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Receive the Spirit

This originally was published in 1998 for the daily and Sunday readings, which are on-cycle again in 2006 for Sundays.

Dear Readers:Let us celebrate the 50 days from Easter to Pentecost by reading these scriptures of the Risen Christ and allowing the Spirit to empower every parish household. Truly we will be "One in the Spirit" and bear fruit for our community and our world. CAFE (Communities for Adult Formation & Education) invited people to let the Spirit speak to them through a line of scripture. This booklet is the result. Add your own reflections and prayers. Come Holy Spirit, lead us!

The CAFE Team

Grab your Bible, look at today's readings, and click to a reflection, prayer, and suggestion for action.

(CAFE's home page)

April 12
Sunday of the First Week

"He went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10: 38)

In our daily lives it is important that we follow the example Jesus set for us. We will find fulfillment in life and be happier if we remain dedicated to helping others live better lives. In today’s world it is easy to get caught up in petty selfish matters and get overly concerned with acquiring material things. Acquiring material things is necessary but we shouldn’t forget the service example that Jesus set for us. Jesus was forgiving and helped all sorts of folks, even those who were doing evil things, those that didn’t like him and those possessed by the devil. If we follow this example and remain positive and strive to be constructive even when others around us are negative and cynical, we will live more useful and happier lives. If we are able to follow Jesus’ example of helping others, we will be better off.

Come, Holy Spirit. Transform my mind. Help me follow the example set by Jesus Amen.

ACTION: Today I will follow the example set by Jesus and try and help another person and remain positive, even when others around me are negative.

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April 13
Monday of the First Week

Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.’ (Matthew 28:10)

I was struck by Jesus’ command to "leave for Galilee" so they can see Him there. He is telling me that it is time for me to leave my old "place", not physical but mental and emotional, behind. I must move to a new "place" - to new perceptions. It is time to view things differently. I must not see just the angry young man across the table from me nor hear just the stressed out person on the other end of the phone. I must be aware of Christ in each of them, see and hear not only their suffering but also their goodness, humanness and uniqueness. I must help them bring these latter qualities to the fore. To do that I need to move from the angry, resentful, restless place I now inhabit. I must move to a place where I’ll be able to acknowledge Christ in myself and see Him in others - in my children; in my spouse; in my neighbors; in my coworkers and in those I meet throughout the day. It is time to be truly aware of my surroundings and not so wrapped up in myself that I fail to look for Christ in others.

Come Holy Spirit. Let me discern Christ in the people I meet. Amen.

ACTION: Be aware of the people you come in contact with today. Look for Christ in each of them. Also, be aware of Christ in yourself, so others may see him in you.

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April 14
Tuesday of the First Week

"Rather, go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God!" (John 20: 17)

This Scripture is comforting to me knowing that the Lord is with me every day even though I cannot see him. My ups and downs as I journey through life seem easier because of my belief in God’s presence every day of my life. I believe that God wants to reassure all of us of his presence and wants us to share our beliefs with others we encounter every day. The fact that Jesus ascended to the Father means to me that he is interceding and praying for me every moment of my life at the right hand of the Father. I find this thought immensely comforting.

Thank you for the gift of faith and all the blessings you have given me. Jesus, I know that you continue to intercede for me and that you are closer to me and my needs than I am even to myself. Amen.

ACTION:Today, I will be mindful of opportunities to offer comfort and encouragement to others.

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April 15
Wednesday of the First Week

"And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them." (Luke 24: 15)

The two disciples that Jesus engaged in conversation did not recognize him. Jesus "interpreted to them what referred to him in the scriptures," and they finally recognized the risen Lord. There are times when my faith is weak, or I am disappointed in the outcome of what is happening, or I do not understand what I should do next. At these times, I might long for Jesus to come up, tap me on the shoulder and tell me what to believe, or what to do. However, it won’t happen for me the same way it did for the two disciples. I do, though, have my Catholic faith; and the Church continuously helps me to understand the truth just as Jesus told the two disciples. Most of all, Jesus will walk beside me, in Spirit, whenever I call him in prayer.

Help me, Jesus, to increase my faith in you and to accept what I cannot change. Amen.

ACTION:Think of the good things that have happened to you this year and thank Jesus for them.

