Stations of the Cross

Matthew 26:36-41

³⁶ Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’

³⁷He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. ³⁸Then he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.’ ³⁹And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.’ ⁴⁰Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? ⁴¹Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;^* the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’

Some Background to the Scripture

Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ and is in the Kedron Valley. This story is framed by the word ‘with’ [26:36 and 26:40] which is a word that takes the reader to the nature of Emmanuel, “God With Us”.  This God who made the Covenant promise, “I will be your God and you will be my people”.

Verse 39 presents us with Jesus as the model of prayer. Jesus knows from personal experience that the spirit and the flesh (v. 41) are the embodiment of the constant struggle in the life of every human.

Reflection

Jesus’ friendship with us, his faithfulness and his mercy, are a priceless gift which encourages us to follow him trustingly, notwithstanding our failures, our mistakes, also our betrayals.

Pope Francis, 25 May 2014, Church of Gethsemane: Meeting with Priests, Religious and Seminarians

Reflection Question

Am I able to really trust in that God loves me as I am?

Prayer

Help me, Jesus, to love others as you love me.  Help me to give my energies to support those who are in need.

Response

Visit the Caritas website about the dignity of the human person. Then click on ‘Act’  to see how you can make a concrete response alongside your prayer.

Mark 14: 43-46

⁴³ Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. ⁴⁴Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’ ⁴⁵So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. ⁴⁶Then they laid hands on him and arrested him.

Some Background to the Scripture

Those sent to arrest Jesus were not the Temple guards who had the discipline of the military, but an undisciplined crowd of individuals armed with weapons. Many Jews had come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, the great festival of freedom.  Judas had to identify Jesus to them with a kiss, because they did not know which man was Jesus.

To call Jesus Rabbi and to identify him with a kiss is a deep violation of the relationship Judas had with Jesus.

Reflection

One of Judaism’s most distinctive and challenging ideas is its ethics of responsibility, the idea that God invites us to become, in the rabbinic phrase, his ‘partners in the world of creation’. The God who created the world in love calls on us to create in love. The God who gave us the gift of freedom asks us to use it to honour and enhance the freedom of others.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (previous Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth).  2005.  To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility, Schoken Books: NY.

Reflection Question

How do I respond when my friend and I do not see eye to eye?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I limit the freedom of others by my attitudes, words and actions.

Response

Do not say, “What can I do, I am only in school?”.  Visit the Free The Children website to see what twelve year-old Craig Kielburger began and how this work continues worldwide today.  What can you do to help give others freedom?

Luke 22:66-71

⁶⁶ When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. ⁶⁷They said, ‘If you are the Messiah,^* tell us.’ He replied, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe; ⁶⁸and if I question you, you will not answer. ⁶⁹But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.’ ⁷⁰All of them asked, ‘Are you, then, the Son of God?’ He said to them, ‘You say that I am.’ ⁷¹Then they said, ‘What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!’

Some Background to the Scripture

By contrast to Mark’s version of Jesus ‘trial’ which was at night (and therefore invalid), Luke presents a formal and valid trial before the full Sanhedrin. Whilst Jesus does not acknowledge the truth of his identity in plain language, he does commit blasphemy by claiming he – the Son of God – will sit at God’s right hand.  Within Judaism, what he is doing is claiming to be like God and to share God’s power and authority. Whatever happens “from now on” is immaterial in one way because Jesus will rule from “God’s right hand”.  Perhaps not so obviously, he is also foretelling the resurrection. The use of ‘all’ indicates that Jesus receives total rejection from the Jewish leaders.

Reflection

We cannot see what is “out there” merely by looking around. Everything depends on the lenses through which we view the world. By putting on new lenses, we can see things that would otherwise remain invisible.

Parker J. Palmer, The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life

Reflection Question

Whom do I condemn?  How might I see them through a different lense?

Prayer

Open my heart to see others as you see them, Lord.

Response

Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban for speaking out about the rights of girls to be educated.  She claims: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Visit her website and see what you can do to support her work.

