September 28.    Psychologists have identified trust as one of the first essential characteristics babies need to develop, ideally through the knowledge that their carers are trustworthy and meet their needs.  If it is not acquired at that stage they can be stunted in their growth. However, the reality today is that our children are constantly challenged and can lose that ability because of violence, or rejection. A committed marriage needs to be built on trust and trustworthiness on both sides.  Lack or loss of these will be destructive.  It is nevertheless possible, if difficult, to rebuild trust as has been shown by couples who have rebuilt a hurting marriage. Faith, God’s grace and deep commitment can achieve this.  Patrick and Rayhab smiled as they acknowledged the truth of this.   Adam, an animal psychologist, also considered the topic of trust.  “Surely for effective functioning it is essential for the various levels of relationship between creatures, within their own groups, with other groups and between human and animals too. While competition is healthy, a total breakdown of trust would be disastrous for every area of creation, in particular at this time when because of ecological damage resources are diminished.”      

Many people shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities, the inhabitants of one city shall go to another saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favour of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts.  Zechariah 8:20-23.  Pope Francis: Trust enables a relationship to be free. We do not have to control the other person. This freedom fosters independence, an openness to the world around us and to new experiences. AL 115.  Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see because they have been lost for ever mainly for reasons related to human activity.   Because of us they will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us.   We have no such right.  LS33

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  Talk about trust or conduct a trust-building activity in a social setting. Pray for an increase of trust in God and the goodness of others.  Glory be……………