August 19. Frigidity. Martin introduced a different subject and shared some of his insights from marriage counselling.   Frigidity in some form can be a real issue in a sexual relationship.  One or other partner appears to be not interested for a variety of reasons.  It could be the result of abuse earlier on in life from within or beyond the family.  He told of a case like that he had dealt with and it took a long time and sensitive and intimate sharing between the couple before they were able to get over the problem.  “And it’s not only women that have that problem.   Boys are abused too and that can impact on their future sexual relationship.  For either partner this may result in their developing a “heart of stone.”  No one is born like that. It can be because of an early experience but also through unfaithfulness. I love this statement by the prophet Ezekiel 36. ‘A new heart I will give you and a new spirit. I will put within you and I will take out of you the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 

A king gave a marriage feast for his son and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the feast. But they would not come.   Matthew 22:1-14.   Pope Francis:  The strength of the family lies in its capacity to love and to teach how to love. For all a family’s problems, it can always grow, beginning with love.  AL 53