Matthew 26: 69-75

⁶⁹ Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus the Galilean.’ ⁷⁰But he denied it before all of them, saying, ‘I do not know what you are talking about.’ ⁷¹When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, ‘This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.’^* 72Again he denied it with an oath, ‘I do not know the man.’ ⁷³After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.’ ⁷⁴Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know the man!’ At that moment the cock crowed. ⁷⁵Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: ‘Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.

Some Background to the Scripture

This story is framed by the word ‘outside’ (verses 69 and 75); an experience which leads Peter to weep bitterly as he realises the extent of his betrayal of Jesus. Peter’s denial of Jesus becomes more serious as he responds to the servant and then to the second servant and others present and finally an explicitly public denial with an oath to the crowd gathered.  Peter has indeed placed himself outside the expectations of friendship and discipleship.

Reflection

The question “who is our neighbour?” is thus understood within that broader vision of life which the Gospel addresses to all, but especially those who are deprived of it. The “neighbours” in this context are the refugees, the asylum seekers, the sex abuse victims, the gay and lesbian people and anyone else who suffer prejudice, discrimination and dehumanising stereotype…We cannot talk about the integrity of creation, the universal and inclusive love of God, while at the same time colluding in the ill-treatment of racial minorities, women and homosexual persons.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Who Is My Neighbour?  CASPA Conference 15 July 2014

Reflection Question

Who are the people in society I find it hard to accept?  What is it about them I reject?

Prayer

Jesus, you were denied by Peter.  Help me to see my own limitations in the way I treat or ignore those around me.

Response

The Jesuit Refugee Service Australia site gives a voice to those who, like Jesus, who are often rejected.  Spend some time to read their stories, consider how you could support the work of caring for these vulnerable members of our community.

Mark 15: 1-5, 15

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. ²Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ He answered him, ‘You say so.’ ³Then the chief priests accused him of many things. ⁴Pilate asked him again, ‘Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.’ ⁵But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. ¹⁵So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Some Background to the Scripture

The ‘crowd’ was made larger by the fact that many visiting Jews had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, the Jewish festival of freedom.  The atmosphere in Jerusalem was dangerous – the crowds celebrating freedom yet being governed by the Roman occupation.  Jesus was a threat to the status quo with his challenge of Jewish leadership; is it any wonder that he was put to death, this being better to have “one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed” (John 11:50).

Reflection

Our gathering today is a celebration of the multiculturalism we enjoy in Australia, and a reiteration of its noble values, with the core essence of building cultural bridges and breaking barriers. We believe that the worst thing that can face individuals and societies is… the lack of willingness to read “the other” & learn his or her culture and values. We believe that the barriers between people are nothing but illusions, which are made by the culture of intolerance, hatred and fear. The only way to overcome those barriers is to get closer and exchange expertise and knowledge about one another.

The process of information and expertise exchange will lead to constant changes in the perceptions within any two parties. One will come to realise how vast and wonderful the areas of commonality are between fellow humans the moment the culture of “the other” is unveiled. We, as Muslim Australians, feel that our country’s greatest asset is its bouquet of cultures, races and religions, which have placed it at the forefront of the world’s countries that honour democracy, justice, equality and freedom.

His Eminence Dr. Ibrahim Abu Muhammad, the Grand Mufti of Australia at the Royal Australian Navy’s Inaugural Ramadan Iftar Dinner on 23 June 2015

Reflection Question

When do I respond in a way that seeks to satisfy others rather than to do what is right?

Prayer

Open my eyes, Lord, to see the dignity of “the other”.

Response

One way to break down the barriers of the unknown “other’ is to learn about cultures different to our own.   Visit the Immigration Museum website and read about the experiences of a variety of people.

John 19: 1-3

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. ²And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. ³They kept coming up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and striking him on the face.

Some Background to the Scripture

Flogging was usually part of the punishment, not part of the trial.  Here, the evangelist has Jesus mocked and called a king. In these verses, Jesus is in fact invested as King – crowned, robed and acclaimed.  It is as a king he carries his cross to Calvary. The soldiers, ironically hail him as ‘the’ king (not just ‘a’ king).

