Murdered Catholic Pakistani, Shahbaz Bhatti;
possible future Martyr and Saint of the Church
Yesterday I got an email from our Chancery with an update on what has been happening with regard to a recent appeal for Pakistan - monies raised to help those effected by the floods. As Christians it is our duty to look after those in need regardless of what their faith or political beliefs are.
However I have to say it did smart to ponder over the large sums of money we are sending over to Pakistan as I recall the murder of a member of my Church for his faith and the persecution of other Christians, Catholics included, by Pakistani Muslims: a persecution the government of Pakistan is not only slow to stop, but could be said to be allowing by refusing to deal with the blasphemy laws which are being used to murder and jail our co-religionists. Yes, as sinful human being I did say to myself that we should not give them another cent. But the words of the Lord come to mind to pray for our enemies and to do good to those who hate us - providing for the victims of the flood, Christians also included there I'm sure, is a way of living this hard teaching of the Lord.
That said, I do have to wonder why our governments and Church agencies are not "talking" with the Pakistani government as they are coming with the cheques. Surely we must used our influence to protect our brothers and sisters. After all, Pakistan and her Muslim people must be brought to realise that many of the people who are helping them are of the same Communion as those they are jailing and killing because they will not convert to Islam.
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