20 May
Sat
5th Week of Easter
St Bernardine of Siena, priest
Acts 16:1-10
Ps. 100(99):2,3,5
Jn. 15:18-21
(Ps Wk I)
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Paul had been completely blocked by the Holy Spirit from crossing the water to Greece. Rather than raging and being upset, he continued to do fine work where he was. Finally, he received a vision in a dream directing him to cross over to Troas. He was then able to go without hindrance. So it is with those guided by the Spirit. Rather than becoming angry and upset when things do not go our way, perhaps we can do our best wherever we are each day. The moment will come when the Spirit will free and guide us.

When we walk in God's ways and obey divine laws, we should not expect praise and approval from the world. God's ways are radically different than those of the world, which are based on selfishness, competition, greed, anger, and violence. Jesus assured his followers that the world would hate them all because of him. Followers of Jesus should beware when they are spoken of too highly by the world - it could be because they have given the world no reason to resist them. But we should always be sure that if the world 'hates' or resists us, it is for the right reason and not because of our sin or unchristian attitudes. Love is a 'catching force', and many will be drawn to it, but for some, it is terribly threatening. Each day we should be a sign of contradiction - unconditional love - in our negative and frightening world.



Lord, may I always walk in Your ways.


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 in Africa, in imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice, and peace.
Elaboration

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