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At the heart of today's reading from Genesis is the promise of a woman
whose son would crush the head of the serpent. This promise of Genesis
3:15 has been called the "original Gospel", for it contains the first
hint that God would come to save us from the consequences of Adam's sin.
Banishment from the Garden of Eden was not God's last word to the human
race. The Word of God would become flesh and dwell amongst us. Genesis
3:15 is at the heart of the whole Bible. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit created the Church and enabled Jesus' community to grasp the mystery of His passion, death and resurrection. The Church slowly began to understand that the mystery of Jesus entailed the mystery of Mary. Reading Genesis with the eyes of Christian faith, we have understood the promises of Genesis 3:15 to refer to Mary and Jesus. Through faith, we enter into the mystery of Mary and Jesus and so enjoy the fulfillment of God's promise. The special wisdom that comes to us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit teaches us to rejoice in this mystery, to "number our days aright" by accepting the fulfillment of God's promise in our own lives. Teach us, Lord, to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. |
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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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