26 January.  Sunday 3C.  Fr James asked the congregation, “Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant in that passage about setting prisoners free?   “I know,” one boy put up his hand.” He was talking about Boko Haram.  My uncle is from Nigeria and his wife is still there. She says she is not leaving until their daughter is set free ‘. It’s years since those girls were captured.  They still have that “Bring back our girls” poster right by the front door.”  Fr James said, “thank you. that is a very real story and can apply to other case of prisoners’-of-war. We know that also happened in Jesus’ days, but maybe Jesus was also talking about those who had committed crimes and that they should get just punishment but be treated with dignity and not be abused. That is one of the Signs of Hope that we are focusing from a family perspective this Jubilee year.”  He added, “What would Jesus say about the Stilfontein miners?”

Reflect, share.  Scripture:  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives. Luke 4:14-21.  Pope Francis:  The mercy of God is a concrete reality through which he reveals his love as that of a father or a mother, moved to the very depths out of love for their child.  FM6.  JUBILEE During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind. I think of prisoners who, deprived of their freedom, daily feel the harshness of detention and its restrictions, lack of affection and, in more than a few cases, lack of respect for their persons. I propose that in this Jubilee Year governments undertake initiatives aimed at restoring hope; forms of amnesty or pardon meant to help individuals regain confidence in themselves and in society; and programmes of reintegration in the community, including a concrete commitment to respect for law.   SNC 10.     Pray: for greater observance of the law by all citizens and a more compassionate attitude towards “offenders.” Choose appropriate action.