|
|
||||||
|
The presentation of Jesus is a marvel to behold. Watch the people
there: Jesus Himself, His parents, Simeon and Anna. At first the scene seems
ordinary, typical for Jews of the time. Mary and Joseph are faithfully
following the laws of purification and of consecrating their first-born
son to God. However, all this is only the surface. Through the ordinary the extraordinary is breaking in. The words of Malachi are being fulfilled: "and the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple". The prophetic words of Simeon and Anna assure us that this is no ordinary child, but the glory of Israel and the salvation of all peoples. Watch Simeon, his name means 'God has heard'. His words are the centre of this gospel reading: they name who Jesus really is. Now watch Anna, whose name means 'grace, favour'. She too clearly recognises that this is the saviour for whom she has waited. Finally, watch yourselves as you contemplate these watchers-for-the-Lord. Could it be that you are being invited to be like them, a watcher-for-the Lord in what, at first, may seem quite ordinary and everyday? God, help us to watch and wait, and to recognise Your Son among us. |
|
- END -
P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
| INTENTION : |
That children will never again be obliged to participate in
any war, but may be freed from hatred and violence and may live, as
children should, enjoying friendship in their family, school and society.
|
|
The international community is increasingly recognising the
vulnerability of displaced children in refugee camps. They are at particular risk
of being exploited by armed groups. As recruited soldiers children
suffer disproportionately from the general rigours of military life.
Younger children may have deformed backs and shoulders, the result of
carrying loads too heavy for them. Malnutrition, respiratory and skin
infections and other ailments are frequent, as are sexually transmitted
diseases, including AIDS. The use of child soldiers also has repercussion on other children who remain in the conflict area. The risk, is that children will be killed, detained interrogated, or subject to pre-emptive recruitment. We must not close our eyes to the fact that child soldiers are not victims and perpetrators. No matter what the child is guilty of, the main responsibility lies with us, the adults. To stop this abuse, no child under 18 should be recruited for or participate in war. There is simply no excuse, no acceptable argument for arming children. | |
|
- END - | |