August 13. SEE. Money.   Everyone discussed the issue of money and its many implications for causing, or dealing with conflict and distress, in the area of sexuality among others.  Giving money instead of love is only too common, in families where parents cannot find time for one another.   In cases of abuse money may be paid to ensure silence.  Sugar-daddies, or “blessers” give money for luxuries to teenage girls in exchange for sexual favours.  “I find that term really offensive” Jane said “This is really a form of prostitution.”  In cases of extreme poverty women and girls may resort to selling their bodies, while parents sometimes ”sell” their own children. Women become surrogate mothers for financial reward. Trafficking of girls is an increasing problem as they may be abducted or unwittingly lured into the situation.

JUDGE. Reflect, share, act. Scripture:   The Kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts.  One was brought to him who could not pay.  The servant fell on his knees imploring him, “Lord have patience with me.”   Matt 18:21 -19:1. Pope Francis. Migration, extreme poverty and other situations of family breakdown sometimes lead families to sell their children for prostitution or organ trafficking. AL 46. Pope Leo: This insight proves even more fundamental in the current context of digital transformation. Digital networks, the globalized economy and the development of AI create increasingly tighter bonds, linking — in real time — decisions made in one place to the effects they produce elsewhere. In this sense, the words of the Second Vatican Council on the growing interdependence between peoples remain timely, for the common good is taking on an increasingly universal dimension, with rights and duties concerning the entire human family.  MH 187.

ACT AND PRAY. Reflect and share as appropriate.  Pray St Francis Peace Prayer and pray: Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, Patroness of South Africa, pray for us.