The message of the Gospel is clear enough. It is not meant to be kept
hidden. We are not a 'mystery religion'; we are not a secret society. It
is a message that is to be proclaimed from the housetops. Jesus is the
Light of the world and His followers are also to be like lamps shining
out for all the world to see. An invisible Christian is a contradiction
in terms. Forcing others to believe is not possible; inviting others to
hear the message and consider it is something else. We believe that the
Gospel offers a way of life that brings great happiness to the lives of
individuals and of whole societies if it is really lived. So, part of
our communicating the message is as much through our lifestyle ("See! it
works!") as through what we say.
But we cannot proclaim if we do not understand the inner meaning. "Take
heed, therefore, HOW you hear," says Jesus today. It has to be a
hearing which understands, accepts, assimilates and puts into practice. And
it is a work that is never completed. And so, "to the one who has, more
will be given". And "he who has not [because he has not been hearing
and absorbing properly] will lose even the little he has". To be a
Christian is not to reach a certain level and stay there; essentially it
means constant growth and development. To stay still or to stagnate is to
go back.
Oh Jesus, help me to spread the fragrance of Your message everywhere I
go by every word I speak and every action I do.
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DAILY OFFERING
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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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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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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