24 Aug
Fri
St Bartholomew, Apostle
Rev. 21:9b-14
Ps. 144:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
Jn. 1:45-51
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A New Jerusalem - a renewed world of justice and peace - is something that many people long for. We try to create a better world, and yet our efforts seem inadequate. All too often we fail and even make a mess of things. The Book of Revelation gives us a clue: although we must work for this renewed world, it is God's show. We cannot leave God out of the equation. It must be the world, as God would have it, not a world that is a reflection of our own needs, fears, and desires. The New Jerusalem, which comes down from heaven from God, is a reality we must yearn, pray, and work for, always aware that it is God's new creation.

Philip proclaims, "We have found the Messiah." Nathanael remains unconvinced, and his reply borders on cynicism. But his skepticism is born of honesty and a restless, searching heart. He wants the truth and will not be fooled by some fast talker. He responds eagerly, however, to the manifestations of the divine powers of Jesus, by proclaiming Him Son of God and King of Israel. The reply of Jesus: You haven't seen anything yet! Just wait! We must be searching, questioning, and cautious but not afraid. We can be honest about our doubts. We must be careful not to be taken in by what is false, but when we sense the presence of God's truth, we hopefully respond enthusiastically, regardless of where and how this truth is found. Let us use God's gift of a questioning and searching heart wisely.



Lord, place within me a searching and questioning heart.

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
The awareness that only God is the master of human life may orientate the decisions of the legislators and leaders of nations
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : The awareness that only God is the master of human life may orientate the decisions of the legislators and leaders of nations

Evidence shows with increasing clarity how policies and laws opposed to life are causing societies to decline morally, demographically and economically. The encyclical Evangelium Vitae makes the urgent appeal "that we offer this world of ours new signs of hope, and work to ensure that justice and solidarity will increase and that a new culture of human life will be affirmed, for the building of an authentic civilisation of truth and love".

Thus there is no reason for a defeatist mentality which claims that laws opposed to the right of life are inevitable. On the contrary, they are a seed of corruption for society and its foundations. The civil and moral conscience cannot accept this false inevitability. The relationship between the civil and moral law deserves great attention because of the growing importance they are destined to have in the restoration of social life.

Lawmakers are asked to renew their commitment to change unjust laws that legitimise or tolerate such violence. The changing of laws must be preceded and accompanied by the changing of mentalities and morals on a vast scale. The Church cannot spare any effort nor can she accept negligence or guilty silence.




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