23 Nov Thu St Clement I, Pope and martyr Rev. 5:1-10 Ps. 150:1-6, 9 Lk. 10:41-44 How To Pray With Shalom Home Page of Shalom Index of This Month        The sealed book in the hand of the One on the throne is the book of human history. John's weeping at the inability to find any one who can read it represents graphically the human anguish at the mystery of history and our desire to know more which can never be satisfied. The one who has the key to human existence is the victorious Jesus, who is both Lion and Lamb.     Jerusalem has been the goal of Jesus' journey. Finally coming within sight of it, He sheds tears for its coming destruction. There is a sense too in which we can feel helpless over the world. As we open ourselves to the anguish of the innocent victims of war and injsutice, we might pray today that the offering of the sacrifices of peace will leave us restless to work for peace.      Lord, give us the courage to overcome the powers of destruction within us and in our society. 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 -