FExtracts from the introduction. For a full introduction to the August themes and fosu go to https://marfam.org.za/thoughts-for-the-day-august-2026/

AUGUST OVERVIEW.  Sexuality, a Family Gift.  God looked on his creation and was pleased.  Particularly good was the ability for creation to continue and evolve through its sexual reproductive capability in almost every life form. Because of the special attributes of humans, including free will, human sexuality is a special gift and blessing, in its most profound expression in marriage. As an ideal it is often poorly presented and understood, and is still often a taboo subject or seen negatively.  The consequences of sin have resulted in situations such as gender-based violence and abuse. Women’s empowerment, complementarity of men and women and positive education for youth are important. Gender-related changes, infertility treatment, the existence of LGBTIQ+  persons are family matters and a reality today. Sexuality and procreation are core aspects of all of creation, human, animal and plant. Other than manipulating this in nature, for our human benefit, we no doubt know too little of the psycho-social aspects of sexual behaviour in animals that also acts for the common good of all of creation.

 Pope Francis: In assessing the environmental impact of any project, little attention is paid to studying reproductive patterns and some species face extinction. LS35. AL 250. Sexuality can only be seen within the broader framework of an education for love and for mutual self-giving.” AL 280.  

Pope Leo: The civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization. From MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS –  ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

SETTING THE SCENE (an imaginary scenario) Sexuality a Family Gift. As ongoing adult formation in the area of sexuality and gender issues is so important it was considered helpful to address it from diocesan level with different departments discerning and working together, picking up on aspects relevant for them and taking these back to the parishes and families.  Most basic is the understanding of sexuality which begins and is lived within any and every family.  The family life department requested, Rayhab, a social worker to be an advisor to the overall project.  Special days during the month are SA Women’s Day and the Assumption of Our Lady as the patronal feast for South Africa.  Pray St Francis Peace Prayer and pray: Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, Patroness of South Africa, pray for us.  Us.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY. AUGUST 1. WOMANLY WILES.

August 1. SEE  One parish study group considered the question, “How do you all here, men and women feel about women using their feminine wiles to manipulate men and get their own way, and even colluding and using other women for this?  Talk to one another, as men and women about this for a moment.”  Feedback was almost unanimous from men and women that manipulation is not the way to achieve any kind of balance. It is not fair. “Thanks for that,” Rayhab, the appointed counsellor, concluded. “We are definitely going to unpack this much more.”

JUDGE. Reflect, share, act. Scripture:    When Herod’s birthday came the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.   Prompted by her mother she said, “give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.”   Matthew 14: 1-12. Pope Francis: The equal dignity of men and women makes us rejoice to see old forms of discrimination disappear, and within families there is a growing reciprocity.   From AL 54   Pope Leo: The value of persons does not depend on what they achieve or produce. There are rights that apply to everyone simply by virtue of being human, and no human power can legitimately deny or arbitrarily limit them.  MH 51. It is not enough to state simply that men and women have equal dignity and rights; it is necessary that this be reflected in concrete decisions, such as in laws, access to employment, education, social and political responsibilities, and the way society listens to and values women’s contributions. As long as this gap persists, we cannot say that society truly and fully recognizes that women have the same dignity as men.   MH 57.

ACT AND PRAY.  As appropriate for the needs of your family. Pray St Francis Peace Prayer and pray: Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, Patroness of South Africa, pray for us.