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Simon was a zealot plotting with others how to throw off Roman dominatioin. Jude (Thaddeus) was a relative of the Lord Jesus. He asked the Lord a question at the last Supper and later, according to tradition, wrote a New Testament letter to the early Church. These unimportant men, who have remained virtually unknown, were chosen by the Lord as apostles, to be sent into the world to preach the Good News of salvation in Christ and to baptise in His name. They were destined to give witness to this faith, not only by their words and acts of healing, but also by the laying down of their lives. They became important with the rest of the Twelve as the foundation of the Church. By their teaching and baptising in different parts of the world, they succeeded in building up the "holy temple", "a dwelling place for God in the Spirit." Ultimately through the work of the apostles, the Ephesians and all Christians have become fellow citizens and members of God's household and family. Down through the centuries men and women have been chosen by the Lord, after prayers and intercessions with the Father, to become Christians and to be sent to spread the Good News in their individual ways. The Lord has also chosen us, knowing our weakness and future lapses. But He promised to be with us too, as we all labour in building the Church of Christ in our own circles. Lord, help us to rejoice in the apostles' glory, and to follow them in the privileged mission of building up God's people. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That young married couples may be sustained by the example and assistance of their parents and other families
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The testimony and help that parents and other families must offer to sustain young married couples finds its place in the ambit of post-matrimonial pastoral care. Parents and other families are the most suited to offer this assistance to young spouses because clearly they have lived personally the values which they must transmit. These parents show faithfulness through living in the best possible way the commitments assumed during their marriage. One could ask, but why is it necessary for young couples to be sustained by the testimony of their parents and other families? The answer is, because today there are many negative attitudes which scandalise and discourage young people. Being new to the condition of matrimonial life they need advice, encouragement, moral support, correction and prayer. They cannot be left alone or abandoned in this phase of their lives. Couples need to take advantage of the wealth of the experience and wisdom of their parents. "The pastoral action of the Church must be progressive, also in the sense that it must accompany the family, following it step by step in the various stages of its formation and development," (Familiaris Consortio n65, 69). | |
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