13 January.  SEE:  Infertility treatment has become common today and some couples spend R1000s to have their own baby.  John and Paula consulted medical specialists and also their priest.  He explained that it is quite right for couples who want to have their love to bear fruit, to pray and do this discernment together. However, the Church teaches that children are not a right but a gift from God and suggests couples could consider other options, adoption or fostering. He also referred them to a specialist who could help them to explore the possibilities of Natural Family Planning and working carefully with their fertility story. Their joy was great when it did work for them and their son was born in due course.  

JUDGE, reflection and share: Scripture: In the bitterness of her soul Hannah prayed to the Lord with many tears and made a vow saying, “If you will take notice of the distress of your servant and give me a man-child I will give him to the Lord for the whole of his life.”  Eli, the priest supposed she was drunk, but she said, “I have been speaking from the depth of my grief and my resentment.”  Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant what you have asked of him.” From Sam 1: 9-20.  Pope Francis. Family planning fittingly takes places as the result of consensual dialogue  between the spouses, respect for times and consideration of the dignity of the partner. AL 222. Looking to the future with hope entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it. Sadly, in many situations this is lacking. A first effect of this is the loss of the desire to transmit life. A number of countries are experiencing an alarming decline in the birthrate as a result of today’s frenetic pace, fears about the future, the lack of job security and adequate social policies, and social models whose agenda is dictated by the quest for profit rather than concern for relationships. Jubilee SNC9.  

ACT: Decide on possible appropriate action.  Is adequate information abouty family planning available? Conclude with prayer