August 24th   Some of the successful career women were inclined to boast about how many family members they supported.  Their generosity was commended sure, but Portia also made a strong point about other men, and women too, who sit back and just take, don’t even try to get a job. As she shared, “It is shocking that there are people who have not worked for years.  Joseph got an AIDS disability grant, and doesn’t comply with his ARV treatment because if he gets better he might lose his grant.  What does that do to his dignity as a breadwinner?” “Maybe that is being judgmental and oversimplifying things.  There is so much more to  HIV/AIDS and its impact on families.  Some can no longer work, for some the stigma is still a big issue.” 

With toil and labour we worked night and day that we might not burden any of you. It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate. If anyone will not work, let him not eat. 2 Thes. 3:2-6. Pope Francis: Labour makes possible the development of society and provides for the sustenance, stability and fruitfulness of one’s family. We appreciate suffering created by unemployment and the lack of steady work which takes its toll on the serenity of family life.  AL 23