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Today's Gospel is perhaps a good preparation for Lent which begins this
week. As we 'set out on a journey', the young man's question and
Jesus' answer remind us of some fundamental things: the purpose of life,
God's instructions for living a good life, and Jesus's invitation to live
more generously, beyond laws and commandments, in a spirit of love and
sharing with others. Fundamental questions of who or what we really
trust in, rely on, believe in. Of course we know, in our heads, that it's
only God who can give us fullness of life and the fulfillment of life.
Yet in our hearts there's often a notion that it's somehow possible to
"earn" it. The young man thought so: and Jesus's disciples were quite
scandalised and astonished at His insistence on how difficult it is for
those with wealth to enter the kingdom: "Then who can be saved?" As if
to say that we all trust in something of our own to help us. May our prayers and activities in this coming time of Lent be praise and thanks to the God "for whom all things are possible", who looks on us with love and invites us to a free following of Jesus. Lord, I want to lead a good life. Let it be a life that is filled with Your presence. Thank You, Lord, for all the blessings You shower on me. |
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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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