August  14. Sexuality and Money.   Everyone discussed the issue of money and its many implications for causing or dealing with conflict and distress  in the area of sexuality.  Giving money instead of love is only too common in families where parents cannot find time.  In cases of abuse money may be paid to ensure silence.  Sugar-daddies or “blessers” give money for luxuries to teenage girls in exchange for sex.  “I find that term really offensive” Jane said “ It is really a form of prostitution.”  In cases of extreme poverty women and girls may resort to selling their bodies. Even parents sometimes sell their own children and women become surrogate mothers for financial reward. Trafficking of girls is an increasing problem, Girls may be abducted or unwittingly lured into the situation.  

Scripture:    The Kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts.  One was brought to him who could not pay.  The servant fell on his knees imploring him, “Lord have patience with me.”  Matt 18:21 – Pope Francis. Migration, extreme poverty and other situation of family breakdown sometimes lead families to sell their children for prostitution or organ trafficking. AL 46. JUBILEE: Still, as we know from personal experience, every sin “leaves its mark”. Sin has consequences, not only outwardly in the effects of the wrong we do, but also inwardly, inasmuch as “every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death, in the state called Purgatory”. SNC23  Act and pray. For the needs of families of all kinds to grow in love and acceptance.