7 Feb
Wed
5th Week in Ordinary Time
Gen. 2:4b-9, 15-17
Ps. 104:1-2, 27-30
Mk. 7:14-23
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
     The two versions of the Creation, were never meant to be taken as historical or scientific accounts. But, both versions are meant to be taken seriously because they express the fundamental truths underlying God's plan of salvation. Chapter 2 verse 4 ff (Genesis) describe the actions of God as Creator of all things. When He fashioned man from the dust, the breath of life in man's nostrils was clearly a gift from God and illustrated man's total dependence on God. And then in verse 8-9, the writer depicts the blessed fellowship with God which man and woman enjoyed. This special relationship with God gave them responsibility for all creation to the Creator, but they were still creatures under God's authority which they must not usurp.

     As the whole account is symbolic and poetic, this is not really the story of the first man and woman but rather the story of all of us. God has allowed us to have the world for our own, but we often choose to forget that this is really God's world. Thus, we frustrate His purpose and sully our relationship with Him.

     If we choose to live by our hidden and subtle inclinations towards evil, we are not part of Creation as God meant it to be - pure and unblemished as described in Genesis.

    

     Lord, we are Your creatures - help us to put You at the centre of our lives as You meant us to do from the beginning. Amen.
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 -