August 2.  SEE.  SUNDAY 18A.    Inclusive language.  Martin opened up the topic of exclusive and inclusive language.   “Let’s take a look at the rally in the gospel and these 5000 men, besides women and children that were fed.   Would they really have gone without taking any provisions with them?   That does sound like an unwomanly thing to do.   Could it have been just one woman, or maybe a man who had brought some loaves and fish?  The story does illustrate God’s concern for us, for our human and spiritual needs because they were not expecting to be fed.   The fact that the gospel notes 5000 men first and then adds on some women and children shows the world-view of the time.  Women were not on an equal plane with men.   But in other instances Jesus does challenge gender stereotypical thinking, a good topic to explore.”     

JUDGE. Reflect, share, act. Scripture:   Jesus said, “they need “not go away, you give them something to eat.”    Those who ate were about 5000 men, besides women and children.    Matt 13: 13-21.  Pope Francis:  Certain forms of feminism have arisen which we must consider inadequate, we must nonetheless see in the women’s movement of our time the working of the Spirit for a clearer recognition of the dignity and rights of women. AL 54. Pope Leo:   Recognizing that every man and woman possesses an inalienable dignity, together with rights that no human power can betray or nullify, requires us to shape the way we live together, including our economic and political choices, and the makeup of our cities. From this arises the first major principle of Social Doctrine: the common good. MH 59
ACT AND PRAY.  Pray as appropriate for the needs of your family.  Pray St Francis Peace Prayer and pray: Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, Patroness of South Africa, pray for us.