March 14.  “Go first to be reconciled to your brother.”  Martha was careful about the point she wanted to make. “Conflict in extended families is not uncommon. They may all have grown up together but one sibling may be more or less successful than another, cleverer, have more children or, in some cultures, more wives, all of which may lead to jealousy and resentment.  Expectations about rights and duties in traditional families are quite complex as there is also an expectation of helping other family members financially or materially.   Modern day young adults sometimes challenge traditions of patriarchy or the rights of a mother-in-law and may want to do away with the traditions. What are their reasons for wanting this?         

Reflect, share and act. Scripture: “Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement. If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there and go first to be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift. 5:20-26   Pope Francis:  JUBILEE.  It is only by starting from the heart that our communities will succeed in uniting and reconciling differing minds and wills, so that the Spirit can guide us in unity as brothers and sisters. Reconciliation and peace are also born of the heart. The heart of Christ is “ecstasy”, openness, gift and encounter. In that heart, we learn to relate to one another in wholesome and happy ways, and to build up in this world God’s kingdom of love and justice. Our hearts, united with the heart of Christ, are capable of working this social miracle.  DN29.  Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list, also published on http://www.marfam.org.za