November 7th. Bryan knew that it is hard even within families to criticise or rebuke a family member for some wrong-doing. It may well end up in a complete breakdown. On the other hand, there are also cases where a brother can be a brother’s keeper and warn him and protect him from a bad habit, like gambling. “What is the risk to the good or to harm this can do to a sibling relationship?” Bryan asked himself.  As COP 27 is now being held in Egypt there is an urgent need for serious reflection and passionate commitment to care of the earth.

Scripture: Jesus said, “take heed.  If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents forgive him. And if he sins seven times in the day and turns to you seven times in a day and says, ‘I repent’ you must forgive him.” Luke 17:1-6.   Pope Francis: In families everyone contributes to the common purpose; everyone works for the common good, not denying each person’s individuality but encourage and be supporting. They may quarrel but there is something that does not change, the family bond.   FT 230.  We cannot forget that mercy is not only the working of the Father; it becomes a criterion for knowing who his true children are.  We are called to show mercy because mercy was first shown to us.  AL 310