September 19.   Culture, truth and peace.  A look at life. Mr Moshoeshoe told his children,  “Heritage Day is just around the corner. I wonder who of you really understands our South Africa, Basotho, Christan heritage. So a family project was started to try to trace their own family background in Lesotho.  “Do we go back to those bushmen whose paintings you showed us in the caves?” Phumi asked. “Not really as I think that is part of the bigger older South African heritage and cultures. Every culture has traditions and rituals as part of its heritage.  Performing these correctly shows respect.   We often do not understand one another’s culture well and may be offended by certain actions that are foreign to our own background.   In a rainbow nation such as ours, we constantly have to be aware and respectful.”   “I think there is too much negative talk of racism in particular these days which too often is hurtful. Couldn’t we be learning more about one another’s cultures?  Would that be healing the hurts, forgiving and reconciling? How about some activities to do that?”

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:   Simon, do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Her sins, which are many are forgiven for she loved much.” Luke 7:36-50  Pope Francis. In many parts of the world there is a need for paths of peace to heal open wounds.  There is a need for peacemakers, men and women prepared to work boldly and creatively to initiate processes of healing and renewed encounter. Truth is an inseparable companion of justice and mercy, all together are essential to building peace.  FT 225, 227.          

Eco-tip and prayer:  Reflect on and discuss what collaborative activities can help us understand one another in our various parish, school and work communities. Pray the Glory be to the Father…………..