7 November. “Mrs Page, the parish’s volunteer psychologist shared with Fr Michael, “Isn’t it strange how often people avoid what needs to be addressed, whether it is a terminal illness and approaching death, a marriage running into difficulties and fears about divorce or issues with children, other family members or work related matters.  Is there a great fear of loss, so much so that we manage to hide it and pretend it doesn’t exist?” “Or even refuse any help that is offered,” he responded. “That always saddens me. “

Reflect, share, Scripture.     A man gave a great banquet and invited many. When the time came he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited. “Come for all is now ready.”  But they all began to make excuses.  From Luke: 14: 15-24.   Pope Francis: the life of every family is marked by all kinds of crises, yet these are also part of its dramatic beauty. Couples should be helped to realise that surmounting a crisis need not weaken their relationship, instead it can improve, settle and mature the wine of their union. AL 232.   In responding to the climate crises we can note the rise of a false or superficial ecology which bolsters complacency and a cheerful recklessness.  Such evasiveness serves as a licence to carry on with our present lifestyles and models of consumption.   This is the way human beings contrive to feed their self-destructive vices; trying not to see them, acknowledge them, delay important decisions and pretending that nothing will happen.  LS 59. Action and prayer:  Reflect and share on the fear of dying and remember in prayer the needs of those we have loved and lost.