For a detailed overview of the MARFAM Lenten programme go to https://marfam.org.za/2024/02/14/lent-and-the-family-2024/

February 16. Grandad took a turn to share.  “For me, I believe there are rights and obligations, duties and privileges that are good and appropriate at different times. A smile came over his face. “It is so good to celebrate at a wedding or at an anniversary, and we don’t do that often enough.  Is that what Jesus meant too?”   Mom responded, “Maybe, but also not quite so literally. Jesus loved using life-like examples and was speaking about himself, as being the bridegroom, you know.”  “But didn’t he love weddings too?” They all laughed and shared a little on the weddings they had been to of family and friends.”  Josh, being skeptical about all the money that gets spent on weddings, said, “Couldn’t some of that money be better spent elsewhere? I know of a young couple who after much deliberation decided not to spend their hard-earned money on a big wedding but on setting up a home.”  

Reflect, share, Scripture:  The disciples of John came to Jesus saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast but your disciples do not fast?”   Jesus said, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast.”  Matt 9:14-15. Pope Francis: The journey of life that leads a man and a woman to meet one another, to love one another and to promise mutual fidelity before God is often interrupted by suffering, betrayal and loneliness. MM 14    Pray one of the Lenten prayers. that families will be rational in their financial planning, save, fast, and give alms to others in need. Choose appropriate action. LSAP goal 3. Ecological Economics.

A LAUDATO SI MORNING PRAYER: Loving Creator, as I begin this new day I ask for the grace of loving attention as I make decisions throughout the day. Open my heart to remember that the ultimate goal of my life is to be in a loving relatonship with You, myself, my neighbour and the earth. Amen.