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The rainbow is one of the most attractive and fascinating phenomena in
nature, and every culture has created mythical stories about its origin
and meaning. The early chapters of Genesis show us the attempts of the
early Israelites to discover the meaning of the world in which they
lived. In doing so, they naturally speak of the phenomena of nature. It
also seems that they tried to record things that had been handed down as
vague memories from generation to generation. One such memory was about
a great flood which devasted the earth. There is scientific evidence
that such a flood, or several such floods, did occur, even if they did
not occur as Genesis describes it. As we read these stories, we must always remember that we are reading faith documents, not scientific treatises. We are reading stories which seek to propose "salvific truth" to us. The story of Noah and the flood is not merely a story about Noah and about a flood: it is a story about God. It is a story in which human beings tried to express a truth which they discovered by reflection on their own experience: God does not and never will regret creating the human race. Lord, as we reflect on the meaning of life, guide us by Your wisdom and truth. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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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.
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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. | |
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