Shalom

31May Thu	Visitation of the BVM
	Zpeh. 3:14-18 or Rom. 12:9-16b; (R. Ps.) Is. 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 Lk. 1:39-56

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From Luke's gospel, Mary becomes a model of service for us when she visited Elizabeth. Mary responded immediately to a need. She came to the assistance of her cousin who was also with child. Mary put aside her own concerns, as she knew the need of the other was greater. Mary reached out as it was within her capacity to help.

In a world where an over-emphasis is placed on the self, often bordering on selfishness, the Visitation of Mary reminds us of the communitarian aspect of our faith. We need to be concerned and caring towards those in need. We are also challenged to move out from our comfort zones and apathy towards a more committed and pro-active attitude towards life. St Paul reminds the Romans and us, that as we become Christ's disciples, we should make "hospitality our special concern." The love we have for each other must not be a "pretence" but be "sincere". Despite trials and setbacks, we must continue the Lord's work with "untiring effort" and "earnestness of spirit".

We are to empathise with those we serve. We need to be one with them in happy as well as sad moments in their lives. This is possible. Let us then be welcoming to our brothers and sisters and genuinely care and be concerned for them.

Jesus, let us be aware that it is You whom we serve in the least of our brethern.

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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