May 16. Peace. Moyra wondered, “Our Lady of Fatima appeared to three little children with her message, a call to pray for peace. How many parents really talk with their children about social reality and the problem issues of today.  Or maybe the kids should inform their parents, or their carers, as they learn far more about these matters at school then we ever knew.  In many ways kids, the young,  are better informed, more capable technologically and make us older people feel quite inadequate at times. However we must not forget how vulnerable young people also are to abuse, e.g. pornography, through their cellphones. Those are important family issues.  But have we lost our “advantage” over the youth?   Does the 4th commandment to honour your parents still apply?  Are we still to be respected or do we parents and children each have to reconsider our place in the scheme of things and do so from the perspective of our faith?“ 

Reflect, share and act. Scripture.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me. John 14:1-6  Pope Francis:  Nowadays authority is often considered suspect and adults are treated with impertinence. They themselves become uncertain and so fail to offer sure and solid guidance to their children.  AL176.  From FAMILIES AND THE SYNOD. What role can the family play in the process of building a more synodal Church? How can this synodal process help us to better understand, promote and empower the mission of the family within the Church and in the world? (AL 290) JUBILEE. The first sign of hope should be the desire for peace in our world. May the Jubilee remind us that those who are peacemakers will be called “children of God” (Mt 5:9). The need for peace challenges us all, and demands that concrete steps be taken. May diplomacy be tireless in its commitment to seek, with courage and creativity, every opportunity to undertake negotiations aimed at a lasting   peace. SNC 8.  Pray. O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also, grant us that persevering in penance and prayer for peace and the salvation of the world, we may bring about the reign of Christ. Mary, Mother of peace,  pray for us