August 7.  SEE.  Addictions. All religions, from the most primitive until today’s sophisticated faith practices have certain laws, rules, norms and standards, in other words a moral code. To live a good life according to the prescribed norms as an individual, man or woman, and also as a couple demands sacrifices. Addictions to gambling, pornography and various substances, within families and of members of all ages, even children, are crosses.  The group members were given time to think.  “I think I have carried my cross with dignity.”  “My cross is hard; an addiction to pornography is a cross.”  “My cross was taken away from me after we joined AA and Alanon to deal with the alcohol abuse in our home. I thank God but pray constantly for strength to carry on the journey.”  

JUDGE. Reflect, share, act. Scripture:   If any man, or woman would come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  Matt 16:24  (using inclusive language)  Pope Francis:  Drug use was mentioned as one of the scourges of our time, causing immense suffering and even breakup for many families.  The same is true of alcoholism, gambling and other addictions. Society and politics fail to see that families at risk “lose the ability to help their members.”  AL51. Pope Leo:  According to the teaching of our faith, we have and adore in our mysteries, a God who is born in a manger, a God who lives and travels in Judea, a God who dies on the cross, a dead God who lies in the tomb.”  The future of humanity, therefore, finds its standard in the ability to welcome this divine way of drawing near, of sharing the burden of the world, of transforming relationships from within.  MH232.  

ACT AND PRAY.  What is my concern for the future of humanity as well as all of creation?  Pray St Francis Peace Prayer and pray: Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, Patroness of South Africa, pray for us.