9 Apr
Tue
2nd Week of Easter
Acts 4:32-37
Ps.92:1ab,1c-2,5
Jn. 3:7b-15
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What power the early Christian community had! This power was in part a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. In addition to the spirit, however, was the response of the believers themselves. They had put away quarrelling and jealousy, slander and greed, and a host of other negative things. They were united in heart and soul. They loved the same Lord, believed in the same message, and hoped for the same salvation. They loved one another. This was evident in the statement that they shared all things and no one suffered from material lack. This is what enabled the Spirit to bless them so abundantly with power.

The Spirit will continue to bless and empower any group - family, workplace, school, community - that begins to walk in the ways of God.

Jesus insists that we must be born from above. This means starting over, learning new ways - God's ways. Jesus Himself is the example for us to gaze upon and follow. With the example of the raised serpent that was used to cure the Israelites of their wounds in the desert, He proposes that those who accept Him into their hearts will likewise be cured of the poison of sin. Jesus, the man for others, who responded with love to every person and situation, is that healing balm for our hearts and souls. The power that is present in unity, justice, and love can truly remake the earth.



Lord, help me to be united in heart and soul with 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 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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