Shalom

1Sep Sat	21st Week in Ordinary Time
	1 Thess. 4:9-11 Ps. 98:1, 7-9 Mt. 25:14-30

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Paul's followers in Thessalonica have learned from God how to love one another. The example they followed was that of Jesus, who loved people unconditionally and without exception, even those difficult to love. He loved them to the end, laying down His life for them. If we live our lives according to this principle, it will be the cause of wonder to outsiders and will be the means by which we draw others to the Lord. Many mistake fear and spiritual timidity for prudence and sound spirituality. God's favour rests on those who trust Him enough to take risks (not to be confused with being reckless and foolhardy!). The Lord wants us to learn and grow, and to put into practice what our faith teaches us. This involves risk - we might make a mistake. So what? We pick outselves up and move on, wiser for the experience. The timid servant in the gospel story was so worried about failure and losing what he had that he unwittingly betrayed the trust his master had placed in him. God is with us. We need not fear. Let us step forward with courage and trust, for that is the path that leads to God's Kingdom.

Lord, take from me the fear of failure and grant me spiritual courage.

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 the adolescents and young people of the third millennium may discover a profound ideal to devote themselves 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 the adolescents and young people of the third millennium may discover a profound ideal to devote themselves to.
"Lord Jesus, you have made these young people your friends; keep them for ever close to you! Amen." This closing prayer of John Paul II at the Mass in Korazim in the Holy Land last year indicates the deep concern he has for the youth of the third millennium. At the Mount of Beatitudes, the Holy Father looked down on the assembled youth and said, "How may generations before us have been deeply moved by the Sermon on the Mount! How many young people down the centuries have gathered around Jesus to learn the words of eternal life, as you are gathered here today! It is wonderful that you are here!" The ideal the Holy Father proposes to the youth of today is that they look at Jesus, who embodies the Beatitudes. They will see what it means to be poor in spirit, gentle and merciful, to mourn, to care for what is right, to be pure in heart, to make peace, to be persecuted. He challenges them to go out into the world and preach the message of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes which speak of truth and goodness, and grace and freedom: of all that is necessary to enter Christ's Kingdom. Now it is their turn to be courageous apostles of that kingdom.
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