4 May
Fri 		3rd Week of Easter
Acts 9:1-20
Ps. 117:1, 2
Jn. 6:52-59
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Are you searching for God? Do you wish to remain constantly in God's presence? If so, pay heed to this important insight from the readings of today. If you are truly searching for God, prepare to be knocked off your horse...!

Consider Saul. He thought he was doing God's work by persecuting the followers of the Way. But on the road to Damascus, he was made to realize that God was to be found in the very people he was fighting against. Consider Ananias. He thought, quite justifiably, that Saul was a dangerous man, someone to be avoided at all costs. And yet here was the Lord referring to this enemy as his chosen instrument and telling him to go lay hands on him.

But what proves that Saul and Ananias were genuine seekers of God, is that they were willing to change course after having been thrown from their respective horses. In contrast, the Jews of today's Gospel could not bring themselves to accept the shocking news that they had to eat Jesus' flesh to be saved. And in clinging to their prejudice, in refusing to be knocked off their horses, they failed to respond to the God of surprises.

God continues to surprise us. When we think that He is only to be found in the consolations of prayer, God draws us to seek Him in the poor and marginalised. Are you willing to be thrown off your horse?


Lord, lead me to do Your will as You led Saul, who fell off his horse and found You beyond the narrow confines of his world.

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 refugee women, supported and respected, may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That refugee women, supported and respected, may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to

The responsibility for many political decisions leading to war rests predominantly with men. Consequently, while men get wounded or die, women and children become refugees exposed to assault, rape or loss of children. The ones who suffer most in these conflicts are the weakest who get uprooted and are forced to flee. This is not the way humanity is supposed to live.

Like all refugees women and girls face problems of various kinds and need the following: protection against forced return to their countries of origin; security against armed attacks and other forms of violence; protection from unjustified and unduly prolonged detention; a legal status that accords them adequate social, economic and legal rights; and access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. They also need protection against human rights abuses and the myriad problems they have to encounter to safeguard their dignity and personhood.

We are asked to be in solidarity with them and pray that refugee women may find the strength to overcome the violence and suffering they are subjected to.



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