August 24.  What started as a bit of a free-for-all debate did come to a conclusion that these matters need to be addressed. “It is not done in our culture for a man to sweep the house and serve his wife and family at table. I could never act like a servant,” one man announced. “What will my friends think,” he added. Others commented, “Are our gender stereotypes determined by others, or do we make our own decisions?”   “They say peer pressure is great for young people, but I think it is just as hard for us men,” Most of the men agreed and one added, “Also in polygamous families how can a father be fully available to a larger number of wives and children?”  “Are culture and traditions ever meaningfully addressed in the Church and should we as family people raise these issues for consideration?”  

Reflect, share, scripture:       He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:1-12. Pope Francis:  The equal dignity of men and women makes us rejoice to see old forms of discrimination disappear and within families there is a growing reciprocity.   Some societies still maintain the practice of polygamy; in other places arranged marriages endure.   In many places the practise of living together before marriage is widespread, as well as cohabitation which totally excludes any intention to marry.   AL53-54. ACTION AND PRAYER.  Has cohabitation before marriage become a societal norm.   is it OK with you?