Abused, Tortured and Tormented

I offer my decade of the rosary today for all the victims of abuse, torture and torment. The scourge of abuse is extremely rampant today, and in modern times it is even more shocking. Abuse takes many forms, from physical, sexual, mental, and emotional.

It is sad that although we live in a so called civilised society today, abuse in many forms happen everyday, and possibly right before our very eyes. Undeniably and unfortunately the Catholic Church is not spared from its involvement. And i will not begin to attempt to defend church in this posting.

My focus is on the very issue that happens today, and recognizing it in it's various forms, and the list is endless. I consider human trafficking, patronizing sexual workers, exploitation, unjust treatment of workers as forms of abuse as well, aside from the other conventional ones.

As a catholic, i see every human being as beautiful creation of God and each of them the temple of the Holy Spirit. Hence these acts are direct acts of descecration of the temple of God.

However knowing this is only half the battle, and the question is , what can i do about this? I acknowledge that i too am a victim of apathy, and turn an uncaring eye to the injustice that i read of in the media. As a catholic, i must be more compassionate to the plight of others, but i struggle to answer "what can i do for them?"

Todays reading was about Hagar the servant of Sarah, who is the wife of Abraham. As sarah was barren, she offered Hagar to Abraham so that Abraham would have a heir. When Hagar was pregnant circumstances resulted in Sarah abusing Hagar. Hagar ran away only to be asked by the Angels of the Lord to return and withstand the abuse.Hagars son is named Ishmael and is noted that Islam was founded through the descendents of Ishmael.

The essence of todays reading was about obedience to God , and His promise to those who obey him.

It also tells that obeying God's command may often come with difficult and unbearable torture, but it goes towards the bigger plan for his Greater glory - like the son of Hagar - Ishmael who's descendents will number many. Thus we have to endure all the challenges we face today, with the faith that God has greater plans for us. To trust in Him that the cross that he has given to us to carry is really for His greater plan, although we cannot see it. As difficult as it may be, we should trust in Him.

Almighty and merciful God,

I offer my prayers for all the victims of abuse, especially those committed at the hands of your priest. May the outpouring of your mercy and grace, strengthen and comfort them in their difficult times. Lord, you never place upon us yokes that are beyond us, and i ask that you to watch over all those who suffer from abuse. Deliver them from this evil they face every day.

Empower the social workers, authorities and all those who are out there to fight this scourge. Soften the heart of the perpetrators that they may repent from this evil acts, and seek your mercy.

Embolden us, your people lord, to stand up against this injusticr. Give me the courage to put a stop to any abuse in my presence and in my power. Grant me the wisdom and open my eyes lord to identify the acts

May Mary , Queen of Comforters protect these innocent victims, granting them comfort and healing as our heavenly mother.

Amen

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad