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In the commissioning of the Twelve by Jesus, we are reminded of our mission on earth. We are 'to gather the lost sheep of the House of Israel.' These 'lost sheep' refer to people who are marginalised and alienated from the main circles of leadership. Jesus had a particular interest and concern for this group of people. Similarly, as individuals and Church, we are to continue this mission among the oppressed and underprivileged in our midst. To enable us to do this, we draw strength from the Eucharist. It is at the Eucharist that we are empowered to struggle against forces that create unjust structures in our society and to proclaim the Kingdom values. Some aspects of Christ's mission are well illustrated in Joseph's story in the first reading. It is the wisdom of Joseph that helped save many during the 'world- wide' famine. His compassion for his own people brought about the final reconciliation. This was revealed in his weeping that is repeated as the story continues. Jesus' mission also includes helping people to accept a new way of being, that is, one of justice and love. This makes it so urgent to proclaim the Good News. Lord, let the missionary dynamism be kept alive in our hearts so as to be effective in our apostolic activities. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That the Gospel, may be read and lived in Christian families by parents and children, so that they may bear witness to the hope of Christ
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Abraham and Mary received a wonderful promise from God. For both
Abraham and Mary, the divine promise came as something completely unexpected.
God disrupted the daily course of their lives, overturning its settled
rhythms and conventional expectations. The promise seemed impossible.
We must learn to walk in darkness. Modelling ourselves on Mary, we ask her to help us look at and to listen to, to ponder and to penetrate the deep and mysterious meaning of the very simple, very humble and very beautiful appearing of the Son of God. We pray for a great renewal of faith in all the children of the Church everywhere to preach the good news to the poor. We ask her to teach us the way of humble and joyful obedience to the Gospel in the service of our brothers and sisters, without preferences and without prejudices. A deep renewal that is not just reflected in a general attitude to life, but as a conscious and courageous profession of the Creed. We ask the Holy Family to inspire all Christians to defend the family against so many present-day threats to its nature, its stability and its mission. We pray the efforts of Christians and of all people of good will to defend life and to promote respect for the dignity of every human being. | |
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