MARFAM WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 14 May.2025

The saying “Birds of a feather flock together,” appears to be a very ancient proverb, not necessarily blblical, but certainly relevant in our environmental thinking.  Spiritually there is much symbolism in the sentiment of many biblical sayings about God’s care and our need to be God-like, also for community and togetherness. Community and togetherness do not have to mean complete uniformity in every aspect of life but it is about agreement on core principles and values.   Jesus did speak about birds -insignificant sparrows having value in God’s eyes  and that the birds of the air have nowhere to lay their heads, and also the birds have been gifted with beautiful garments even beyond those of Solomon in all his glory.   

However, my thinking in comparing the late Pope Francis and the new Pope Leo is more in the line of commonality in beliefs and basic values which are particularly well outlined in LAUDATO SI, which I highlight now, as we prepare to commemorate its 10th anniversary .  The Southern Cross in its special commemorative issue on Pope Francis notes his values of use of money, life styles and poverty, peace and war,  The article notes and describes some of Francis’ writings. Encyclicals carry more weight, i.e  Laudato Si, than an Apostolic Exhortation like Amoris Laetitia,  but in the area of family ministry and pastoral care there is much of importance in AL    For nearly 10 years I have mainly used quotations from these two documents, although the 2016 YEAR OF MERCY with the concept of Jesus as the face of the Father’s mercy – and the current JUBILEE YEAR and one of the last writings of Pope Francis Dilexit Nos on the Love Of Jesus have become part of my spiritual journey – my catechesis of life, a family catechesis too.   Pope Leo’s choice of a name links him back to Pope Leo XIII and his focus on work.    Laudato Si mentions the value of work in the section on the Gaze of Jesus LS 98.  

   A Pope Leo saying, knowing Jesus, reinforces my belief that these two men – called to lead under the guidance of the Holy Spirit – symbolically depicted as a dove –  are surely birds of a feather.

Already in his very early statements Pope Leo echoes some of the saying of Pope Francis on peace, war, consumerism, the simple life – as he himself practiced.   Pope Francis wrote much about war, even rejecting the idea of a just war, which St Augustine had defined.   Both men reject war outright, Pope Leo even using the words of Pope Francis “no war.”   

Both men belong to a religious congregation. Jesuit and Augustinian , although Pope Francis talks more about St Francis than St Ignatius.   I think that we would not normally connect St Augustine with St Francis.  I have spent much time studying the life of St Francis and his spirituality, but up to now have very little knowledge of the spirituality of the Augustinian congregation.  We clearly have much to learn as we set out on following the way of our new Holy Father.  Nevertheless they do appear to have much in common although their personal approach will be different.   I do believe I can rightly say they are “birds of a feather.”       

Pursuing the concept of birds and flocking together is an area of interest for me in the lead up to Laudato si week and the 10th anniversary of the document. from 24-31 May and commemorated in the next few weeks with the theme “Raising Hope.”

Laudato Si 96-100 headed “The Gaze of Jesus” mentions  birds a number of times.  It refer to their value in the ecology of creation,  as well as their symbolical role in the bible.    Birds have their place and are a necessary feature in the whole ecosystem, e.g. especially pollination, pest control, scavenging as well as their beauty.  Bird life and behaviour is a fascinating study and a great practice for family bonding and spirituality at this time.     

A dramatic story to follow is the case of bird poisoning reported recently.  In Kruger Park 120 vultures were found dead and fortunately another 80 were able to be rescued.  Poachers are suspected of this crime, killing an animal for its horns, tusks or other body parts.    Vultures’ role in creation is to ll descend on the carcase to feed and clean it up and so prevent the spread of disease.    Different birds have their own particular role in the eco-system which without birds would not be able to function at all.    So may the two great men Francis and Leo,  in their own ways lead us as Popes, as Holy Fathers, to unity, to build the bridges,  break down the walls and build the kingdom of justice, peace and of beauty too.  

MAY 15th commemorates the 2025 International Day of Families with the theme “Family-oriented policies for Sustainable Development : towards the 2nd World Summit for Sustainable Development ” Surely promoting Eco-Friendly Families will fit the bill.   TR FW 14 May 2025

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

(Due to an extended power outage May 13th was not posted. it is included here.

May 13.   When Mavis first recognized, after they had moved to the city where she had access to a pediatrician, that her little baby was blind she worried terribly how badly this would affect her life.  She soon realised that other senses of hearing and touch would have to take over in how she would be able to communicate and understand her world. “It has been a most unusual experience in many ways,” she explained.  “I have learned to talk to her all the time, about everything I see or do.   As she too was learning to talk she would ask lots of questions.  ‘What do you and daddy look like, or what does this fluffy kitty look like?  What does “fluffy” mean?’”    

Reflect, share, act. Scripture.  My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. John 10:22-30.  Pope Francis: If the family, in the light of faith, accepts the presence of persons with special needs, they will be able to recognize and ensure the quality and value of every human life with its proper needs, rights and opportunities.  They render the Church and society a gift and an invaluable witness. Al 47. JUBILEE.  Inclusive attention should also be given to all those in particularly difficult situations, who experience their own weaknesses and limitations, especially those affected by illnesses or disabilities that severely restrict their personal independence and freedom. Care given to them is a hymn to human dignity, a song of hope that calls for the choral participation of society as a whole. SNC10.  Pray. Mary, Mother of the afflicted, pray for us.

May 14.  FAMILY VIOLENCE.    For years Granny Gloria had been an activist about any current issue that concerned her. Politics, race, religion all had to do with justice and rights. Her message, “People should have the right to be free in their choices, but they have to consider the common good and treat everyone and everything with respect. Each year’s International Day of Families theme uses a current issue that families around the world face, e.g. urbanization, migration or aspects of family violence.  These may create situations that lead to femicide, and trafficking of persons, particularly women and children. In and outside their homes we need to protect all women and safeguard our children from physical, psychological and sexual abuse and also deal with bullying and child pornography which have become all too common in our schools and homes.”          

Reflect, share and act. Scripture.  Jesus said, “the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and I know that his commandment is eternal life. John 12: 44-50. Pope Francis:   Violence can happen with families where communication is lacking, defensive attitudes predominate, the members are not supportive of one another, activities that encourage participation are absent, the parental relationship is conflictual and violent and relationships between parents and children are marked by hostility.  Violence in a family is a breeding ground of resentment and hatred.   AL 51.   FT 283.   JUBILEE. When we witness the outbreak of new wars, with the complicity, tolerance or indifference of other countries, or petty power struggles over partisan interests, we may be tempted to conclude that our world is losing its heart. We need only to see and listen to the elderly women – from both sides – who are at the mercy of these devastating conflicts. It is heart-breaking to see them mourning for their murdered grandchildren, or longing to die themselves after losing the homes where they spent their entire lives. Those women, who were often pillars of strength and resilience amid life’s difficulties and hardships, now, at the end of their days, are experiencing, in place of a well-earned rest, only anguish, fear and outrage.  DN22.  Pray. Mary, Mother of families who suffer violence, pray for us.