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During the last two weeks of this liturgical year, we read the Apocalypse. Though somewhat mysterious, it was written to console and strengthen ordinary Christians facing persecution for their faith. Most readers of SHALOM are not facing such persecution, yet we all lead our Christian lives in a world which is not always conducive to the practice of our religion and the promotion of Christian values. Thus, we too may hope to gain consolation from the message of the Apocalypse.
The opening words set the whole book within a clear context. Its message comes from God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, no matter how mysterious its language may be, its message is intimately tied up with the Gospel which Jesus proclaimed. Jesus gave the message to His servants - directly to the Apostles during His lifetime and now through an angel to John. Therefore John is first of all a servant of Jesus Christ. This is our entry into the consolation which Jesus gives: to become more and more His faithful servants
Lord Jesus, we bear Your name and are our friends, Your brothers and sisters. Grant us each day an ever deeper experience of Your consolation and strength, so that we may live our daily lives in union with You, through the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.
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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 Christian men and women, aware of the vocation which is theirs in the Church, may answer generously to God's call to seek holiness in the midst of their lives.
Elaboration
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