19 Feb Mon 7th Week in Ordinary Time Sir. 1:1-10 Ps. 93:1-2, 5 Mk. 9:14-29 How To Pray With Shalom Home Page of Shalom Index of This Month        Today we move into the Book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, dating from sometime after 132 BC. The purpose of this book is stated in the translator's foreword which precedes it in the Bible. It is for the benefit of those living abroad who wish to acquire wisdom and are disposed to live their lives according to the standards of the law.      Today's opening text expands on the height, breadth, and depth of the wisdom of God which penetrates all creation. Such wisdom awakens in us the desire to come closer to God.      God draws close to us in Jesus. When we experience seemingly hopeless situations, our faith in God's loving presence grows weak. In the depths of our being, the wisdom of God awakens a heartfelt cry - 'I believe Lord help my unbelief'.           Yes Lord, draw me closer to You. DAILY OFFERING 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. PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH 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
- 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 -