June 10.    Basil, Zola and Mary had never really known their father.  When their mother became ill and died, when little Mary was just 8 years old, Zola 12 and Basil just 17, the children felt very lost. Their aunt who lived nearby took over some of the parenting but much of the time Basil found himself being the head of their little family. At first they were close but as time went by he found it was more and more difficult to control Zola. His brother had been a good student but had got mixed up with bad friends and often missed school. They drank and smoked and walked the streets until late at night.  Like a real father Basil got very angry with his brother and there were times when the boys fought. Basil knew this was not right but felt helpless so he decided to ask their priest for help.

If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something  against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go, first be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:20-26. Pope Francis: “Put on Christ, in your life and you will find a friend in whom you can always trust. Put on faith and life will take on a new flavour. Put on hope and every one of your days will be enlightened and your horizon will no longer be dark but bright.  Put on Love and your life will be like a house built on rock. WYD 2013.

June 11.   Sacred Heart.  Basil thought,  “I think that devotion to the Sacred Heart given by Jesus himself to a religious sister St Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century is an earlier form of the Divine Mercy devotion.  It is essentially about Jesus’ great love, but also about his heart that was hurt and crowned with thorns.  I kind of relate to that image right now in my life. The Divine Mercy devotion has a different dimension.  It is about the love of God flowing forth as mercy.”  

I thank you Father that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants. Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light. Matt 11:25-30  Pope Francis:   The same Christ who by his cross saved us from our sins, today continues to save and redeem us by the power of his total self-surrender. Look to his cross, cling to him, let him save you, for “those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.  And if you sin and stay far from him, he will come to lift you up by the power of his cross.   CV119  

June 12.  Deacon Morris, who was responsible for family life and youth led the conversation, “You’d think that every member of every family or group would agree that swearing falsely is very wrong. But as we see on the news all the time, South Africa seems to be wracked with falsehood and lies.   We have the State Capture Commission and the investigations into lots of COVID shady deals.  What I find particularly disturbing is that other people  support liars and fraudsters.   Why, is it for their own ulterior motives?  Are we afraid?  How do you families speak at home about truth or don’t you?    

 Jesus said, do not swear falsely or by anything.  Let what you say be simply “yes’ or “no” anything more than this comes from the Evil One.  Mat 5:33-37.   Pope Francis: Together we can seek the truth in dialogue, in relaxed conversation or in passionate debate.   To do so calls for perseverance, it entails moments of silence and suffering, yet it can patiently embrace the broader experience of individuals and peoples. FT 5

June 13.  Sunday 11B and St Anthony.   The group of young people were discussing the fascinating question of growth.   “Growing is something that all young people are concerned about, isn’t it?” “But how we grow and what the end result will be also matters.” “I can relate to where Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God as something that is planted, grows, reaches maturity and is harvested.  That is Ok, but I don’t relate to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a great big bush. Why, because I battle with my size.  I don’t  want to be enormous.”  “You’re kind of right, I suppose, controlled and measured growth seems like a good idea.” “But what really is God’s will?  Lots of things start and blow up and look very successful and then just peter out.”  “St Anthony was a very wise preacher, not just a patron saint for finding lost things.  I think he would agree with us.”   

The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed which when sown is the smallest of all the seeds yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs. Mark 4:26-34. Pope Francis:  What is most important is the ability lovingly to help children grow in freedom, maturity, overall discipline and real autonomy. Only in this way will they come to possess what is needed to fend for themselves and act intelligently and prudently whenever they meet with difficulties. Prudence, good judgement and common sense are dependent not purely on quantitative growth factors but rather on a whole series of things that come together deep within each person.  AL261-2`