realise who Jesus is. Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.

This kind of encounter is freely offered to all. For as the psalmist says, the Lord has made his salvation known. Or as is written in the Book of Revelation (3:20), Look, I am standing at the door, knocking, if one of you hears me and opens the door, I will come in to share his meal, side by side with him.

Let Paul's prayer for the Colossians be ours as well. Oh, that we might continually open the doors of our hearts to the Lord.

DAILY OFFERING

Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH

INTENTION
That the adolescents and young people of the third millennium may discover a profound ideal to devote themselves to.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H

INTENTION :	That the adolescents and young people of the third millennium may discover a profound ideal to devote themselves to.
"Lord Jesus, you have made these young people your friends; keep them for ever close to you! Amen." This closing prayer of John Paul II at the Mass in Korazim in the Holy Land last year indicates the deep concern he has for the youth of the third millennium. At the Mount of Beatitudes, the Holy Father looked down on the assembled youth and said, "How may generations before us have been deeply moved by the Sermon on the Mount! How many young people down the centuries have gathered around Jesus to learn the words of eternal life, as you are gathered here today! It is wonderful that you are here!" The ideal the Holy Father proposes to the youth of today is that they look at Jesus, who embodies the Beatitudes. They will see what it means to be poor in spirit, gentle and merciful, to mourn, to care for what is right, to be pure in heart, to make peace, to be persecuted. He challenges them to go out into the world and preach the message of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes which speak of truth and goodness, and grace and freedom: of all that is necessary to enter Christ's Kingdom. Now it is their turn to be courageous apostles of that kingdom.
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