A CHILDREN’S PEACE PILGRIMAGE. A Christmas parable for our time for families.

Introduction.  An activity to prepare for and discuss the story.  Read: This is a family story for reading, sharing and discussing and telling in simpler form to young children. rather than a story to be read to them.

Activity for families: To make a poster begin with a large image of a map of the world. Mark Israel and Bethlehem on the map. (Is this not nearly in the centre of the world?) With the help of google find and mark all the places where there is war going on, or places where peace has just been made. Find out something about the history of the places, what happened and how the children there were hurt, injured and kidnapped or orphaned. Draw a line from each place to Bethlehem in Israel and see if you can make a big star on the world map, like the silver star in the cave in Bethlehem which you can see from google

Think also about the little wars that we fight in our own homes and communities. Is there something you can do as a family to help to bring peace into your world?

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THE PEACE PILGRIMAGE STORY begins in our own country.     

16  December.  Day of Reconciliation. This is a special South African day, a public holiday, celebrated by all of our people to remind us of the divisions of the past and the need for reconciliation and for peace, striving for unity while recognizing and valuing our diversity. Racism, still present, underlies the historical internal wars, won and lost by the different sides. Sexism and male domination are cultural, have roots too in the Bible, but in our day are now being rejected as the equal dignity of gender, of male and female, is recognized.    There are religious, economic and political differences, some have historical roots, other differences are achieving progress through greater ingenuity, industriousness, or good fortune and solidarity, while other differences are being left behind maybe for lack of trying or resources.  Peace is not based on the absence of conflict but on good will and compassionate management.

Differences and divisions are also experienced in our families and between different groups of families.  Beginning with our own we can reflect on the divisions and conflicts, on the hurt and harm they have caused in the past and still do today and on  our own need for reconciliation and peace.  Then reach out to others too.  Forgiveness is a decision to be merciful, not to forget but to choose to let go.

Scripture: O God, bring us back, let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.   May your hand be on the man at your right hand as your own, and we shall never forsake you again; give us life that we may call upon your name.  Ps 80. Pope Francis:  Forgiving does not mean forgetting. In the face of an action that can never be tolerated, justified or excused we can still forgive.  Free and heartfelt forgiveness is some noble act, a reflection of God’s own infinite ability to forgive. If forgiveness is gratuitous it can be shown even to someone who resists repentance and is unable to beg pardon.FT250.    Reflect, share, and pray, for an increased willingness to work for peace through forgiving and accepting forgiveness.