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In the worst of times, when, as a community, we find it difficult to believe in God, heroes arise. Mattathias, about whom we read today, is one such hero. We can never condone the violence that he takes to. Violence is never an answer to injustice, and should never be. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, in the book of Daniel, exhibit courage in a non-violent way by choosing to suffer rather than to put others through suffering.
Even today, the Dalai Lama and scores of his Buddhist monks show their dissent through non-violent means. Jesus sets the standards by His act of love on the Cross. Young people protesting against authoritarianism in Hong Kong and Myanmar also protest in non-violent ways.
Lord make Me an instrument of Your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair,hope.
Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not
so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love
For it's in giving that we receive,
and it's in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it's in dying that we are born to eternal life.
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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 people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
Elaboration
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