27May
Sun 		7th Sunday of Easter (C)
Acts 7:55-60
Ps. 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9;
Rev. 22:12-14, 16-17, 20
Jn. 17:20-26
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Winston Churchill once described the English and the Americans as two people divided by a common language. It might be said that we Christians are many churches divided by one religion. Whereas, Jesus emphasises very strongly the necessity for His followers to be united. "Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me." The source of that unity is very clearly the love that we all have for each other and for those who do not belong to our communities. "By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you have love one for another." We have sacrificed unity on the altars of papal infallibility and justification by faith alone, to mention just two dividing issues. We have put these concerns above the need to love and to be seen to be loving. Our disunity both within our church and between our churches is a major stumbling block for those who might otherwise be drawn to the love of God. We need the spirit of Stephen who, even as he was being stoned to death, prayed: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." The manner of his death had a profound effect on another young man who watched approvingly - his name was Saul. From being a hater he became a promoter for unity and peace.


Dear Jesus, help us all to work together in unity and love so that the world may understand Your message and see its healing effects in the way we live.

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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