18 Feb
Sun
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7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
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1 Sam. 26:2. 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Ps. 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
1 Cor. 15:45-49
Lk. 6:27-38
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The story of David and Saul is the story of two men, both of whom the
Lord had anointed. David, even though Saul has become his enemy, will
not defy the Lord and take the life of one of the Lord's anointed. With
the spear and the water jar in hand David reminds Saul: "The Lord
rewards everyone for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord
gave you into my hand today, but I would not raise my hand against the
Lord's anointed." How apt is this story as a preparation for the Gospel
passage where Jesus exhorts us to 'love our enemies'. Jesus is reminding
us of the sanctity of all people when He says, "love your enemies, do
good to those who hate you." It is not enough for the Christian to love
only those to whom there is an obligation, such as family and friends.
For if you love only those who love you back that makes for an easy
faith. What makes the call of Christian faith so radical is the fact that
we are called to extend our reach beyond what is comfortable and easy.
And by the grace of God, what is not comfortable and easy becomes
possible. Can you think back to a time when you fought against your initial
feeling to ignore or to be unkind to someone who meant nothing to you?
In return, did you feel closer to God because you knew that it was His
grace that allowed you to see beyond your own human weakness and
recognise that that person was, just as you, sanctified by God.
Lord teach me to love my enemies.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings.
Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage
discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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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.
Elaboration
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- END -
P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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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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- END -
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