Reflection

When we are at peace, we find the freedom to be most fully who we are, even in the worst of times. We let go of what is nonessential and embrace what is essential. We empty ourselves so that God may more fully work within us. And we become instruments in the hands of the Lord.

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, The Gift of Peace

Reflection Question

Have I ever experienced peace in the worst of times?  What happened?  Did it change me?

Prayer

Give me the courage, Lord, to make a difference

Response

Domestic violence is a present scourge in Australian communities and many people are unsure how to help people in these worst of times.  The Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria website has lots of information about how to support those who find themselves victims.

John 19: 6, 15-17

⁶When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.’ ¹⁵They cried out, ‘Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’ ¹⁶Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus; ¹⁷and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew^* is called Golgotha.

Some Background to the Scripture

Pilate tells the Jews to do something for which they have no authority; they are dependent upon him to carry out the sentence. In stating, “We have no king but Caesar”, the Jewish leaders renounce their very identity as men of the Covenant, and in so doing, they reject their God.  Their blind desire to have Jesus crucified has led them to reject everything for which they have lived.

Reflection

Experience without reflection is simply a moment of chronos, an instant of time with scarce significance. It is reflection that turns chronos into kairos, a moment of significant time. To teach reflectiveness we must be teachers of silence. Peter Steele wrote once, the rolling stone gathers no moss, and nor does it gather any other form of life. “Be still, and know that I am God”. Without this pausing for reflection, we will not ponder and if we do not learn to ponder, there will be no wisdom, no seeing of the traces of God’s presence in our lives.

Bishop Greg O’Kelly, The New and the Old Clothes. The New Wine and the Used Wineskins, Tasmanian Catholic Education Conference 2014

Reflection Question

How comfortable am I with silence?

Prayer

Teach me to pray.

Response

Without regular reflection, we too can speak and act in ways that are hurtful and that do not reflect our own truth.  Spend some time slowing down with one of the online prayer experiences on the Sacred Space website.

Mark 15: 21

²¹They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Some Background to the Scripture

Simon may have been coming to Jerusalem for the Passover and there is no evidence here that he knew Jesus.  Mark’s readers in Rome though, obviously knew of his sons, and it may be that Simon is mentioned here as a witness to the crucifixion.  It suggests that this act of carrying Jesus’ cross changed Simon’s life.

Roman soldiers had the right to force subjects to perform tasks for them, and Simon is forced to carry the cross-bar (the upright was already set in position).

Reflection

“God is love”. His is not a sentimental, emotional kind of love but the love of the Father who is the origin of all life, the love of the Son who dies on the Cross and is raised, the love of the Spirit who renews human beings and the world. Thinking that God is love does us so much good, because it teaches us to love, to give ourselves to others as Jesus gave himself to us and walks with us. Jesus walks beside us on the road through life.

Pope Francis, Angelus Address 26 May 2013

Reflection Question

How has my presence with others helped them today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to be a companion to those who are carrying crosses in their life.

Response

One way to give ourselves to others as Jesus gave himself to us is through getting involved in the work of St Vincent de Paul.  The St Vinnies website describes the range of what they do and also suggests how people might help.

Luke 23: 27-31

²⁷A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. ²⁸But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” ³⁰Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” ³¹For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’

Some Background to the Scripture

‘Daughters of Jerusalem’ is a symbolic way of referring to the nation as a whole.  The people of Jerusalem have rejected prophets in the past and now reject Jesus.  He prophesises that the judgement of God will destroy the city (which happened in 70CE, after which the Temple was never re-built.  The Western Wall is all that remains of the Temple precinct).

Jesus (the green wood) tells the women to cry for Jerusalem (the dry wood).  He reverses the traditional blessing of fertility because in the days that are coming, those with children will suffer their deaths.

Reflection

O Cross of Christ, today…we see you in the faces of children, of women and people, worn out and fearful, who flee from war and violence and who often only find death and many Pilates who wash their hands.

