31 Mar
Fri
4th Week of Lent
Wis. 2:1,12-22
Ps. 34(33):17-18,19-20,21,23
Jn. 7:1-2,10,25-30
(Ps Wk IV)
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Today's gospel presents us with a picture of a person under pressure. After an initially favourable reaction on the part of the people of Galilee to his preaching and healing, opposition to Jesus, mainly exhibited by some of the religious leaders, began to grow. It increased as Jesus neared his Passion.

St Paul tells us that Jesus was like us in all things but sin. It is part of our faith that Jesus was completely human. It must have been very hurtful to him to have been watched with great suspicion and to have been opposed by powerful people who were keen to thwart him at every turn. He showed pain and frustration at being unable to share in word and action his message of love for his people.

The first reading is seen by many biblical commentators as a direct forecast of the kind of reception which Jesus, the pre-eminently Just One, would receive.

In these days of Lent it would be good if we could find time to pray for all those noble men and women who follow their consciences in endeavouring to work for a better world. Driven by their commitment they work for those in need, who have no other source of help. They too will be met with suspicion, calumny and outright persecution. They need our prayers. As a return gift they may attract us to imitate them and the Master they so generously follow.



Heavenly Father, we entrust to our care all those who imitate Your Son by serving those in need.


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 persecuted Christians may be supported by the prayers and material help of the whole church.
Elaboration

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