July 5.     Mama Agnes had always done her best to avoid favouritism with her own children and was aware that it should be so with the grandchildren too. “Is there division or favouritism in our family” she would ask “or do the children see it as that? Is the mother or father the controlling one or can they be seen to work in unison with one another? Just look at the story of Isaac and Rebecca and their sons Esau and Jacob in Genesis chapters 25 – 27 where mother and father each seemed to favour a different child.   Rebecca acted dishonestly and robbed the older brother of his rights. Some biblical writers do condemn Rebecca’s deceitful act. However, this passage shows that God can work out his plan of salvation in any circumstances.  

Scripture: Rebecca had been listening while Isaac was speaking to his son Esau. So when Esau went out Rebecca said to her son Jacob. “Listen I overheard your father talk to you brother Esau. Do what I tell you.” From Gen 27: 1 – 40.  Pope Francis. Parents (and parent figures) influence the moral development of their children for better or for worse.  They should take up this essential role and carry it out consciously, enthusiastically, reasonable and appropriately.  AL 259. JUBILEE.  For the desire of young people to give birth to new sons and daughters as a sign of the fruitfulness of their love ensures a future for every society. This is a matter of hope: it is born of hope and it generates hope. SNC 9. Act and pray. For the needs of families, especially grandparents and the elderly. Pope Francis: “Grandfathers and grandmothers form the permanent ‘choir’ of a great spiritual sanctuary, where their prayer of supplication and praise supports the community that works and battles on in the field of life.”