O Cross of Christ, today too we see you in the hardened hearts of those who easily judge others, with hearts ready to condemn even to the point of stoning, without ever recognizing their own sins and faults.

O Cross of Christ, today too we see you in those who dream, those with the heart of a child, who work to make the world a better place, ever more human and just.

Pope Francis, Address Way of the Cross, Palatine Hill 25 March 2016

Reflection Question

Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation

Mahatma Ghandi, Young India, 8 January, 1925

How often do I limit diversity by assuming there is one ‘normal’ way of being?

Prayer

Creator God, thank you for the diversity of your creation.

Response

One way to reach unity in diversity is to educate ourselves about the realities some other people experience.  Visit the following sites and reflect on what you read.  Does anything here make you feel uncomfortable and if so, why?

• White Ribbon
• International Women’s Day
• Greene, R.A. 2016. Pope to church: Be more accepting of divorced Catholics, gays and lesbians.  Last updated 8 April 2016.  CNN Viewed 12 May 2016. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/08/europe/vatican-pope-family/

Luke 23: 33-34

³³When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus^* there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.  ³⁴Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’^* And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

Some Background to the Scripture

The hill of Calvary was nick-named ‘the Skull’ because of the way it protruded from the ground.

Jesus prays for all who have acted in ignorance of the Truth.  His death is the model for all who will follow him, as were people to know the Truth, they would not act with such violence. Despite the prayer of forgiveness, the soldiers continue in ignorance.

Reflection

Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge.  Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn’t minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

Mayo Clinic Staff, Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness, 11 November 2011.  Viewed 10 May 2016  http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692

Reflection Question

Who has hurt me?  Am I able to forgive them?

Prayer

Father, forgive me my mistakes and lack of thoughtfulness towards others as I forgive them their mistakes and lack of thoughtfulness towards me.

Response

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was set up by the Government of National Unity (South Africa) to help the nation deal with the atrocities of apartheid.  The hearings brought perpetrators of violence and their victims together with a view to healing both sides.  Visit page 1 of the Register of Reconciliation. Spend some time reflecting on what you would say about your own actions towards others.

Luke 23: 39 – 43

³⁹ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding^* him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah?^* Save yourself and us!’ ⁴⁰But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ ⁴²Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into^* your kingdom.’ ⁴³He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

Some Background to the Scripture

The first criminal’s questioning of Jesus, ironically, is exactly who Jesus is and what he will do.

The second criminal proclaims Jesus’ innocence and knows that he can forgive him; Jesus welcomes him ‘today’ to Paradise – through Jesus comes salvation.

Jesus dies amongst the people for whom he cared – outcasts.

Reflection

ISIS are no friend to Muslims, by any stretch of the imagination, and so it’s really important that we never fall into the trap of thinking this is about Muslims against other people or anything like this.

This is about a very, very problematic group that is trying to set themselves up against the rest of the world, and to say that all Muslims are with them, nothing could be further from the truth.

Susan Carland, News.com.au, 9 May 2016. Accessed 10 May 2016

Reflection Question

Who are the people today who are enslaved by the thoughts, words or actions of others.  Is there anyone whose life I limit because of my attitude towards them?

Prayer

Jesus, heal me of my limited sight; help me to welcome you in every person.

Response

Millions of people around the world live in harsh conditions and many struggle to earn enough to feed themselves and their families.  In places, education opportunities for their children do not exist because of the need for the children to find work to support their family.   Visit the Fair Trade and Ethica websites and consider supporting their work.

John 19: 25-27

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ ²⁷Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

Some Background to the Scripture

Mary is referred to as ‘woman’ twice in the Gospel of John; once at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry at the wedding in Cana, and here, at the end of his ministry.  Mary’s presence witnesses her son’s mission.

In giving the Beloved Disciple and Mary to each other’s care, Jesus leaves his disciples a new reality – this is what it means to be a part of the reign of God’s love.  This is Jesus’ final act; this concludes his life’s work.

