Shalom

1 Nov Thu	ALL SAINTS
	Rev. 7:2-4, 9-14 Ps. 24:1-6 1 Jn. 3:1-3 Mt. 5:1-12

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How many of us are children of God? The symbolism in Revelation gives the impression that the number is limited: 144,000. But the Kingdom of God is not an exclusive affair. This is a way of expressing an immense number. With gracious and moving words, the Beatitudes paint a picture of how children of God conduct their lives. They hunger for justice, work for peace, forgive their enemies, and humble themselves before God. They are merciful and kind. They are patient and willing to endure hardships and persecution for God's cause. These are the keys to a satisfying and growth- filled life. All those who strive to live by these principles are marked with the seal of the servants of God, regardless of their station in life or their human weaknesses. There is one final element that is often overlooked: those who are children of God are joyful and find a special delight in praising and glorifying God. We are God's children; we are also His saints.

Lord, may I glorify and praise You in all that I do.

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 holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
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 holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
"They began to proclaim the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31). The word "boldly" can also be translated as "audaciously" or with "forthrightness" in announcing the Christian message. The ideal agents of evangelisation should be "holy and exemplary persons". Though God could have spread His Kingdom without human collaboration, He has always sought human partners, who as suitable and free instruments, work for the salvation of humankind. The laity can evangelise chiefly through prayer, the testimony of life and the establishment of a temporal order inspired by the Gospel. Though preaching the Gospel is the competence and principal duty of those who have been ordained, lay people, who have the necessary theological training, can preach. Vatican II stresses the need for priests to be holy preachers. God ordinarily prefers to show his wonders through those men who are more submissive to the impulse and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because of their intimate union with Christ and their holiness of life, they are able to say with St Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). Let us therefore pray that all those who devote themselves directly to evangelisation may live a holy life that emphasises the credibility of the Christian message.
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