Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year (C):
24th/25th September 2016

Fr Nick writes:

Jesus' cry of thirst on the cross is heard today in the cries of innocent victims of war in the world, Pope Francis said this last week.

Christians are called to contemplate Christ in "the voice of the suffering, the hidden cry of the little innocent ones to whom the light of this world is denied," the Pope said on 20 September, the World Day for Peace, at a prayer service in Assisi with other Christian leaders, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constanti-nople and Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury.

Far too often the victims of war "encounter the deafening silence of indifference, the selfishness of those annoyed at being pestered, the coldness of those who silence their cry for help with the same ease with which television channels are changed," the Pope said in his meditation.

In his meditation, Pope Francis reflected on Jesus' words on the cross, "I thirst," which he said was not only a thirst for water but also for love. Like St. Francis of Assisi who was upset by the reality that "love is not loved," the Pope said Christians are called to contemplate Christ Crucified in those "who thirst for love."

He also recalled the example of St. Teresa of Kolkata, who asked that all Missionar-ies of Charity houses have Jesus' words, "I thirst," inscribed in their chapels next to the crucifix. "Her response was to quench Jesus' thirst for love on the cross through service to the poorest of the poor," Pope Francis said. "The Lord's thirst is indeed quenched by our compassionate love; he is consoled when, in his name, we bend down to another's suffering."

In response to Jesus' thirst, he said, Christians are challenged to hear the cry of the poor, suffering and the innocent victims of war. Those who "live under the threat of bombs" and are forced to flee from their homes are "the wounded and parched members of his body", he said "They thirst."

However, all too often they are offered only "the bitter vinegar of rejection."

Pope Francis called on Christians to be "trees of life that absorb the contamination of indifference and restore the pure air of love to the world."

"From the side of Christ on the cross water flowed, that symbol of the Spirit who gives life so that, from us, his faithful compassion may flow forth for all who thirst today," the Pope said.

Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God". Let's start where we are, and pray for the Lord's grace so that we may be peacemakers in our church, in our own families and in our local community, as well as praying daily and fervently for the peace of our world.

With my best wishes and prayers

Fr Nick


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died: Cath McIntosh

Years Mind:
Tuesday: Fr Gordon Godfrey
Wednesday: Pope John Paul I
Friday: Fr Bernard Wakeling


For Reflection …

Mercy begins with the mercy that each of us experiences in the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the knowledge that we ourselves are accepted.

Justin Welby, Abp of Canterbury


Next Sunday - 27th Sunday of the Year (C)

First Reading Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
The prophet raises the complaint that tyranny and violence succeed. In reply the Lord insists that the upright will live by faithfulness.

Second Reading 2 Timothy 1:6-8. 13-14
Timothy is urged to stir up the Spirit's gifts of power, love and self-control, and to continue his mission in reliance upon the power of God.

Gospel Luke 17:5-10
The apostles beg for an increase in faith; Jesus assures them that faith can move mountains.