17 Apr
Thu
4th Week of Easter
Acts 13:13-25
Ps. 88:2-3,21-22,25,27
Jn. 13:16-20
(Ps Wk IV)
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The mission to preach a crucified Christ as Saviour of all humankind requires a total commitment and a firm conviction that one is doing God's will. Judas could not accept the notion of the Messiah being a suffering Servant of Yahweh. John Mark, who deserted Paul and Barnabas was not adequately equipped for the mission. So also, most of Paul's Jewish listeners! They were too spiritually blind to accept Christ as the fulfilment of the "hope of Israel".

On the contrary, John the Baptist was convinced that he was merely God's instrument in announcing Jesus as the Promised One. Paul too, being open to the truth, had accepted the person of Christ as Lord and God and having experienced the power of the Risen Jesus, became totally committed to his mission, convinced that it was God's will for him to turn to the Gentiles, many of whom would accept Jesus as Lord and God. Jesus requires this of every apostle of the Good News of salvation, even at the risk of suffering and dying for their faith in Him.



Loving Father, strengthen our conviction in the mission You have entrusted to us, to continue the work of Your Son to save the world riddled with unbelief and materialistic pursuits. May the grace and power of the Holy Spirit work in us to bring people to accept Your Son as Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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 Christians, even in the difficult and complex situations of present day society, may not tire of proclaiming with their lives that Christ's resurrection is the source of hope and of peace.
Elaboration

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