Shalom

17 May Sun	6th Sunday of Easter (A)
	Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Ps. 66(65):1-3,4-5,6-7,16,20 1 Pt. 3:15-18 Jn. 14:15-21 (Ps Wk II)

How To Pray With Shalom

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Loneliness is a kind of suffering. Feeling unsupported or isolated can make us afraid. Jesus tells us that he is going to the Father, but "I will not leave you as orphans" (Jn. 14:18). He will send the Spirit of truth to be with us.

Jesus calls the Spirit 'Paraclete'. A paraclete is one who stands beside. The Spirit is an advocate, consoler and guide. Yet the Spirit is not only an external helper. Jesus says the Spirit: "lives with you and will be in you" (14:17).

The Spirit leads us to keep the commandments. More specifically, the Spirit enables us to love one another as Jesus has loved us. When we love like this, we love Jesus and the Father as well.

Love, however, is a risk. People may not notice the good we do. Our love may be misunderstood. We may be rejected.

The Spirit is within us. We can ask the Spirit to guide our words and deeds. When we feel the sting and sacrifice that come with love, we can ask the Spirit to comfort us. We are not alone. We can dare to love.

Holy Spirit who are you inviting me to love this day?

Paraclete, You are within me. Bless me with courage today to love in word and action.

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 deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.
Elaboration

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