22 Nov Wed St Cecilia, virgin and martyr Rev. 4:1-11 Ps. 150:1-6 Lk. 19:11-28 How To Pray With Shalom Home Page of Shalom Index of This Month        The parable announces the time between the going back of Christ to the Father and His eventful glorious return. This is our time. We, the disciples must be fruitful and use the gifts we have received so that when the time of judgement arrives, we will be able to give a good account of ourselves.     The kingdom of God is present in Jesus. He has gone to the Father. But He will come back. Till then we are the responsible ministers of His Kingdom. We cannot take things lightly or sleep. It is not enough to keep secure what we have received. We have to manifest, develop, spread our faith, our life in Christ. Only in this way, will the coming of the Lord be a day of joy, of fulfillment, of reward. Furthermore, if we have been faithful servants we will be able to share and participate in the celestial liturgy described by St John in the Book of Revelation.      Lord, You examine me and know me, You know that I am awake and working for You. 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 politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken MORE
- END - P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H     INTENTION : That politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them. Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change. Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken". - END -