6 Feb
Tue
Ss Paul Miki & Companions
Gen. 1:20-2:4a
Ps. 8:3-8
Mk. 7:1-13
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
     What a contrast between the reading from Genesis and the Gospel! Here we see two completely different ways of approaching God. In one case, the Pharisees identify the service of God with the minute observance of man-made rituals. We, too, can fall into the same trap as we measure ourselves and others merely by external religious behaviour. As Jesus says elsewhere, it is love that God wants not religious rites. It is easy for us to be scrupulous in following, in carrying out what we regard as the requirements of our religion, while completely ignoring the real needs of people around us.

     In the story of creation, we see the marvellous coming into being of our universe. We do not, of course, take it as a literal account. Above all, we see men and women being made in the image of their Creator and mandated to be its stewards. In fact, the whole of creation, as Paul tells us, shouts to us of the nature and beauty of our God. But it is for us in particular to deepen that image in ourselves as we grow to reflect more and more on the truth, love and goodness of our God. It is here that true religion can be fostered: in seeking, finding and responding to God in every person and every experience of our lives.

    

     Help us, Lord, to recognise Your presence pervading every facet of our lives. Help us to serve You in making our world even a better place for everyone. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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 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.
Elaboration

- 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 -