23 February.  SEE:  St Francis.  Mrs Beatus had developed a great interest in the life of St Francis and found her research most enlightening.  She shared, “Francis himself was no great theologian but others around and after him developed his thought and experience into a spirituality which has now been followed by millions of men and women all over the world.  At the centre of his life was the Incarnate Crucified Lord of all Creation whom Francis called our “Elder brother.” She added, “I can’t help wondering “If God, as Trinity, is in a sense a family, a community of love, surely the same can be said of creation and, looking at it more specifically with family eyes, we can say, “Creation is a family of families.”  Then applying this one can also look at this larger animal family, plant family or insect family of families and see the particular characteristics of what makes a family –  bonding, belonging, care and protection, unconditional love especially of the vulnerable, young, old and weak.”   Patrick added, “That is really beautiful but at the same time why is there more domestic violence, abuse, and incest within a family?  Why do we hurt the most those love the most?” 

JUDGE, reflect and share.  Scripture:  You shall not hate your brother in your heart and take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Leviticus 19:11-18. Pope Francis: In the Judeo-Christian tradition the word creation has a broader meaning than nature, for it has to do with God’s loving plan in which every creature has its own value and significance. Nature is usually seen as a system which can be studied, understood and controlled, while creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all, and as a reality illuminated by the love which calls us together into universal communion.LS 76.  Pope Leo: Francis did not found a social service organization, but an evangelical fraternity. In the poor, he saw brothers and sisters, living images of the Lord. His mission was to be with them, and he did so through a solidarity that overcame distances and with a compassionate love.  DT63

ACT AND PRAY.  In addition to the beauty, in reality how are the relationships within our family and the families of creation as we see them in practice.  Gender-based or domestic violence is a declared national crisis in SA.  The SACBC has called for a family-centred approach to addressing the matter.  Support this by prayer and action.