May 11. Moral issues. The debate about whether Gentiles should be circumcised like the Jews became a very interesting cultural but also a practical debate.  Of particular interest was the comment that Jason picked up about God putting a yoke upon the neck which none was able to bear.  Does that speak to us about the teachings on contraception, condoms and abortion or where do we draw the line?   Those are some of the issues that were discussed at the Synods on the Family in Rome and by Pope Francis in his letter, Amoris Laetitia. His message is to study the teaching and develop and use our conscience on the question of carrying that yoke.

Reflect, share, act. Scripture.  Peter said, “God made no distinction between us and the Gentiles but cleansed their hearts by faith.  Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear. But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”  Acts 15:7-21.   Pope Francis:   On discernment:  Conscience can do more than recognise that a given (irregular) situation does not correspond objectively to the overall demands of the Gospel. It can also recognise with sincerity and honesty what for now is the most generous response which can be given to God and come to see with a certain moral security that it is what God himself is asking while yet not fully the objective ideal.   AL 303.    Pray.. Mary, Mother most sensitive, pray for us.