Shalom

2 May Wed	St Athanasius, bishop & doctor
	Acts 8:1b-8 Ps. 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a Jn. 6:35-40

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Christian writers often speak about the transcendence of the human person, about how we reach beyond ourselves all the time: asking new questions, seeking further discoveries, continuing in hope and trust. The way young children ask question after question is an endearing - and exasperating! - reminder that we are created to 'reach for the beyond'. Occasionally we might be tempted to silence a child's endless inquiries and longings, but mostly we do our best not to.

The wider world often acts differently. Building on our infinite outreach, it offers us false satisfactions that deaden our true desires. And so we get 'hooked' - on riches, power, prestige, perks, sexual adventures, mood-altering substances - and we lose that 'reach for the beyond' that is the true mark of our humanity. Today's Gospel offers a restoring medicine. It is faith in Jesus, who is the true answer to all hunger and thirst.

The bread of life (Jn. 6:35) does not kill the hungers of our hearts, but feeds them. The living water (Jn. 4:14) does not drown out thirsts, but quenches them. We are made for the food and drink of eternal life; let us not be satisfied with anything less.

Lord, help us to hunger and thirst for You alone.

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 refugee women, supported and respected, may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected 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 refugee women, supported and respected, may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to
The responsibility for many political decisions leading to war rests predominantly with men. Consequently, while men get wounded or die, women and children become refugees exposed to assault, rape or loss of children. The ones who suffer most in these conflicts are the weakest who get uprooted and are forced to flee. This is not the way humanity is supposed to live. Like all refugees women and girls face problems of various kinds and need the following: protection against forced return to their countries of origin; security against armed attacks and other forms of violence; protection from unjustified and unduly prolonged detention; a legal status that accords them adequate social, economic and legal rights; and access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. They also need protection against human rights abuses and the myriad problems they have to encounter to safeguard their dignity and personhood. We are asked to be in solidarity with them and pray that refugee women may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to.
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