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Caritas Poland Staff and Volunteers welcome refugees fleeing Ukraine in the first days of the war.
Wednesday after Ascension
Intention
Today we pray for the grace to realise we are all interconnected and to reach out in love to all the members of our human family.
Opening prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Scripture
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Reflection
When Jesus lived on earth, he lived a life of radical inclusion – freely associating with the poor, weak, outcast and foreigner - challenging his followers to take down barriers and bridge divides. Now just before his ascension into heaven he speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit which will call the disciples to witness to the gospel throughout the whole world.
As Pentecost people, we too are challenged to look outward, to seek to include others and look for the flourishing of all people and all creation. To welcome the immigrant and love the stranger. Empowered by the Spirit, we can take the healing, liberation, and joy that Jesus brings to the very ends of the earth.
To ponder today
How can I be a source of blessings to my neighbours both near and far?
Prayer
Come Holy Spirit,
blow away division and despair.
Light your flame of courage and hope in us
and warm our hearts with wisdom and love.
Be our Helper, as we seek your ways of justice.
Be our Comforter, as we share your peace with our wounded world.
Be our Advocate, as we call for the fullness of life for all. Amen.
Action
Buy a promoting peace World Gift and support community-led initiatives to promote and improve relationships and conversations between refugees and local communities.