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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. |
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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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