26 Apr
Sat
5th Week of Easter
Acts 16:1-10
Ps. 99:2,3,5
Jn. 15:18-21
(Ps Wk I)
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As he speaks to his disciples at the Last Supper, Jesus makes clear to them what they can expect. If they hated him, then they will hate his disciples too. They must not be surprised at this even when they live the message of selfless love which Jesus gave them as his one and only commandment. The reason is that they do not belong to the 'world'. If they did, that 'world' would love them as its own. What is that world? It is that view of life which is self-centred, thinks only of its own interests, is materialistic, hedonistic, ambitious and ready to get rid of anyone who gets in its way. If the disciples of Jesus follow his Way, his way of love and service, their lives will be seen as a criticism and condemnation of the 'world's way. They will be resented, persecuted and perhaps violently removed from the scene. However, they must also remember that though they do not belong to the 'world' that does not mean they are to cut themselves off from people. The only way they can call others to follow their Way is by being the salt of the earth and a light for the world. They are to be a leaven totally inserted in the dough. Their life is for and with others but not just for themselves.



Lord, may we hold fast to the Life you have given 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 Christians, even in the difficult and complex situations of present day society, may not tire of proclaiming with their lives that Christ's resurrection is the source of hope and of peace.
Elaboration

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