September 17. The Alexander family told their story.   They used to have a small farm and grow maize and vegetables for their own use and as time went by for the members of their extended family too.  Her widowed mother stayed with them but other members came and went.  Mrs Alexander managed the vegetable patch while Mr Alexander had a job in town.  There came a time after the old lady had died, when they got tired of supplying all and sundry who hardly contributed anything. “I am giving up this hard work” Mrs A said “and moving to town too.  Mr A is doing well.  Why should I still work here?”  Was everyone happy?  Hardly anyone was and they could see why. “Working together did give them more satisfaction but the rest of the family should have done their bit to contribute too.”      

Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into many senseless and hurtful desires. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. 1 Tim 6:2-12  

Pope Francis: In addition to the small circle of the couple and their children there is the larger family.   The love between husband and wife and in a derivative and broader way the love between members of the same (extended) family is given life and sustenance by an unceasing inner dynamism and is the foundation and soul of the community of marriage and the family. JPII in AL 196.  Whether believers or not, we are agreed today that the earth is essentially a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone.  God created the world for everyone.  Every ecological approach needs to incorporate a social perspective.   LS 93.

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  Offer support to a poverty alleviation project.  Pray about the required support for the poor. Pray Glory be……..