June 23. Mrs Mpambana got very annoyed with the behaviour of a group of Grade 11s.  They were constantly in trouble and acted defiantly when she called them to order. “I think I should call your parents in” she shouted one day in frustration.  “What parent?” Mavis replied, “I am the parent in my family and have to feed and care for 3 younger siblings.”   Mrs Mpambana was shocked and quickly changed her tune, recognizing the need for a more merciful response.  When she conducted a survey she realized that more than half of the learners did not live with both biological parents.  Some lived with a single parent, and many lived between two homes, with their parents divorced and sometimes remarried.   She could see there were many difficulties for the parents and the learners.  When she arranged a series of sessions for parents and their children with the school psychologist, many expressed their appreciation and a support group was started.

Reflect, share and act.  Scripture.  “Judge not and you will not be judged.”  Matt 7:1-18.   Pope Francis:  The way of the Church is not to condemn anyone forever, it is to pour out the balm of God’s mercy on all those who ask for it with a sincere heart.  No one can be condemned for ever.  There is a need to avoid judgements which do not take into account the complexity of various situations and to be attentive by necessity to how people experience distress because of their condition. AL 296.   JUBILEE.  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.  SNC. 7 Act and pray. For the needs of families and children as appropriate.