Shalom

13 Apr Sat	2nd Week of Easter
	Acts 6:1-7 Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,18-19 Jn. 6:16-21

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In the weekday liturgy, St John's Gospel is read in the special seasons of the year: Christmas, the second half of Lent and the Easter season. In Lent we read the sections which recount the growing conflict between Christ and those who reject Him. Now, in the Easter season, we trace the formation of those who accepted His call and became His disciples. It is striking and ironic that the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders understood His teaching much better than did His true disciples! The latter were slow learners, as our reading from chapter 6 makes clear. After the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus sends His disciples across the Sea of Galilee. He is to meet them on the other side; but in the middle of the sea (really a lake) He suddenly appears walking on the water. They are terrified, and He reassures them, "Do not be afraid, it is I". Peter, ever the impulsive one, asks for proof, "If it is really you, Lord, let me walk on the water too". And he does - until his faith fails him and he begins to sink. As long as his eyes are on Jesus, he is fine; but once he looks down at his own feet, and realizes his own weakness, he loses courage and almost drowns.

What is the lesson for us? In the Resurrection Jesus has conquered the world. But we must trust Him if we hope to share in His victory. We must keep our eyes on Him. And we must be willing to risk stepping out of the boat of our own security at His call.

Lord, give me the courage to answer Your call today.

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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