Reflection

The heart of solidarity is the life of Jesus, because it is through the incarnation that God is in a very real way in solidarity with humanity and that we are in solidarity with God. The historical reality of the life of Jesus as a human being lifts solidarity beyond the fellowship of people into something altogether more mystical and powerful. In addition, because we know, as Christians, that all of us are formed in the image of God, loving our neighbour (as an act of solidarity) becomes also an act of solidarity towards and with God. Every act of solidarity, understood in this light, becomes an act of communion with God; an action in which we transmit and reflect the love with which God loves both the person who is object of the action and with which we love God. The ability to recognise God in every individual person and to recognise every individual in God is necessary for authentic human development. Our belief in this and our faith as Christians draws us ever more strongly into a state of unity with each other and with God.

Gelder, A. n.d. Solidarity.  Viewed 11 May 2016. Catholic Social Teaching. http://www.catholicsocialteaching.org.uk/themes/solidarity/explanation/

Reflection Question

How do I love my neighbour in practical ways?  Who is my neighbour?

Prayer

Creator God, awaken within me the awareness that every human being is my sister or brother.  Help me to work for the common good.

Response

The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council in conjunction with the United Nations offers some suggestions about how we cannot just talk about solidarity but act in solidarity.

Luke 23: 44-46

⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land^* until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵while the sun’s light failed;^* and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last.

Some Background to the Scripture

In ancient Near East literature, cosmic events occurred at the births and deaths of important people.   From another stance, one might understand that the very Earth itself responds to the death of Jesus.

The curtain being torn in two may have varied meanings: that in Jesus, all have access to God – both Jews and Gentiles; that in Jesus the new covenant has been established and so the Temple is no longer the loci of God’s presence (and thus Temple sacrifice is no longer necessary).

 Reflection

The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all. At the global level, it is a complex system linked to many of the essential conditions for human life. A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. In recent decades this warming has been accompanied by a constant rise in the sea level and, it would appear, by an increase of extreme weather events, even if a scientifically determinable cause cannot be assigned to each particular phenomenon. Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it.

Pope Francis, Laudato Si (On Care for our Common Home) 24 May 2015

 Reflection Question

What does nature teach us about God?  When has your connection to nature reminded you about God?

Prayer

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of you. Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made. Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.

Laudato Si, 246

 Response

Pope Francis invites all people to care for our common home, Earth.  Visit the following websites and consider participating in some of the initiatives: Catholic Earthcare Australia and Global Catholic Climate Movement.

Matthew 27: 57-60

⁵⁷ When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. ⁵⁹So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth ⁶⁰and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away.

Some Background to the Scripture

Abandoned by the apostles, the dead Jesus is buried by a disciple.  According to Jewish ritual, he is placed in a (ritually) clean shroud.

Having completed the burial, Joseph leaves, but verse 61 reports that “⁶¹Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb”.  Through the addition of this verse, Matthew reflects both the fact that there were witnesses and the expectation of resurrection.

Reflection

Genesis shows us that human beings are created by matter but inspired and brought into existence by the very breath of God.  So we are our bodies and we are our souls. And there’s something important and beautiful about that.

If that’s right, then every moment that we have together is in a real sense, a holy moment. Every encounter we have with one another is an encounter that is inspired by the spirit of God. So, animated by the breath of God, human beings are seen to be holy creatures, living among other holy creatures in a world that is holy. That means that your body is holy. Your very bodyliness is sustained by God. Every-body is holy.

Swinton, John, The Theology of Disability – a new way of listening, seeing and belonging Broken Bay Institute 27 June 2011. Viewed 11 May 2016 https://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2014/2014627_1055.shtml

Reflection Question

When was the last time I gave material support to someone in need – people who are ill or homeless or isolated or hungry or frightened (and the list goes on…)

Prayer

O Lord, you search me and you know me.  For it was you who knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you for I am wonderfully made.  Wonderful are all your works. (Prayer is based on Psalm 139)

Response

Father Chris Riley founded ‘Youth Off The Streets’ to give practical help to young people whose future seemed bleak.  Read some of the stories on the website and reflect on how you can support others.