November

Liturgical Season — Ordinary Time

November brings us towards the end of the liturgical year.

The readings of the Church increasingly turn our attention towards the fulfilment of God’s Kingdom and the return of Christ.

The year ends with the celebration of Christ the King, reminding us that the Christian story is travelling towards a destination: creation restored and all things brought together in Christ.

Monthly Focus — Remembrance

November begins with All Saints and All Souls, when the Church remembers the saints and prays for those who have died.

Around Remembrance Day we also remember those whose lives have been lost through war and violence.

Christian remembrance does not simply look backwards. We remember the past so that we can pray for peace and work to build a more peaceful future.

CST of the Month — Promoting Peace

Catholic Social Teaching understands peace as much more than simply the absence of war.

True peace exists when people live in justice, dignity and right relationship with one another. Where people are oppressed, excluded or denied what they need to flourish, genuine peace is difficult to build.

Christians are therefore called to become peacemakers.

This can mean working for peace between nations, but it also begins much closer to home: forgiving others, refusing to spread hatred, challenging prejudice, listening carefully and helping repair broken relationships.

November confronts us with the terrible consequences of violence and division. Remembrance should therefore lead to a question about the present: what can we do to prevent hatred and conflict from taking root again?

The Kingdom towards which the liturgical year points is ultimately a kingdom of justice, reconciliation and peace.

Question to consider:

Where could I help bring peace or reconciliation?