11 Feb
Mon 		Our Lady of Lourdes
(5th Week in Ordinary Time)
Is. 66:10-14c
Ps. Judith 13:18-19
Jn. 2:1-11
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

Joy and peace comprise the atmosphere that is portrayed in the first reading from Isaiah. The images of God's child nursing at the breast of Jerusalem and of peace flowing like a river are indeed lovely images of peace and contentment.

The same atmosphere is revealed in the 'Wedding at Cana' where Jesus worked His first miracle. This is one of Jesus' signs and a revelation of Jesus' glory that leads His disciples to believe in Him.

On further reflection, we may notice Jesus' tone of voice in His answer to Mary following her request. It demonstrates a familiarity and mutual understanding that goes beyond words. Though Jesus, at that moment, had no thought of beginning His mission He recognised the Spirit speaking through His mother and he responded.

By changing water into wine, Jesus worked to show that true religion should not be confused with the fear of sin which was very much the obsession of the Jews in purifying themselves with water.

Another significant point related to the miracle is the presence of Jesus at the wedding. It shows that Jesus participated in ordinary human realities and situations. Today we believe and know that Jesus is present in our homes to sanctify our daily life including the most routine of chores. He is with us always!


Lord, grant us the joy and peace we need to witness to others around us.

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

- END -








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).



- END -