August 28th.  Sunday 22C.  Fr Thabo had thought a lot about his homily.  “On this last Sunday of this month when we have used the daily readings to look at aspects of family life but particularly around sexuality I must say I have learned from hearing your stories. I have read and listened and shared and come to realise how many marginalised people there are among us. We could call them “irregular situations,” but how do you, who are not married, or have been married and are now widowed or divorced and not remarried feel about your sexuality?  How do you young  people feel?  Are you stronger in the knowledge of who you are or in God’s plan for you?  There is a beautiful idea that Pope Francis includes in his letter, Amoris Laetitia, the idea of gradualness.  We’re all on a journey, we’re all growing, into who we are and who we believe God sees us becoming. 

Pope Francis:   This letter represents an invitation to Christian families to value the gifts of marriage and the family and to persevere in a love strengthened by the virtues of generosity, commitment, fidelity and patience.  It seeks to encourage everyone to be a sign of mercy and closeness wherever family life remains imperfect or lacks peace and joy. AL5.   So let’s listen to the words of the gospel again. “When you give a dinner or a banquet do not invite your friends or your brothers or neighbours lest they repay you and invite you in return.  Invite the poor, the maimed, the blind,(the marginalised, the different, LGBTIQ, those with STDs, prostitutes )  and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you.  Luke 14:7-14.  Thank you to the team and those who participated in the programme.