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April 16
Thursday of the First Week

"They were still unconvinced, still wondering, for it seemed too good to be true." (Luke 24: 41)

Jesus was in front of the disciples and they still didn’t believe. Dared they believe and possibly have their hopes dashed? Too risky. Skepticism was safer. They did not allow themselves the joy of the Resurrection experience until Jesus opened their minds. I could readily identify with these disciples. When I allowed disappointments in my life to keep me from fully trusting, cynicism became a "safe" way of living. It affected even the many blessings I had received and permeated my faith. I found myself lacking trust, certainty and joy. But the Holy Spirit changed all that - just for the asking. There’s nothing like asking for help and getting an abundance of it!

Holy Spirit, continue your transforming work. Help me to discover those areas of my life which I still need to trust you with. Amen.

ACTION:Replace every negative thought with a positive one; allow the Holy Spirit to open your mind. Let your joy be contagious!

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April 17
Friday of the First Week

"He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the corner stone." (Acts 4:11) "Simon Peter said to them ‘I am going fishing ...’" and Jesus said to them "‘Cast your net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.’" "Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them and in the like manner, the fish." (John 21: 3, 6, 13)

During the Easter season, we, like the apostles in John’s gospel, continue in our daily work whether it be as fishermen, plumbers, librarians, secretaries, day care workers, etc., but we do it as new and renewed people. We recognize Christ revealed in people we meet. Our experience of Lenten preparation and Easter celebration gives us the courage to challenge the false temples of our world: power, materialism, jealousy, malice and greed. With Christ as our cornerstone we can together build the Kingdom of God through loving, prayerful and dedicated act-tion and, in the modern world, continue the promise of the apostles in Acts.

Heavenly God, the Architect, Christ, the cornerstone, and Holy Spirit, help us continue to take action as your apostles. Help us contribute to the building of the Kingdom. May we be attentive to your guidance and serve you through the talents with which we have been blessed. Amen Amen.

ACTION:Today I will remember that whatever I do I am an apostle act-ing in service of God’s people.

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April 18
Saturday of the First Week

"After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country." (Mark 16: 12)

With all the strife and stress in today’s world, many may find it difficult to believe. That Jesus appeared in another form reminds me that His presence in my life is shown in many different ways each day. Today, the 18th, I will see and feel His presence at my sister’s wedding. Other days it might be as simple as new flowers in springtime, a peaceful moment, or a caring friend reaching out to touch your life in a time of need. There are many ways every day in which He presents Himself, if we just take the time to observe.

Jesus help me to recognize the many ways you show yourself to me each day, and let me give thanks that you are in my life. Amen.

ACTION:Today and everyday, I will make an effort to acknowledge all the ways, big or small, that the presence of the Holy Spirit is with me.

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April 19
Sunday of the Second Week

"Jesus said to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed’." (John 20: 29)

How strong is my faith, I wonder. Would I believe my eyes if I were among those Jesus appeared to after his death? In Acts, we learn how the apostles’ healing powers were a sign of God’s power that strengthened the people’s faith. The scripture from John shows how, after Jesus’ death, the stubborn doubts of the apostle Thomas kept him from believing in Jesus’ resurrection. In the Gospel, Thomas was disabused of his doubt and renewed in his faith. But today, his same skeptical outlook persists, even among Christians. It seems to me the problem afflicts those whose immersion in secular culture may implant a disposition to disbelieve in anything transcending the physical world. Yet, Jesus responds to Thomas’ doubt with patient love, as he goes to greater length to reach the skeptical apostle. Jesus reminds us how blessed are those who believe without seeing. He’s talking about those who remain humble enough to be strong in faith.

Come Holy Spirit. Humble me so that I may see the folly of intellectual pride and keep my faith in God strong even without constant miraculous signs. And guide me, Lord, to be a sign to others - serving you with faith, hope, and love - of Jesus’ good news about the kingdom of God. Amen.

ACTION:This week I will take time to pray and find ways to serve others each day so that I will not lose sight of the risen Christ in my life.

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April 20
Monday of the Second Week

"...Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3: 5)

As God’s children, and having been created in his likeness, we are creatures instilled with free will. That is, we have the powers of reason and deduction alone among God’s earthly creations. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to listen to and accept God’s word unconditionally. Furthermore, we must manifest that acceptance with concrete acts of caring in our local communities. To be filled with the Spirit is to be called to action in a positive way. This is what sets us apart from other living beings, and which will be our own individual salvation.

Lord, God, make me an instrument of your devotion and love to all people on your earth. Amen.

ACTION:Stay involved in various community activities and spark interest in others to join.

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April 21
Tuesday of the Second Week

"There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need." (Acts 4: 34-35)

There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

Let me share with others the gifts given to me, that we may enjoy them and benefit together. Amen.

