22 May
Tue 		6th Week of Easter
Acts 16:22-34
Ps. 138:1-2a, 2bc-3, 7c-8
Jn. 16:5-11
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The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describe the dramatic story of the conversion of a Roman jailer and his household at Philippi. It is striking that Paul and Silas, fastened in stocks after a severe flogging, could still pray and sing hymns of praise. One can imagine how warmly and convincingly they could preach the word.

In looking back at the trial of Jesus, the Paraclete will show the disciples 'where wrong and right and judgement lie'. He will prove to the disciples that the world is guilty of sin - the basic sin of rejecting the light, of refusing to accept Jesus. He will prove the world wrong about righteousness, by showing that the Jesus whom it branded as guilty is the righteous One. He will demonstrate, with true Johannine irony, that in condemning Jesus the world brought judgement on itself. The cross appeared to be the end, the triumph of the world; but in the Paraclete Jesus is still present. The tables have been turned.


Lord, help us to know Your way and to discern what is right and wrong in judging.

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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