Reflect
On this day in the year 2000, Pope John Paul II visited Israel and prayed for forgiveness for those involved in the Holocaust during World War II.
Six million Jews died during World War II. Many of them were taken away to special concentration camps, where they were killed in great numbers. This series of mass murders lasted throughout the war and became known as the holocaust.
It was important for Pope John Paul II to pray both for the victims of the holocaust and for those who had perpetrated it.
To some people, the idea of praying for people who have done horrific things might seem wrong, or even terrible. But for Christians it's quite a natural idea.
A key part of the Christian belief is that there is no sin we cannot turn away from and absolutely nothing we cannot be forgiven for if we are truly sorry.
Some see this as an injustice. Others, though, see it as an amazing act of God's love for his people.
Pray
Loving Father,
Your love can conquer any evil and can move any obstacle.
We pray today for every part of the world torn apart by evil acts and we pray for those carrying out the acts. Help them to turn away from evil and to embrace the love that you give.
Help us too, to always seek forgiveness and to never forget that any wound can be healed through your amazing love.
Amen.
Challenge
Your challenge today is to pray for somebody who has hurt you.
Footsteps through Lent © Arundel & Brighton Diocesen Youth Service 2009 | Diocese of Arundel & Brighton | Site & Photo Credits
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