ACTION:Give something - no matter how big or small - to another person each day. Help a neighbor carry groceries into the house. Greet a stranger on the street. Play with a child. Tutor an adult. Share a good idea. Listen to a friend. The sum of many small efforts quickly becomes large.

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April 22
Wednesday of the Second Week

"Go out now and take your place in the temple precincts and preach to the people all about this new life." (Acts 5: 20)

The apostles are jailed because the high priest and his supporters are jealous of their popularity with the people. An angel appears, releases the apostles from prison and instructs them to continue their mission. Despite the real possibility of re-arrest, the apostles do just that. Sitting in jail the apostles were probably scared. They might have even preferred to stay there rather than resume their ministry and risk another confrontation with the religious authorities. However, instead of choosing an "easier" path, the apostles readily accept the will of God in their lives. Every day we are challenged to live the mission that God has chosen for us - even if it is difficult or "unpopular." Sometimes, we might feel lost, frightened, or trapped. Yet, it is this place where we often find that God is closest to us. God is always with us. He sends His spirit to free us. He answers our prayers.

Lord, send us your Spirit so that we may be empowered to live out Your will for us - even when it might be difficult or unpopular. Open our "prison doors" and lead us forth on the path that You have set for us - the one that brings us closer to you. Amen.

ACTION:Pray for the courage to joyfully accept God’s will in your life. Ask Him for the strength to take each step along the way and know that He walks with you always.

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April 23
Thursday of the Second Week

"We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey Him." (Acts 5: 32)

I like the message in the passages from both Acts and John that the Good News cannot be contained - the apostles felt compelled to preach about what they had witnessed in spite of threats; Jesus "does not ration his gift of the Spirit." I’m reminded of my own grandfather who was persecuted for expressing his Catholic faith in communist-controlled Lithuania. The Gospel brings so much joy and peace that people are willing to take personal risks. The readings also remind us that Jesus, given to all by the Father, freely shares the Spirit with all who choose to listen. We may face adversity in living the Gospel message, but we always have the Spirit strengthening and guiding our words and actions.

Father, let me be open to your message of joy. Strengthen me through your Spirit to bring that message to all those around me. Empower me to push beyond mere comfort, into risk, for the sake of your Name. Amen.

ACTION:Think about the ways in which the Spirit has strengthened you in adverse times. Try living the Gospel message by taking a small risk - say hello to someone you ordinarily avoid; let someone in front of you in line; choose to read the Bible instead of watching Seinfeld, etc.

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April 24
Friday of the Second Week

"There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fishes; but what is that between so many?" (John 6:9)

In the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus knew what he would do, but he waited for Andrew to ask. Then Jesus gave thanks and His disciples distributed an abundance of food, far beyond what they could have provided or even conceived of on their own. This passage has a special meaning for me. I am a worrier by nature. I worry about my job, my friends, and my parents - particularly in their old age - always anxious whether I have said or done the right thing. I even worry about the Lord. Does He hear me? Will He answer, and know how unworthy I frequently feel? Jesus teaches us to trust and to give thanks as we go about our daily lives. He not only hears us but will respond to our needs with grace more than sufficient to meet those needs.

Dearest Jesus, let me not be fearful or timid, but rather with a liberating spirit realize that you are ever at my side, guiding and comforting me and always ready to help me make more of my life than I could ever do alone. Amen.

ACTION:In some problem or difficulty you encounter today, turn to the Lord with trust as you ask Him to help you discern His Will and multiply the force of the efforts that you make in His name.

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April 25
Saturday of the Second Week

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all mankind." (Mark 16:15)

The apostles were entrusted with a great task of trying to bring all mankind to that condition of harmony with God which Christ called "The Kingdom of God." They must have been very apprehensive about following Christ’s commands. However, I imagine they discovered they had a remarkable "partnership" with God as He used them in His work. I’m sure they had not recognized their potential greatness when Jesus instructed them to continue His work. Of course, we know God worked in their hearts and teachings and through the signs which they accomplished with His Holy Spirit. As I am writing this paper, I think how important it is to reflect on our duty to be servants of God and consider to whom Christ has sent us. In what ways are we "preaching the good news" or "making disciples" through our daily words and actions?

Dear Jesus, help me to spread your word everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your Spirit and Life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so that my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence. Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus. Let me preach to You without preaching, not by my words, but by my example. Amen (From a prayer by Cardinal Newman)

ACTION:Let His loving Spirit flow through us and out to our neighbor. Form a partnership with God today. Let go and let the Light of the Spirit shine.

