August 25. SEE.    Law. Rayhab had invited a family lawyer to facilitate a session with the group.  “I know that the law is important and we need to know the law for justice to happen, but how often is the law manipulated and true justice is not done.  Many abuse cases and even rape cases never result in a conviction.   Is that justice? It certainly cannot be mercy if an abuser is let off and the victim is left with no reparation or resolution. However when will we acknowledge the “weightier matters “ and examine the conflict situation more holistically?   It is simply a case of victim and abuser, or is the relationship management aspect at the heart of the matter?  And should true justice not have to involve some punishment and reparation?  What is true justice after all?  

JUDGE. Reflect, share, act. Scripture: “Woe to you.   You tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith.”  Matt 23:23.   Pope Francis. It is not helpful simply to consider whether or not an individual’s actions correspond to a general law or rule, because that is not enough to discern and ensure full fidelity to God in the concrete life of a human being. General rules set forth a good which can never be disregarded or neglected, but in their formulation they cannot provide absolutely for all particular situations. AL 304    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. For this reason, it is worthwhile pausing to reflect on some aspects of how we, each in our own way, can cooperate in building the civilization of love. I would like to propose five paths toward daily and public responsibility: the need to disarm words, building peace through justice, adopting the perspective of victims, cultivating a healthy realism and reviving dialogue and multilateralism.   MH 213. 

ACT AND PRAY, Learn and practice the technique of dialogue within family and other relationships. Pray St Francis Peace Prayer and pray: Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, Patroness of South Africa, pray for us.