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The readings both speak of signs. The Pharisees want Jesus to give some
kind of sign by which He would prove His authority for saying and doing
the things He does. Jesus refuses and just walks away. He is not going
to give any sign for the simple reason that He is giving an abundance
of signs. The ordinary people have no difficulty in seeing in His
teachings ("No one has ever spoken like this man") and in His curing of the
sick, the blind, the lepers and the possessed the power and authority of
God ("God has visited His people"). The Pharisees, blinded by their own
prejudice, just cannot see God in all these things. We, too, can easily
be blind to God working in our own lives. There are signs of His love
and care everywhere, if only we will open our eyes to see. The first reading also speaks of a sign, a mark on the forehead of Cain to prevent him from being killed. Having killed his own brother, he feared someone's vengeance. But vengeance is not God's way. The only way is through forgiveness, reconciliation and healing of relationships. When we act like this we too can become signs of God's love to others. Dear Lord, help me to recognise Your presence in every experience of this day and to be for others a channel of Your love and peace. |
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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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