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Both readings speak of the pain that we have to suffer for our commitment to Christ. We begin today to read from the book of Exodus. The Israelites are suffering terribly as slaves of the Pharaoh in Egypt and are even threatened with extinction. The stage is being set for their liberation under the leadership of Moses. Yahweh will not forget His people. In the Gospel, too, Jesus warns His disciples that, because of their commitment to His Way of Truth and Life and Love, there will be people who will want to destroy them and all they stand for. Even families will be painfully divided. These words of Jesus have been fulfilled all down the centuries to our own day. On the one hand, let none of us ever be a cause for division in our Christian community. At the same time, let us pray for courage to follow Jesus' Way, even when we find ourselves criticised or mocked.
Lord, teach us to be generous - to give and not to count the cost.
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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 Christians be sensitive to the needs of everyone, without ever hiding the radical requirements of the Gospel message.
Elaboration
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