2 Apr
Tue 		Easter Tuesday
Acts 2:36-41
Ps. 33:4-5,18-20,22
Jn. 20:11-18
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Why didn't Mary Magdalene in the Gospel reading recognize Jesus initially even after conversing with Him? Perhaps the resurrected body of Jesus was different and not readily recognizable. However, when Jesus calls her by name, only then does she recognize Him. This teaches us to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, only then are we able to know who He is and to distinguish His voice from all the other voices of the world.

In the first reading from Acts, we also see how remorseful the Jews were when they realized, only too late, that they had crucified their Lord and Saviour. They too didn't recognise who Jesus really was. Their saving grace was their openness to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Repentant, they believed what Peter preached and accepted baptism. They took steps to right the wrong they had previously committed, and they were saved.

On the other hand, Mary Magdalene made that leap of faith and knew it was her Master. She listened to Jesus and followed His instructions. Touched by the personal encounter of the resurrection, Mary was empowered and went forth. We too need to have this experience of the resurrected Christ, to be fired up and to be evangelisers of the good news. Let us also be open to the promptings of the Spirit.


Lord Jesus, with the help of the Holy Spirit, let my relationship with You grow and deepen so that I may recognize You amidst the world and do Your will.

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 in the many rapid changes taking place in today's world, the importance of the family may be recognised in its fundamental vocation as cradle of life and school of faith and right values
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 in the many rapid changes taking place in today's world, the importance of the family may be recognised in its fundamental vocation as cradle of life and school of faith and right values

The family as a domestic Church and cradle of life is the appropriate setting in which faith can increase. It is here that faith can be nourished through an attitude of appreciation of the treasure which parents are called on to transmit to their children through personal words and testimonies of life. This attitude must then be nourished with a sense of wonder and hope and it must be contemplated as Mary contemplated it in the face of the Word she received and the events of her life.

This deep sense of faith helps parents and their children to fulfil the vocation received from God. Parents, teaching their children and bearing witness to the true sense of suffering and dying, lead the young to be more attentive to all forms of suffering. They, thus develop positive attitudes of assistance and sharing with others, especially with weaker people like the sick and the aged. This life of faith must be continually nourished through individual and family prayer.

On the strength of this foundation the family becomes a place for training in justice, self-control, temperance, respect for the personal dignity of each individual and the service of the poor and needy.



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