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Fear and dread often lurk in the hearts of some people when they think
of approaching God or experiencing the transcendent. The author of
Hebrews assures his readers that many of the terrifying images of the past
can now safely vanish, for in Christ we approach Zion our heavenly home
and a God whom we need not fear. Jesus has prepared the way for us and
enabled us to enjoy the friendship of heaven. Are our own images of God
so frightening? Can we perhaps refashion them? Jesus invites us to do
so. Often fear prevents us from doing something beautiful for God because we are overwhelmed by our sense of inadequacy. We think that we lack the things that we need to accomplish our mission. In the mission of the twelve, there is a strong sense of urgency. They are told not to encumber themselves with anything, as everything they need will be provided. The message was simple: your mind and heart must be right with God. As followers of Jesus, we too have a message to proclaim, and we are invited to do that in all simplicity, seeking our empowerment from God rather than from worldly sources. Lord, may I spread Your Gospel with eagerness and joy. |
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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.
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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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