|
|
||||||
|
The Genesis story (chapter 2) presents God's plan and lofty ideals with
its climax in the creation of woman. She is to share the same human
nature and dignity as man. The equality and dignity of woman, ignored
almost from the beginning, have been to a great extent recognised and
accepted in this century. But the freedom and protection of women
throughout the world must still be fought for. The compassion of Jesus is moved by a woman, begging for a favour; she is a foreigner and not of the Jewish religion. Surprisingly, He shows reluctance to cure her child, since His mission is for the Israelites, God's children, and not for Gentile "dogs", as they were harshly called by the Jews. But believing in the power and kindness of the Messiah, she persists in her plea with amazing humility. Once again, Jesus is impressed by a petitioner's faith and heals the sick child. God gives the gift of faith freely to anyone, not because of merit or wealth or importance, but out of compassion. The person must accept it and act upon it. The woman's perseverance reveals her response to that faith and her reverence for this Man of God. All the more can Christians feel confidence in requesting divine favours and be encouraged to persist in prayer, no matter how helpless the situation might seem. Lord, help us to appreciate all Your gifts of creation. We believe, help our unbelief. |
|
- 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 - | |