The Lord has risen indeed
Invitation
May I draw your attention to
the daily reading of the Gospel
This invitation is intended to share with you the joy of the Gospel.
of the Gospel. Everyone, without except,
can experience this joy by opening her heart
to the healing power of the Word of God.
Available every day.
Consideration
We listen to the second part of Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus. This part contains personal and moving elements but is intended as Paul’s “testament” by Luke to the whole Church. It calls those responsible for the Church to care for those entrusted to their care. The Church is God’s work and all these recommendations are still valid today.
FIRST READING Acts 20:28-38I
Comment you to God, who has the power to build you up and give you an inheritance.
From the Acts of the Apostles
In those days Paul said to the leaders of the church in Ephesus:
“Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock
which the Holy Spirit has given you
to shepherd the Church of God
which He purchased by the blood of His own Son.
“I know that after my departure
grievous wolves will come upon you
who will not spare the flock
and that men will rise up from among you also
who will proclaim wrong things
to draw away the disciples.
“Watch therefore
and remember, that unceasingly
– for three years, day and night –
I have been proclaiming good things to each of you under tears.
“And now I commend you to God,
and to the word of his grace
which has the power to build
and to grant you the inheritance with all the sanctified ones.
“Silver, gold, or clothing I have demanded of no one.
“Thou thyself knowest
that these hands have provided for my needs
and those of my companions.
“In all things, I have shown thee
by working in this way the weak must be succored,
and that you must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus.
“After all, He said:
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.”
After these words, he knelt down with them all and prayed.
They all began to weep aloud,
they fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,
especially because he had said that they would not see him again.
that they would never see him again.
Then they led him into the ship.
INTERLUDIUM Psalm 68(67), 29-30, 33-35a, 35b-36c
Sing now to God, you kingdoms of the earth.
Alleluia.
May all, O God, experience your power,
the power with which you defend us.
May the kings adorn with their gifts
Your sanctuary in Jerusalem.
Sing now to God, O kingdoms of the earth:
He draws near through the vault of heaven.
There His voice sounds with a mighty sound:
Recognize now the reign of God.
His greatness appears over the fields of Israel,
in threatening clouds His power.
God is awesome in His holy dominion,
He grants his people renown and strength:
Blessed be the God of Israel!
Alleluia Col 3:1
Alleluia.
If then you have been raised to live with Christ
seek that which is above
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL John 17, 11b-19
That they may be one as We are one
From the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John
At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and prayed
“Holy Father
keep in your name those whom You have given Me
that they may be one as We are one.
“When I was with them
I kept in Your name those whom You have given Me.
“I watched over them
and not one of them was lost
except for the man of destruction
for the Scriptures had to be fulfilled.
“But now I come to You
and even in the world, I say this
that they may fully possess My joy in them.
“I have communicated Your word to them,
but the world has hated them
because they are not of the world
as I am not of the world.
“I do not pray that You would take them out of the world
but preserve them from evil.
“They are not of the world
as I am not of the world.
“Consecrate them to You in truth.
“Thy word is truth.
“As Thou didst send Me into the world
so I send them into the world
and for them, I consecrate myself to You,
that they also may consecrate themselves to You in truth.”
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Laudato Si
Encyclic of
POPE FRANCIS
On Care for the Common Home
179. Some places are developing renewable energy partnerships that allow for local self-sufficiency and even the sale of excess production. This simple example suggests that while the existing world order proves incapable of taking responsibility, local action can make a difference. Indeed, this is where greater responsibility, a strong sense of community, a special capacity to care for others and generous creativity, a deep love for one’s own land, as well as thinking about what one leaves to one’s children and grandchildren can emerge. These values are deeply rooted in indigenous peoples. Since the law is sometimes inadequate as a result of corruption, a political decision under popular pressure is necessary. Society, through non-governmental bodies and intermediary organizations, must force governments to develop systems of stricter rules, procedures, and controls. If citizens do not control political power – national, regional, and municipal – there is no way to combat environmental damage. On the other hand, municipal legislation can be more effective if there are agreements between neighbouring towns to support the same environmental policies.
Continued
The biblical text in this issue is taken from The New Translation of the Bible,
The New Translation of the Bible, ©Dutch Bible Society 2004/2007.
Considerations from the liturgical suggestions for weekdays and Sundays
Laudato Si Official English translation