April 16.  George raised a challenging issue that had come up in the media a while ago. “The Vatican says that same sex unions cannot receive a blessing because sin cannot be blessed. Someone also asked if breaking your own fast by eating something you had given up for Lent is a sin?  Is that simplistic?  I think that there are many sinful things in other areas of life, big and small, like selling of weapons, corruption, fraud, theft and causing pollution, and even sexual abuse, that don’t seem to get enough attention. I sometimes wonder where the main focus in the Church is or should be when it comes to justice and to mercy.”    

When Peter and John had stood before the council, Gamaliel warned them, “Men of Israel take care what you do with these men. If this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” Acts 5:34-42. Pope Francis: To care for the world in which we live means to care for ourselves as a single family dwelling in a common home.  Such care does not interest those economic powers that demand quick profits.  Voices raised in defence of the environment are silent or ridiculed, using apparently reasonable arguments that are merely a screen for special interests. FT17.   Reflect, share, pray.  What are the things in my life that I consider sinful?