St. Thomas à Becket Foundation 
making a difference
 
 
 
17th. March, 2008
Theme:      Environment  


The ancient Greeks discovered that the bark of the willow tree provided medicine.  Native Americans made the same discovery. It is the salicylic acid in the bark of the willow tree that counters fever and pain.

Aspirin was launched on
6 March 1899

A German chemist, Felix Hoffman, produced a slight variation of this acid  that is not as bitter as the original, nor as irritating to the stomach.
In 1899 he patented his compound and he called it ASPIRIN.

We know that aspirin is one of the medicines that may be taken for pain.  Those who suffer from arthritis and rheumatism sometimes take it, and it is helpful to those with long-term heart problems.
Research has shown that it also helps reduce the risk of some forms of cancer.   

 

Readings:   Ezekiel 18: 25-28;    Philemon 2:1-11;   Matthew 21:28-32

Prayers: 

Let us pray that people be inspired to appreciate all that is good and beneficial around them.  Let us pray that good decisions be reached concerning the environment – decisions that look to our heritage as well as our needs.  Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer.

Let us pray for those who are concerned about their health and their future.  We pray for people in physical pain, for those who make little progress, and for those who will never get better.   Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all who are sad, and for all those who have bitter experiences in their lives.  Let us pray that we may be protected from all that may harm us.  Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer.