August 15.  (The feast of the Assumption is celebrated on Sunday 17th) Marriage and Divorce. Paula shared, What are the kind of issues that affect couple relationships? Sexual issues can and do have an impact in various ways but we as individuals and couples seldom bring them to the Church. Are we embarrassed or think we won’t be listened to or accepted or that priests can’t understand?”  “There are competent experts who are able to speak to life from a “God-perspective,”  Joan replied, “but it is also good to consult secular professionals in this area to help us explore our concerns and experiences, e.g. possible abuse in the past and its present effects.”   

Scripture:   The Pharisees tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause”? Jesus said, “Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them made and female and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one.”?Matthew 19:3-12. .Pope Francis. Situations will arise involving human weakness and these can prove emotionally overwhelming. One spouse may not feel fully appreciated, or may be attracted to another person.  Jealousy and tensions may emerge or new interests that consume the other’s time and attention.  Physical changes naturally occur in everyone. These and so many other things rather than threatening love are so many occasions for reviving and renewing it. AL 237.   JUBILEE. The sacrament of Reconciliation is not only a magnificent spiritual gift, but also a decisive, essential and fundamental step on our journey of faith. There, we allow the Lord to erase our sins, to heal our hearts, to raise us up, to embrace us and to reveal to us his tender and compassionate countenance. There is no better way to know God than to let him reconcile us to himself (cf. 2 Cor 5:20) and savour his forgiveness. SNC23.   Act and pray. For the needs of families of all kinds to grow in love and acceptance.  For those celebrating the Assumption on this day pray MARY, QUEEN ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN, PATRONESS OF SOUTH AFRICA, PRAY FOR US.