Catholic Commission for Social Justice
Today is both Father’s Day and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. One of the greatest gifts that God gave to humankind is FATHERS.
I shall miss the Father’s Day party for my father who will be 89 years old in July. He is currently in London with all my siblings, his ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. I thank my father for the tremendous impact he continues to have on my well-being and development. It’s my birthday tomorrow – say a prayer for me.
Gospel John 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
At the time of writing this article, my team and I at the CCSJ are preparing for our annual one-day retreat on the theme: Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied (Mt5:6).
Too often we get caught up with the many activities of our daily lives and do not take enough time to withdraw in prayer to ask God for spiritual direction. Over the years, CCSJ members and staff have found that annual retreats provide an opportunity for us to refresh ourselves; to reflect on our goals; and to draw closer to God – asking Him for His grace – to open our hearts to the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we seek to promote His reign here in T&T.
On Monday June 2, members of CCSJ met for our annual retreat – together with the Commission’s four Parish Link Coordinators, two Vicariate Link Coordinators, and CCSJ’s two part-time Administrative Assistants. The theme for the Retreat was: Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied. (Mt5:6) – taken from the Beatitudes.
Gospel Mt 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”