25 Jan
Wed
Conversion of St Paul the Apostle
Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22
Ps. 116(117): 1,2, Mk. 16:15-18
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"Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation." This was the great commission Jesus gave to the apostles after His resurrection. In order to fully understand the impact of this commission let us take a step back and read Mark 16: 9 - 14.

When Mary Magdala testified that Jesus was alive and had appeared to her, the apostles disbelieved her. When two disciples testified that the risen Jesus had appeared to them, the apostles did not believe them either. Later, Jesus himself appeared to the apostles and strongly rebuked them for their disbelief. Then, he commissioned them to preach the Gospel. Imagine, in spite of their 'imperfections', Jesus entrusted the task of preaching the Gospel to the apostles. And they did not let him down.

In the first reading, we read Paul testifying before the Jews as to how his life was changed as a result of his encounter with the Lord Jesus. He shares with them that he has been directly commissioned by Jesus to be His witness to all humanity. Imagine, in spite Paul's 'imperfect' past, Jesus entrusted to him the same commission of preaching the Good News. And Paul did not let him down.

Today, this commission has also been given to us: we, who often struggle with doubts and disbelief; we, who often feel overwhelmed by our daily challenges; we, who are busy with so many things; we, who are imperfect people. Imagine, it is to the likes of us that Jesus entrusts his mission. And we¡K



Lord, help me be faithful to Your commission.

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 victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives.
Elaboration

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