The Bishops of England and Wales invite us to keep this Sunday as a day of prayer for world peace and to reflect on the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the annual World Peace Day (yet to be announced). The day has a particular ‘flavour’ this year because we pass so many significant anniversaries in the coming months: the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, marked by Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January; the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe – marked by a special Bank Holiday on May 8; then again, in August, the 75th anniversaries of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the 75th anniversary of Japan’s surrender. All a long lifetime ago and yet all events which continue to mark our history; events which show both the human capacity for inflicting evil and the human capacity to resist evil. But these events also invite us all to examine the roots of violence in our culture today and, especially, in our own hearts. They call us to conversion, to a rejection of the logic of violence and to a commitment to rebuild what has been broken in ways which lead to peace.
The 5th Commandment: “Do not kill”
We are commanded by the fifth Commandment to live in peace and union with our neighbor, to respect his rights, to seek his spiritual and bodily welfare, and to take proper care of our own life and health. It is never lawful for any cause to deliberately and intentionally take away the life of an innocent person. Such deeds are always murder, and can never be excused for any reason, however important or necessary. The fifth Commandment forbids all willful murder, fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, and bad example. Why are fighting, anger, hatred and revenge forbidden by the fifth commandment? Because they are sinful in themselves and may lead to murder. The commandments forbid not only whatever violates them, but also whatever may lead to their violation.
Funerals
The Funeral Mass for Ann Woodward will take place here in St James’ on Tuesday 21st January at 10am. Please pray for Ann and her Family. The Funeral Service for Mark Nesbitt will take place here in St James’ on Friday 24th January at 11am. Please keep Mark and his family in your prayers.
Unity Service
The Bootle Churches Together are marking Church Unity Week by having a Unity Service at the Salvation Army on Monday 20th January at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Thank you
The S.V.P. would like to thank Fr Brian and all the parishioners for their support all year and especially for toys and donations at Christmas. Our quiz night raffle raised over £400 which was a great help toward assisting those in need. God bless. A Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Thanks again. Ann Kirby
