SHORT OVERVIEW FOR “THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY” AUGUST 2024  : God looked on his creation and was pleased.  Particularly good was the ability for creation in almost every life form, to continue and evolve through its sexual reproductive capability.  Because of the special attributes of humans, including free will, human sexuality is a special gift and blessing in its most profound expression in marriage as a sacrament. As an ideal it is often poorly presented and understood. Sex and sexuality are still often a taboo subject or seen negatively. The consequences of this resulting in sin have resulted in many situations such as gender-based violence and abuse. Complementarity and equality of men and women is of growing importance in every society in our day. Gender-related changes and the presence of LGBTIQ+  persons is also a social reality not accepted by everyone. Pope Francis: God himself created sexuality which is a marvellous gift to his creatures. It is not a means of gratification or entertainment, it is an interpersonal language wherein the other is taken seriously in his or her inviolable dignity. It is not only a source of fruitfulness and procreation but also possesses the capacity of expressing love, precisely in which way the human persons becomes a gift. AL150.    In assessing the environmental impact of any project, little attention is paid to studying reproductive patterns and some species face extinction.LS35. Each person, regardless of sexual orientation ought to be respected in his or her dignity and treated with consideration. AL 250.

August 1.  Treasure.  After a session with the bishop all the diocesan groups dealing with issues around sexuality felt challenged to reflect and study the topics raised.  Further formation workshops were planned for them and for parishioners as part of a diocesan family ministry programme on “Catholics, the Church and Sex in the Modern World.”  Knowledgeable speakers on different aspects would be invited to lead the discussions, which would include the role of sexuality in nature. 

Reflect, share, scripture:  Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old. Matt 13: 47-53.   Pope Francis.  In AL responses to the two pre-synodal consultations spoke of a great variety of situations and the new challenges that they pose to families due to stress, time, distractions and fears about the future: heterosexual marriage, same-sex unions, temporary unions, women’s rights, role of fathers in families and various forms of gender ideology.  AL 50- 56.  ACTION AND PRAYER.  Find a way to address relevant sexual issues in the family.