9 May
Wed 		4th Week of Easter
Acts 12:24-13:5a
Ps. 67:1-2, 4-5, 7;
Jn. 12:44-50
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Jesus makes it clear that it is not to condemn the world but to save it that He came. '...I have come not to condemn the world but to save the world' (Jn. 12:47). Jesus' life brought about salvation to all those who allowed themselves to be transformed by their encounter with Him. This transforming experience was continued by the early Christian communities within whom the risen Lord continued to be actively present. The season of Easter reminds us of the salvation, of this transformation into a new life, that is experienced because of Jesus' living presence in communities that are inspired by Him. Till today, the salvation that Jesus brought into the world is seen in the individual lives that continue to be transformed through an ongoing encounter with Him.

We who have been transformed are impelled to continue Jesus' salvific mission to people's of all ages and places. Every period in human history cried out for salvation and transformation from its own evils. Every Christian community is called to bring God's salvation into its own historical situation and to transform the larger human community within which it exists.


Lord, help me to bring Your message of salvation to all who hunger for it. 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 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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