29 Nov
 Wed		 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Rev. 15:1-4
Ps. 98:1-3, 7-9
Lk. 21:12-19
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     Today, Jesus predicts the difficult struggles that await all those who decide to identify themselves with Him. Nevertheless, despite all the persecutions that we are bound to face as His followers, Jesus promises us that no harm will come upon us and that we will win our lives. Once again, Jesus presents us with the paradox that will be a feature of our lives if we decide to follow Him truthfully. We will encounter suffering and death for His name's sake, but this death is not the end for we will gain our true lives if we hold on.

    Jesus does not promise the material happiness that our society can provide but He offers us the gift of true happiness that will come from a life lived for the sake of His name, a life lived as children of God, a life that struggles on for truth and justice in a world where injustice and selfishness is rife. As Christians, we are called to pursue and live out this paradox in our own lives.


     Dear God, teach me to lose myself so that I may gain my true self as Your child. Amen.
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 politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken
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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 politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken

This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them.

Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change.

Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken".


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