21 May
Mon 		6th Week of Easter
Acts 16:11-15
Ps. 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a, 9b
Jn. 15:26-16:4a
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The beginning of the preaching of the Gospel in Europe, outside the city of Philippi. It seems a very simple, natural setting by the riverside, where women had gathered to pray on the Sabbath. One of these was Lydia, who when she and her household were baptised, insisted that Paul and his companions would stay in her house. It is interesting to note that the first European Christians we hear of were women!

Jesus promises to send the Spirit to His disciples who will be enabled by Him to be His witnesses. Another warning follows: it will go hard with some of the disciples in the future when tensions will mount between Jewish Christians and orthodox Judaism and they will be excluded from the synagogues. It is difficult for us today to understand the suffering involved here for people who were faithful Jews in their hearts. However, Jesus is the fulfilment of the Jewish prophecies. We are to echo the spirit of truth and know that we belong to the Father.


Lord, keep me always in Your love.

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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