16 May
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7th Sunday of Easter (C)
Acts 7:55-60
Ps. 96(97): 1,2,6,7,9
Rev. 22:12-14,16-17,20
Jn. 17:20-26
(Ps Wk III)
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Winston Churchill once described the English and the Americans as two people divided by a common language. It might be said that we Christians are many churches divided by one religion. Whereas, Jesus emphasizes very strongly the necessity for His followers to be united. "Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me." The source of that unity is very clearly the love that we all have for each other and for those who do not belong to our communities. "By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you have love one for another." We have sacrificed unity on the altars of papal infallibility and justification by faith alone, to mention just two dividing issues. We have put these concerns above the need to love and to be seen to be loving. Our disunity both within our church and between our churches is a major stumbling block for those who might otherwise be drawn to the love of God. We need the spirit of Stephen who, even as he was being stoned to death, prayed: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." The manner of his death had a profound effect on another young man who watched approvingly - his name was Saul. From being a hater he became a promoter for unity and peace.



Dear Jesus, help us all to work together in unity and love so that the world may understand Your message and see its healing effects in the way we live.

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 shameful and monstrous trafficking in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may stop.
Elaboration

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