June 29.  St Peter and Paul. It’s hard for us with internet and cell phones to imagine how it was 2000 years ago in the very early days of the Church.   Peter had been with Jesus from the beginning, and here was this upstart Paul, who had been persecuting the followers of “the Way” and was now preaching with such a loud voice what he believed and was inspired to say.   It took some time for the two men to meet and discuss their differences and reach an amicable solution. In our different leadership crises at any level, like our current GNU situation, do we try to reach a consensus, or start a war?  The Reformation in the 1500s started over a serious difference and since then 1000s of break-away churches have started up. Christian unity has now again become an important goal. 

Reflect, share, scripture: I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.   Gal 1:19-20.  Pope Francis:  The word of God constantly testifies to that sombre dimension already present at the beginning, when through sin, the relationship of love and purity between man and woman turns into domination. We read of disputes between sons and wives of patriarchs, the tragedies and violence in the family of David and more.  AL 19-20. In working towards a new lifestyle we recognise that no system can completely suppress our openness to what is good, true and beautiful, or our God-given ability to respond to his grace at work deep in our hearts. LS 205. ACTION AND PRAYER. Consider how families deal with differences within and between them even with young children.