August 7.    “Who do you say I am?”  Together Fr Joseph and Rayhab led a reflection on religion and human relationships.  “Our world is now so secular one wonders what role religion plays in the events and actions of our daily lives. It’s not just about remote spiritual things. How does God or religion come into our personal growth particularly as a sexual being?  Does God come into your issues around sexual behaviour and orientation, as youth or adults?  Does God’s Spirit of love help us discern who and how we are meant to be?”  

Scripture:  Jesus asked  “Who do you say I am.”   “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Read Matthew 16:13-23. Pope Francis.  Unity of teaching and practice is certainly necessary in the Church but this does not preclude various ways of interpreting some aspects of that teaching drawing certain consequences from it.   This will always be the case as the Spirit guides us towards the entire truth.  AL 3. Families with persons who experience same-sex attraction should be given respectful pastoral guidance so that those who manifest a homosexual orientation can receive the assistance they need to understand and fully carry out God’s will in their lives. AL 250   JUBILEE.. Hope, together with faith and charity, makes up the triptych of the “theological virtues” that express the heart of the Christian life (cf. 1 Cor 13:13; 1 Thess 1:3). In their inseparable unity, hope is the virtue that, so to speak, gives inward direction and purpose to the life of believers.  SNC 18   Act and pray. For the needs of families of all kinds to grow in love and acceptance.