18 May
Tue
6th Week of Easter
Acts 16:22-34
Ps. 137:1-3,7-8
Jn. 16:5-11
(Ps Wk II)
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The Acts of the Apostles gives a dramatic account of how the whole family of a prison warder became Christians because of the upright behaviour of Paul and Silas who had been unjustly put into prison, yet didn't escape when they had a perfect chance to do so.

The prison-warder's conversion seems very sudden. No doubt he was very frightened that he would be blamed or even punished for 'losing' all his prisoners in the earthquake, perhaps particularly those two preachers who had been causing such a stir and excitement in the city. His fear gave way to amazement, awe, possibly even respect and admiration. Maybe from what he'd learned about his two special prisoners, or even directly from them, he somehow realised that he was witnessing a more than human power at work. And that's why he was led to ask Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved"? In his subsequent baptism, he and his family were given the same power of God's love that all of us receive who are Christ's followers and friends. It's the power to see and judge and act in a different way than the spirit of the world around us suggests: to consider other people first, to love enemies or those who hurt or harm us, to pray for people who persecute us, to 'offer the other cheek', as Jesus directed. Is this really too hard to do? But this is the witness that can reveal God to other people, lead them to faith.



Lord, it is not our own power or effort that can reveal God to others but Your power at work in us.

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 the family - founded on the marriage of a man and a woman - may be recognized as the basic cell of human society.
Elaboration

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