26 May
Sat
6th Week of Easter
St Philip Neri, priest
Acts 18:23-28
Ps. 47:1-2, 7-9
Jn. 16:23b-28
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

The Acts of the Apostles sometimes gives us what seem to be merely "cold" facts and historical or geographical details. How do the travels of St Paul or of Apollos and his speaking skills described in today's reading, relate to our reflection on God's word and our prayer with Jesus and His Father? Well, every Christian has a mission. The Spirit gives each one the gifts and talents for that mission. Not all of us are gifted speakers of the Word, or experts in Bible studies, like Apollos apparently was: or like today's saint Philip Neri who's been called the "saint of joy" because of his sense of humour. Philip loved music and drama, and used singing and acting and dancing to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. Apollos and Philip and many others have cheered and encouraged and strengthened God's people. Shouldn't I rejoice in these gifts the Lord has given, and ask for a deeper appreciation of the special talents the same Spirit has given me for the service of other people? Jesus told His disciples to ask in His name and that their joy would be full in receiving what they'd asked for. Let us ask the Father in Jesus' name to make of our lives, and of all we do and say, a song of joy and gratefulness that catches peoples' hearts and tells of His good news.



Lord, I thank You for the talents and gifts You have given me.

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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