Category: columns2012

columns2012

Concern for each other

Post author By Web administrator
Post date February 16, 2012

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

As we approach Ash Wednesday, let us reflect on Pope Benedict XVI’s 2012 Lenten Message. He draws his reflection from the New Testament’s Letter to the Hebrews (10:24): “Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works.”

In our latest issue of CCSJ’s Newsletter, CCSJ shares this Lenten Message with readers. Central to our Catholic identity are love and service (see Matthew 25:35-36). Today’s Gospel (Mk 2:1-12) demonstrates the kind of love we should have for our neighbour.

Tags Lent

columns2012

What would Jesus do about hanging?

Post author By Web administrator
Post date February 11, 2012

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

Today’s Second Reading (1 Cor 10:31-11:1) reminds us that whatever we do, we must “do it for the glory of God.” In his letter to the Corinthians St Paul urges them to take him for their model, as he takes Christ.

As we seek to revitalise our Catholic Culture and Identity, let us, like St Paul, take Christ as our model. In every situation, let us ask ourselves: “What would Jesus do in this situation?” If we are grounded in our faith, this question should call to mind what our Church teaches on the particular issue at hand.

Tags capital punishment, death penalty

columns2012

Children bring us God’s smile

Post author By Web administrator
Post date February 2, 2012

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

Every child brings us God’s smile and invites us to recognise that life is His gift, a gift to be welcomed with love and preserved with care always and at every moment. (Pope Benedict XVI)

These words came to mind as I read about the pain that 6-year-old Josiah Governor must have gone through at the hands of his 25 year-old stepfather, now before the Court charged with his murder. On January 25, he reportedly told police that he used a piece of PVC pipe to beat Josiah because he was not paying attention during a maths lesson. It is also alleged that Josiah was thrown through a window after being beaten.

Tags child abuse, children, violence

columns2012

Life after separation, divorce, or losing a spouse

Post author By Web administrator
Post date January 23, 2012

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

Last Sunday I presented a paper at the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission’s Convention for Catholics who are Separated, Divorced and Widowed on the theme: What does God have to do with me now?

The following are extracts – Download full presentation

I agree with the Family Life Commission – “being divorced, separated or widowed has a shattering effect not only on the individual but on entire families as well”.

columns2012

Teach me your paths, Lord

Post author By Web administrator
Post date January 19, 2012

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

When I was in London last October, my sister brought out a box with some of my mother’s prayer books. We take comfort in using the very prayer books she used when she was alive. One of these is a book of psalms given to her by Bishop Emeritus Sydney Charles when he was our parish priest in Chaguanas.