8 May
Tue 		4th Week of Easter
Acts 11:19-26
Ps. 87:1-3, 4-5, 6-7;
Jn. 10:22-30
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God takes the initiative through Jesus calling persons to follow Him. They must be docile in receiving the invitation and trusting in the promise of protection and eternal life as a reward. Only God would make such an extravagant guarantee. The Jewish leaders refused to accept Jesus' claims of unity with the Father. They wanted a political Messiah to free them from Roman domination. But Jesus was leading those who would be His flock into the wonders of the mystery of God in their lives and into a holy intimacy with Him through the Son.

Gentile pagans in Antioch were impressed by the good news of gaining freedom from sin and divine union. They flocked to join the Gentile converts who became their missionaries. Only "the hand of the Lord" could effect such a change of heart in so many people. Barnabas, an apostle, came from Jerusalem to open their eyes further and encourage them in their commitment (His name is interpreted as "son of encouragement" in Acts 4:36). Later he brought Paul to Antioch to continue preaching to Gentiles and ultimately to transfer the missionary enterprise for the Church from Judea to the Roman empire and the world.

As Christians we too have been called to a life of holiness, but also to a destiny of influencing others by our example and gentle encouragement.


Lord, through our earnest, zealous efforts continue to change the hearts of our family and friends and lead them into an intimate union with Him.

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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