30May
Wed 		7th Week of Easter
Acts 20:28-38
Ps. 68:28-29, 32-35
Jn. 17:11-19
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"I have kept those you have given to me true to your name". It may well be that St John intends us to hear in these words an echo of the words of Cain when God challenged him about his brother: "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9). Jesus speaks of His life and mission in many different images, allowing us to see many aspects of all that God has accomplished for us in the mystery of His Son.

A first effect of Jesus' death was the reversal of Adam's sin, and of all the damage which it did to God's creation. We may also see another effect, that of reversing the stance of Cain. Jesus has affirmed that He has been his brother's keeper. He gave us a new commandment that we should love each other as He has loved us. That love will surely mean a sense of responsibility for each other, a call to be a keeper for one's brother and sister. In his first letter, speaking of what is effectively the situation of original sin, St John speaks, not about Adam's sin, but about the sin of Cain: we must love each other and not be like Cain (1 Jn. 3:12).


Lord Jesus, keep me in all my ways, that I may be a loving keeper of all my brothers and sisters.

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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