27 Apr
Sat 		4th Week of Easter
Acts 13:44-52
Ps. 98:1,2-3ab,3cd-4
Jn. 14:7-14
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The inaugural talk of Paul had excited a great "interest"among the Jews and the new converts. But soon the reaction becomes jealousy, and the mission of Paul encounters "persecution". However, the persecution has a providential meaning. The antagonism of the Jews manifests the apostolic commitment and mission of Paul and Barnabas, and causes a "double" attitude towards the Word of God: some reject it because of prejudices; some accept it and are filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and give glory to God.

The Word of God which we listen in our Eucharistic celebration and the "word made flesh among us" confronts us with decisions which challenge our lives. If we pharisaically reject it, then we are also rejected; if we accept it with simplicity, we will be filled with the Holy Spirit in our way towards the true eternal life.

In the Gospel we meditate how the Father is transparent in Jesus: His words are the words of the Father because Jesus, Himself, is the Word made flesh. Therefore, as with the Apostles, Jesus continues being in and with us, acting in us, listening to us. Let us be open to Him.


O Good Jesus, among the voices which shout within my heart, voices which disturb and intimidate me, Jesus, hear me.

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 in the many rapid changes taking place in today's world, the importance of the family may be recognised in its fundamental vocation as cradle of life and school of faith and right values
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 in the many rapid changes taking place in today's world, the importance of the family may be recognised in its fundamental vocation as cradle of life and school of faith and right values

The family as a domestic Church and cradle of life is the appropriate setting in which faith can increase. It is here that faith can be nourished through an attitude of appreciation of the treasure which parents are called on to transmit to their children through personal words and testimonies of life. This attitude must then be nourished with a sense of wonder and hope and it must be contemplated as Mary contemplated it in the face of the Word she received and the events of her life.

This deep sense of faith helps parents and their children to fulfil the vocation received from God. Parents, teaching their children and bearing witness to the true sense of suffering and dying, lead the young to be more attentive to all forms of suffering. They, thus develop positive attitudes of assistance and sharing with others, especially with weaker people like the sick and the aged. This life of faith must be continually nourished through individual and family prayer.

On the strength of this foundation the family becomes a place for training in justice, self-control, temperance, respect for the personal dignity of each individual and the service of the poor and needy.



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