Laudato Si

September 25.  26th Sunday C.   The way Fr Timothy presented the theme for the Mass of the day challenged them all after their Heritage Day experience.   “Why is it so difficult to accept that the difference between rich and poor is a problem?…

September 24. Heritage day.   On Heritage Day the teenagers suggested they really needed to celebrate National Braai Day. “Why?”  “Because a braai is a good South African institution that we all enjoy.”  So when they came to a small town where at…

September 23.   The relaxed atmosphere of their eco-safari had given the family a different view of life. “Today people rush into everything, want the latest gadgets. You know it seems that people used to be much more patient than today.” “But still there…

September 22. A sense of calm, peacefulness and acceptance had settled over the family during this time as they had watched sunrises and sunsets, experienced some wonderful weather, some storms and really drought-stricken places.   “Is it not like that in…

September 21.  As the family drove along they commented.   “You know I find this time out together is a kind of inner healing process. We’re in nature most of the time, mountains, miles of veld, sea but also what they call ’urban sprawl.’” Pauline’s…

September 20.  For many Westerners the complexities of African extended family ties and the roles they play are a real mystery.  Why does an uncle get involved in wedding arrangements or why is a cousin called a sister or brother? Why does the firstborn…

September 19. “Why do people keep some of their traditions and cultures a secret?”   This was something the family had noted on their travels.  They had been welcomed in many places but seldom really got to know people’s real life traditions. They…

September 18. Sunday 25c.  On their eco-safari they were not able to go to Mass every Sunday but shared on the readings of the day.  “I think that the story of the dishonest steward changing the invoices of the money owed to their master is a real and…

September 17.  As they drove along Dad couldn’t help wondering, “Why is it that family members can turn out so differently?  They come from the same background, have different genes I suppose, or is there something in the environment that affects them. Maybe…