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April 26
Sunday of the Third Week

"Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus." (John 21:4)

It had to be a hurtful time for Peter and the other disciples who caught nothing after fishing all night. I can only equate it to the times in my life when, no matter how hard I worked to accomplish a task, nevertheless I failed in the endeavor. However, when Jesus recommended to them where to lower their nets, their catch was huge. John turned to Peter and said: "It’s the Lord," and they recognized Him. It was a joyous time for them, as all were invited to share the bread and fish Jesus had prepared. He had come to be with them when they least expected Him. When have I experienced Him? Usually after some of the upheaval periods that have been a part of my life. Or it can occur from an act of immense trust, an act of surrender to a God who will give what I need when I need it.

I don’t always know how to pray, but since you have promised us your Holy Spirit, I dare to say: "Abba, Father." Amen

ACTION:Working on my scripture, I felt inspired to do whatever kindnesses I am able for others, with the hope that we can find Jesus in our midst daily.

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April 27
Monday of the Third Week

"Do not work for food that spoils; instead work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him." (John 6:29)

At one time or another, we have all felt the physical sensation of hunger. To satisfy that sensation we search for food or water. In the spiritual sense, we can also feel a hunger for God, His wisdom, and His love. Hearing God’s word, praying for His love, trying to establish a personal relationship with the Father can satisfy this hunger. The Lord provides nourishment for the soul.

Come Lord Jesus, fill me with your nourishment - let it satisfy my hunger and bring me closer to you. Amen

ACTION: Today I will remember that when I need help, Jesus can remove my hunger and satisfy my soul.

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April 28
Tuesday of the Third Week

"...The witnesses were piling their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul" (Acts 7:58)

The author of Acts is a real storyteller. In every reading we have from Acts there is a line like this one that "hooks" me, that puts me into the story with a fresh immediacy. The line makes Michael be the young man named Saul. And in the scene I pray, "Gracious God, what are we to do with kooks like these Christians who, by every standard we know, blaspheme." Here I'm just watching my brothers and sisters put Stephen to death; later on, I become the chief executioner. In my life today, turning a question like "what am I to do with this or that" over to God in prayer lifts the weight of judgment off me; and the emptiness thus created in me fills immediately with surprisingly abundant love. It enables me to love and accept as I am loved and accepted. Remembering my buddy, Saul, I am grateful God didn't have to knock me off my horse, this time!

God, your Word comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. I pray that you use it to turn me from whatever kind of "executioner" I am in my dealing with others into whatever kind of apostle you would have me be. Amen

ACTION: Today I will take the first rush-to-judgment that I experience and see it as God's personal invitation to me to love as I am loved.

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April 29
Wednesday of the Third Week

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38)

There have been times that I was not sure what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I was comforted by the knowledge that, like Jesus when he was here as man, I am here to do God's will. I know that if I am open to God's plan for me, and strive in my daily activities to spread His love to others, He will provide for me everything I need, and guide me in this life, and prepare a place for me in heaven.

Holy Spirit, fill me with God's purpose and help me to bring His love to those around me. Amen

ACTION: I will be open to God's message in all areas of my life, and strive to live each day according to His plan.

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April 30
Thursday of the Third Week

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life." (John 6:47)

During this Lenten season of fasting and prayer, this passage holds the true mystery of fulfillment and peace within our souls. When our lives become stressful and difficult, we can turn to this precious promise from God - eternal life through His ultimate sacrifice - Jesus. I heard someone on the radio a few days ago, saying that when God sends us many burdens at once, this is our chance to fast, pray, and repent of our sins. Through this we become much stronger individuals in our faith. This is His way of preparing us and opening our hearts for something bigger. We must have this openness in order to be able to fully receive what He has planned for us. Sometimes this is the only thing I can focus on to get me through these burdens joyfully, knowing that when we do get through this life, there is one waiting for us that is better than we can begin to imagine. This eternal life is ours by accepting the wonderful "bread of life" that comes only through Jesus.

Lord, thank you for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, and help me to reflect more on the graces You offer us through fasting, prayer, and by receiving You through Holy Communion. Amen

ACTION: Keep your heart open to receive the spiritual food Jesus offers us, and be joyful in the hard times as much as in the good times.

