29 Apr
Sat
2nd Week of Easter
St Catherine of Siena, Virgin & doctor
Acts 6:1-7
Ps. 33(32):1-2,4-5,18-19
Jn. 6:16-21
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

It was not long before the Christian community began to have organisation and the division of labour. This should not be seen as dividing people into classes or putting some in an inferior status. No one person can do everything, and our individual achievements mean nothing unless they serve the goal of all Christians: spreading the word and reconciling people to God. In the Christian community everyone has an important role to play - no one is more valuable than another. We should cherish and value our gifts and contributions to the cause of Jesus Christ and not compare ourselves to others.

'Do not be afraid!' How often we see those words in the bible - from angels, prophets, and Jesus Himself. So often we are afraid of change, of being hurt in some way, of losing those dear to us, of lack, and even of getting too close to God. Most of the things that we are afraid of never happen - they exist only in our fearful minds! We should not be afraid of God, nor should we be afraid of the future or the unknown. God is in it all! We should also learn to be less afraid when God reveals himself to us in strange and unusual ways - after all, everything is possible to God. In the end, it's all about love - in one of the letters, John insists that perfect love casts out fear. When we find ourselves being ruled by fear, it is a reminder to start loving.



Lord, cleanse my heart of fear.


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 young people may respond generously to their vocations and seriously consider offering themselves to God in the priesthood or consecrated life.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2017. All rights reserved.