Shalom

2 Feb Sat	Presentation of the Lord
	Mal 3:1-4 Ps. 23:7-10 Heb 2:14-18 Lk. 2:22-40

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"A light to give light to the Gentiles." So does the elderly Simeon greet the Child in Mary's arms. Today is a beautiful feast of light and on this day candles are blessed, candles which remind us that Jesus our Lord and Saviour is the Light of the World and the Light of our own lives. Mary and Joseph have come to the Temple in Jerusalem to present - according to custom - their first-born child to God. This Child in a special way belongs to the Father of whom he is the Son in a way far beyond our relationship to him. Mary, in making this offering, is only renewing the offering she made on the day Jesus was conceived in her womb. "I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word." That offering will cost her dearly when the 'sword of sorrow' pierces her heart. But she remains faithful to the end as does her Son.

Let us this day, together with Mary, make a total offering of ourselves to Jesus and the work of his Kingdom

Mary, help me to be as faithful in my service of Jesus as you were.

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 Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.
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 Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.
Suffering in any form has a supernatural value. It becomes an efficacious moment for our own and other people's sanctification. This has been the teaching of the Church throughout history bearing in mind the grace of Redemption obtained for us by the Lord on the Cross in Calvary. The Lord's missionary mandate to preach the gospel includes the dual concept "evangelisation and care for the sick". Convinced of this missionary goal and called on to be visible signs of the mercy and charity of Jesus, Catholic Hospitals are urged to give special evangelical witness by loving works and actions, the Church's solicitude for those who suffer. Hence, Catholic Hospitals are to promote initiatives and actions in favour of life and that the entire hospital health care system be imbued with the culture of enhancing life through generous love and dedicated service. An essential characteristic of Catholic Hospitals is that its treatment of physical suffering must reflect the mark of the Holy Spirit which is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, understanding of others, fidelity, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22).
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