https://www.ncronline.org/news/world-day-poor-report-shows-global-poverty-efforts-have-stalled


The new Fordham Francis Index reveals gaps in basic needs and fundamental freedoms for millions worldwide. The report was released on Nov. 15, to coincide with World Day of the Poor, celebrated Nov. 17.

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This Sunday’s Gospel
We are in the part of Mark's gospel where we hear Jesus consoling his disciples about the trouble to come for them. Of course, this is really important for Mark's disciples - the first to read this gospel - for the troubles they are facing. And, it is really important for us, as we face the troubles of our time.

When Jesus said that no one knows when the end of time would be, he sure was right. For us today, while we might be deeply concerned about the growing critical condition of our planet, the real issue of our concern is about the end of our lives. Who among us hasn't had a relative or friend die recently. I'm most affected by it when the death involves someone who is younger than me - something that happens more and more frequently.

Every other trouble we face is some kind of mini-death, which is difficult to face. The common effect of these experiences is that they can shake us. They can disturb our confidence and upset our sense of security.

What Jesus wants to do for us today is what he did for his first disciples. He wants us to not let our hearts be troubled. Jesus knows he will be with us in the midst of everything. He wants us to have confidence that we are never alone. And, he wants us to trust that he has won the victory over sin and death - over every sin; over every death.

The way we can let our faith be deepened is to express our gratitude to our Lord at very times each day. We can thank the Lord for being with us - in whatever situation in which we might find ourselves. And, the more we place our trust in the promise of eternal life, the more fearless we can become. To be without fear is so empowering. It is so liberating. It can allow us to face any challenge - even death itself. Death is just a scarecrow. It isn't frightening for us at all. Therefore, we can be bold. We can be courageous. We can face great difficulties, knowing that we will fall into the hands of a loving Savior. This lack of fear, this freedom, makes selfless love so much easier. I don't have to "calculate" what this or that act of love will "cost" me. In fact, Jesus has assured us that the secret to happiness is that we will really find ourselves when we lose ourselves in love.

We can practice this faith - really exercise it and strengthen it, perhaps like a muscle we haven't used much - by simply practicing surrender. Not being so cautious becomes less scary and helps us to be more confident in loving. We can say, "Lord, I know that nothing can separate me from your care for me. Help me love this person with your own type of love, thinking less of myself, and more for the other person. Let me be bold and free."

Let us be confident before the trials and tribulations of our day, placing our lives in his hands.
Fr Andy Alexander SJ

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-margaret-of-scotland/


Saint Margaret of Scotland was considered Scottish because her family was rescued by the king of Scotland as they fled William the Conqueror. She married the king and introduced him and his country to a more cultured life. They had six sons and two daughters.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-11/pope-greets-pontifical-academy-for-life-dialogue-on-common-good.html


Pope Francis writes to participants in the Pontifical Academy for Life's dialogue on "Common Good: Theory and Practice," noting that the common good ...

Catholic Bishops of England, Wales, and Scotland unite in compassionate action to oppose Bill on assisted suicide

The Catholic Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland have issued a statement on Assisted Suicide ahead of the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
In it, the bishops explain exactly what ‘compassion’ means at the end of life – caring for and accompanying people, particularly during times of suffering.
The statement strongly defends the vulnerable in society who are at risk through this proposed legislation, and the bishops advocate for better funded palliative care to be consistently available to everyone in need in England, Wales, and Scotland.
“People who are suffering need to know they are loved and valued. They need compassionate care, not assistance to end their lives,” say the bishops. “Palliative care, with expert pain relief, and good human, spiritual, and pastoral support, is the right and best way to care for people towards the end of life.”
They also assert that assisted suicide raises serious issues of principle that cannot be ignored:
“The time given for Parliament to consider the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which will permit assisted suicide is woefully inadequate. Although the Bill indicates safeguards will be in place, the experience of other countries where assisted suicide has been introduced shows that such promised safeguards are soon forgotten. In Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, and parts of the USA, the criteria for assisted suicide have been expanded significantly, in law or in practice, often to include people with mental illness and others who have no terminal diagnosis.”
The bishops affirm the Catholic belief in human dignity and sanctity of life, but fear that a law that allows for assisted suicide could lead some to experience ‘a duty to die’:
“Some may well feel their continued existence is a burden to others, and, implicitly or explicitly, be pressured into assisted suicide. This includes people who are elderly, infirm, and living with disabilities. The protection of such people is the foundation of civilised society. It is at the heart of good government.”
The bishops also express their concern that this Bill will fundamentally damage the relationship between medical staff and their patients. They fear it could lead to pressure on medical practitioners to recommend or facilitate such procedures:
“The impact on hospices, care homes, and those who work in social and community care cannot be underestimated. It will radically alter the ethos of trust and support which underpins our service to those in need and their families.”
Finally, two weeks ahead of the debate and vote in parliament, the bishops urge Catholics and those who share our belief in the dignity and value of every human life, to contact their local MP to make their opposition known, asking him or her to oppose or not support the Bill.
Many bishops have issued pastoral letters on assisted suicide. You can find those promulgated by the Bishops of England and Wales here alongside all our digital content on assisted suicide.


The Catholic Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland have issued a statement on Assisted Suicide ahead of the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. In it, the bishops explain exactly what ‘compassion’ means at the end of life – caring for and accompanying people, parti...