18 May
Fri 		5th Week of Easter
St John I, pope & martyr
Acts 15:22-31
Ps. 57:7-11;
Jn. 15:12-17
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The early Church, as it gathered in Jerusalem to respond to the challenges of false teaching, was united among its members. Peter and Paul, the apostles to the Jews and to the Gentiles respectively, were present and much of the focus was centered around whether or not to include the Gentiles into the Christian community. Thankfully for all of us today, their response was affirmative. All of those gathered recognised that the Gentiles, who were flocking more and more to the faith, were receiving their calling through the Holy Spirit of Jesus. And true to the words of John's Gospel, they were extending the friendship that Jesus had offered to them to others beyond their own immediate group. We are direct descendents in faith of those who founded Christianity almost 2000 years ago and we live in a world that is becoming smaller and smaller in terms of contact with other cultures. Are we as prepared as those disciples gathered in Jerusalem to offer true friendship to others who are seeking to be included?

Jesus said, "I have called you friends."


Lord, give us the courage of Peter and Paul in leading many people to You.

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 refugee women, supported and respected, may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to
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 : That refugee women, supported and respected, may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to

The responsibility for many political decisions leading to war rests predominantly with men. Consequently, while men get wounded or die, women and children become refugees exposed to assault, rape or loss of children. The ones who suffer most in these conflicts are the weakest who get uprooted and are forced to flee. This is not the way humanity is supposed to live.

Like all refugees women and girls face problems of various kinds and need the following: protection against forced return to their countries of origin; security against armed attacks and other forms of violence; protection from unjustified and unduly prolonged detention; a legal status that accords them adequate social, economic and legal rights; and access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. They also need protection against human rights abuses and the myriad problems they have to encounter to safeguard their dignity and personhood.

We are asked to be in solidarity with them and pray that refugee women may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to.



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