November 17.  At baptism the parents are reminded that they have the duty to pass on their faith to their children. Godparents stand at their side and often grandparents are the ones in families who take on this responsibility too. While the Church has to acknowledge that at times it has been involved in persecuting others, in the last century many Christians have been martyred for their faith because of radical and fanatical adherents to their other beliefs. Pray for the repose of the souls of those martyrs and pray that we ourselves will not lose our faith and have the courage to stand up for our beliefs.  

In those days it happened also that seven brothers and their mother were arrested and were being compelled by the king under torture with whips and cords to partake of unlawful swine’s flesh.  The mother was especially admirable. Though she saw her seven sons perish within a single day she bore it with good courage because of her hope in the Lord.2 Mac 7:1, 20-31  Pope Francis: Families face problems in raising children. In many cases, parents come home exhausted, not wanting to talk, and many families no longer even share a common meal.  Distractions abound, including an addiction to television. This makes it all the more difficult for parents to hand on the faith to their children. AL 50.   A journey of peace is possible between religions. Its point of departure must be God’s way of seeing things. God does not see with his eyes, God sees with his heart.  God’s love is the same for everyone, regardless of religion. We believers need to find occasions to speak with one another and to act together from the common good and the promotion of the poor.  FT 281-2. Reflect, share, act and pray