The week beginning 25 th November Our wretched
The week beginning 25 th November “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road. ” - Voltaire
Every day Christians are suffering persecution because of their faith. On Wednesday Christians around the world will stand up for Faith and Freedom on what is called #Red. Wednesday. Red is the Christian colour of martyrdom. #Red. Wednesday will honour all Christians who suffer and die for their faithfulness to Christ’s message of peace and love. What is Christian Persecution? Christian persecution is any hostility experienced from the world as a result of one’s identification as a Christian. From verbal harassment to hostile feelings, attitudes and actions, Christians in areas with severe religious restrictions pay a heavy price for their faith. Beatings, physical torture, confinement, isolation, severe punishment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment, and even death, are just some examples of the persecution they experience on a daily basis. Let us realise, that we live in a place that we can practice our religion with little trouble, but many do not. We take a moment to reflect on this How easy it is for us to follow our faith in God? Do we always appreciate this freedom?
Let us bring together our thoughts and feelings and pray by saying together: Our Father, Who art in heaven Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen
The week beginning 25 th November (Tuesday) “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road. ” - Voltaire
In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration came as a result of the treatment of the Jews in Nazi Germany. It states that every person is entitled to basic human rights. The lack of basic human rights is a significant part of persecution. In some countries, there are violations of the freedom of expression, assembly, and religious belief and movement, which include being killed, being forced to disappear, detention, torture, and indefinite national service, which cause many to flee their countries. Freedom of religion, like all freedoms of thought and expression, is inherent. However, today, many people live under governments that abuse or restrict freedom of religion. Christians in such areas suffer deeply, and are denied basic freedoms that humans should be entitled to.
Through the power of prayer let us lift up those who cannot pray freely today as we say; Lets us pray; Almighty God, who has taught us through your Son Jesus Christ that those who follow Him may be persecuted; strengthen, comfort and encourage all those who suffer harassment, violence, imprisonment and even death for being followers of Jesus. We pray for those who persecute your people; may their hearts be turned towards you through the faithful witness of those they persecute. Protect members of the families and church communities of those who are persecuted and bless the work and ministry those who are suffering and who seek to be a voice for persecuted Christians. Amen.
The week beginning 25 th November (Wednesday) “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road. ” - Voltaire
St Maximillian Kolbe was born in Poland was a Franciscan. He founded the Immaculate Movement devoted to Our Lady. While imprisoned by the Nazis, ten men were chosen to die in reprisal for a prisoner escape. He offered himself in place of a young husband father. He was the last of the ten to die after enduring two weeks of starvation, thirst and neglect.
Let us pray through the intercession of St Maximilian Kolbe and offer up our day to the Lord as we say: St. Maximilian, amidst the hate and lonely misery of Auschwitz, you brought love into the lives of fellow captives, and sowed the seeds of hope amidst despair. You bore witness to the world, by word and deed, that only “love alone creates. " Help me to become more like yourself. With you and Mary and the Church, may I proclaim that only “love alone creates. " To the hungry and oppressed, the naked and homeless, the scorned and hated, the lonely and despairing, may I proclaim the power of Christ's love, which endures forever and ever. Amen
The week beginning 25 th November (Thursday) “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road. ” - Voltaire
Read this quote from the Beatitudes, and reflect on how it relates to you and our theme of prayer this week.
Persecution is something no one should ever go through, but it is important for us to know that God sees us persevering through our hardships, and that He will reward us in heaven. Let us offer up those hardships to God as we say together; Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. " Make us willing to suffer for the sake of what is right rather than to practice injustice; and do not let us discriminate against our neighbours, nor oppress and persecute them. Amen
The week beginning 25 th November (Friday) “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road. ” - Voltaire
As Jesus sent out his disciples, today we would like to send you out with a mission. As we have reflected this week, many people do not have the opportunity to freely express their faith, but we can! So we are encouraging you to do one thing this weekend to honour those who do suffer: Say a prayer for someone who cannot be open about their faith Go to Mass in honour of someone who cannot go Light a candle for someone’s intentions Take a moment, to reflect on what you will choose to do to help a fellow member of God’s Family.
Let us bring together all our thoughts and feelings and offer them up to God as we say our school Community Prayer Father, Pour out your Spirit Upon our community at Finchley Catholic High School, Grant us to work worthily in your sight As we build up our school within an atmosphere of honesty and trust, For your honour and glory. May we pray and work together, Consecrated in your service, So that you may bless our endeavour and aspirations and make our school a better place for all of us who teach, work and learn within. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, and in unity with the Holy Spirit, Who lives and reigns with you Forever and ever. Amen
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