27 Apr
Sun
2nd Sunday of Easter (B)
Acts 4:32-35
Ps. 118:2-4,16-18,22-24
1 Jn. 5:1-6
Jn. 20:19-31
(Psalter proper)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

During these Sundays after Easter, our first Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. We read the history of the first generation of Christians and see how the Resurrection of Jesus influenced them deeply. Many among the first generation had seen the Risen Jesus and had witnessed His Ascension into heaven. A core group, in union with Mary the Mother of Jesus, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, not for their own sanctification alone but for the good of the whole Church.

When we read this history with faith and within the context of the Mass, we read it as the word of God. As such, we do not read mere data. We hear the voice of God calling us to recognize here a history of grace. We receive an invitation to continue this history of grace in our own lives.

We are certain that every invitation from God is at the same time a promise and an offer of grace. If the early community could be "of one heart and one mind", so too can we, if we as individuals and as a Church are faithful to the guidance of the Spirit.



Holy Spirit, guide us along the pathways of grace and love. Guide us towards joy and peace of unity in Christ.

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 those who hold positions of responsibility in the Church may offer a shining example of a life which is always responsive to the guidance of the Spirit.
Elaboration

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