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May 1
Friday of the Third Week

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." (John 6:54)

The Holy Eucharist is the center of our lives as Catholics. When we receive the Holy Eucharist we feel deep in our hearts that Jesus has embraced us once more with His infinite love, in spite of our sinfulness. Although we are not worthy to receive Him, when He says the word our souls are clean. Also, when we partake of the body and blood of Christ, we are united with our brothers and sisters, not only with those around us in the church where we worship, but with all our brothers and sisters in the universal church. We are in "communion" with all of them. Therefore, when we approach the altar to receive Holy Communion, let us bring to Jesus our praises, our thanksgiving, our happiness, and also our problems, our difficulties, and our concerns, and He will take them in his hands. If we are faithful to His love, He will raise us on the last day.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for letting me eat Your flesh and drink Your blood. Amen

ACTION: Every time we receive the Holy Eucharist let us try to remember that this is a "communion" with our brothers and sisters.

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May 2
Saturday of the Third Week

"What gives life is God's spirit." (John 6:63)

Once in a while I forget who put me on this earth, and why I'm here. Then I look out to the world and see abortion, crime, and hate. I think to myself, "Maybe it's not just me who forgot." We are not the ones who make life and spirit - God is.

Lord, show me the way to Your eternal peace, guide me in times of need. Amen

ACTION: Today I will pray for those who do not look into God's creating eyes.

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May 3
Sunday of the Fourth Week

"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I'll give them eternal life and they shall never die." (John 10:27-8)

When I first came to this Country, I experienced what it is to struggle. I lost my job due to false witness of my co-employee. I was exploited by my employer, and amidst the continuous problems of parenting, I became angry, depressed, and got very sick. My family was also affected.. I pleaded for God's help incessantly. The crosses that I carried were too heavy at times, but then I realized that whatever trials I have in life, God always provides. He never neglected us, and I realized that the trials made me a different person. Now I am closer to God and His mother. I can now live with my enemies. The Good Shepherd came to our lives as a priest, nun, employer, relative, stranger, prayer group, St. Charles worker, and friend. Thank you, Lord, for carrying us in our darkest moment.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Shepherd us O Lord! When we are lost, show us the way, when in trouble, rescue us, when we rejoice for favors granted, let us proclaim your compassionate care. Grant that we may be a Good Shepherd to others, that we may be worthy of your promise of eternal life. Amen

ACTION: Today, let us be Good Shepherds to someone in trouble, and let us continuously pray that God will send us more good shepherds.

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May 4
Monday of the Fourth Week

"The sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out." (John 10:3)

This scripture of the Bible has always caught my attention. I may say that I can relate to it. Recently in my life, I've been wanting to change spiritually in many ways, but I find it difficult to follow His path. Not very long ago, I went through a very hard time which I will never forget. I felt lonely, tired, sad, and scared with nowhere to run. I felt something missing in my life. Something that I had when I was a little girl, but seemed to have lost. In this scripture John tells me that the Lord is my Savior and that He loves me very much and knows when I need to hear His voice. I consider myself a sheep in a flock. He will call me by my name, and I will follow him.

Holy Spirit, help me change my life, so I can help others. Amen

ACTION: Today I'm happy that I had a chance to read the Word of God, and I know that if I put my life in His hands completely my life will change.

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May 5
Tuesday of the Fourth Week

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May 6
Wednesday of the Fourth Week

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May 7
Thursday of the Fourth Week

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May 8
Friday of the Fourth Week

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May 9
Saturday of the Fourth Week

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May 10
Sunday of the Fifth Week

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May 11
Monday of the Fifth Week

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May 12
Tuesday of the Fifth Week

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May 13
Wednesday of the Fifth Week

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May 14
Thursday of the Fifth Week

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May 15
Friday of the Fifth Week

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May 16
Saturday of the Fifth Week

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May 17
Sunday of the Sixth Week

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Inspiration

INSPIRATION

Breath of God, How may I forget you?
You are closer to me than I am to myself.
You breathed on the clay of our first parents
And they became living beings.
I feel your creative life-sustaining presence
With every breath I take.

"Tengo que hablar, tengo que gritar
Hay de mi si no lo hago?" (Isaías)
I must speak, I have to shout,
Alas for me if I do not!
Can we silence the Spirit of Prophecy
The tongues of fire?
Can I trip over the homeless woman,
Can gentrification displace the immigrant
Without a whimper or a whisper?
Fill your church with your mighty wind
That we may not go silent.

Rev. Gerry Creedon

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© 1998 CAFE Productions
Revised May 26, 2006