For full August month THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY go to https://marfam.org.za/marfam-thoughts-for-the-day-august-2025/

OVERVIEW.  AUGUST.  Sexuality, a Family Gift.  Scripture starts with the statements thatGod looked on his creation and found it good. Ongoing creation continues through the sexual reproductive capability in almost every life form. Because of the special human attributes, including free will, human sexuality is a special gift and blessing, in its most profound expression in marriage. This ideal may still be poorly presented and misunderstood as sex and sexuality are unfortunately too often taboo subjects or seen as problems e.g. gbv, teenage activity and pregnancy. Sin and its consequences have resulted in gender-based violence, pornography and abuse. Gender-related changes and the presence of LGBTIQ+  persons is a social reality today with different degrees of societal acceptance.  The complementary and equality of men and women is of growing importance in eve everywhere today. Pope Francis: According to the order of creation conjugal love between a man and a women and the transmission of life are ordered to each other. Thus the creator made man and woman share in the work of his creation and made them instruments of his love, entrusting to them the responsibility for the future of mankind, through the transmission of human life. AL 81. Each person, regardless of sexual orientation ought to be respected in his or her dignity and treated with consideration.  AL 250.  In assessing the environmental impact of any project, little attention is paid to studying reproductive patterns and some species face extinction. LS35.  JUBILEE. “In every age, the Church has the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. In this way, in language adapted to every generation, she can respond to people’s persistent questions about the meaning of this present life and of the life to come, and how one is related to the other”. [4] We need to recognize the immense goodness present in our world, lest we be tempted to think ourselves overwhelmed by evil and violence. The signs of the times, which include the yearning of human hearts in need of God’s saving presence, ought to become signs of hope.  SNC7

August 1. Gender balance in the work place is a perennial issue. Rayhab, a social worker, was invited to facilitate some discussions on the topic. She began by asking,   “How open as individuals, but particularly as men and women, are we to change?  Is there a need for change?” She looked around the room.  Some people looked sceptical, some were frowning, others looked interested. She explained that with a focus on strengthening families and taking into consideration that changes had come about in society adjustment had to be made. People sometimes resist change and are only able to change when they are forced to do so by circumstances.

Scripture: “Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honour except in his own country and in his own house.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.  Matt 13:57-58.  Pope Francis.  We need to acknowledge the great variety of family situations that can offer a certain stability but de facto or same-sex unions for example may not simply be equated with marriage.  No union that is temporary or closed to the transmission of life can ensure the future of society.  But nowadays who is making a effort to strengthen marriages.   AL 52. JUBILEE:  “In every age, the Church has the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. In this way, in language adapted to every generation, she can respond to people’s persistent questions about the meaning of this present life and of the life to come.  SNC7.   Act and pray. For the needs of families of all kinds to grow in love and acceptance.