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In yesterday's Gospel Jesus commented how hard it was for a rich person
to enter God's Kingdom. There is an incompatibility between a person
holding on to material possessions while surrounded by many in great
need. God's Kingdom is a place of justice for all, where the needs of all
are cared for. Today in response to Peter's question, Jesus promises
that all those who leave family and possessions to work for the Kingdom
will be repaid many times over. By doing so, they enter a new family
where all take care of each other, where resources are shared according to
need. By everyone giving generously of what they have, all receive an
abundance in return. Everywhere they go they find mothers, brothers,
sisters and homes open to receive them. It is an ideal we may never see
realised fully in our own life but it gives a guideline for the way we
should behave towards each other. As the first reading says, "Give to the most high...generously as your means can afford, for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over." Lord, send us as witnesses of Gospel joy into a world of fragile peace. Touch the hearts of all with Your love that they in turn may truly love one another. |
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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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