• August Reflections: How Men and Women Play

  Filed under Calendar and Reflections
  Aug 1

  Introduction
  In many ways men and women are competing as equals but in sport there are still different standards. This is because of our physical makeup, but there are also other differences in how men and women play games. These need not be seen as obstacles to be overcome but qualities to be celebrated. At the same time it is also important not to stereotype people into gender roles.
  Ask yourselves: Who is most competitive, most dedicated, the best loser? Are boys and girls in the family allowed to be who they are or being channeled into particular paths, especially being pushed into success and achievement?

  1-8 AUGUST PRISON FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF PRAYER AND TRANSFORMATION “Is there room at your table?” Contact douw@prisonfellowship.co.za or rcampbell@sacbc.org.za for a resource package for use in parishes.

  1st 18th Sunday of the Year C. Christ who is everything and in everything. The readings all focus on vanity as undue attachment to earthly things and the need to focus on Christ and building up treasure in the sight of God. Consider whether men or women, boys or girls are more attached to their possessions and pray to keep these things in the right balance as a family.

  8th 19th Sunday of the Year C. The Lord Our God. We are grateful that God has chosen us to be his people but this comes with certain obligations required to build God’s kingdom. Today in church there are many more women then men. In building up God’s kingdom in the world are men and women “playing the game” fairly and meeting their obligations. Are our families good schools for learning the necessary skills?

  9th Women’s Day SA. Women took the initiative to stand up for the rights not only of themselves but of all South Africans in 1955 when they demonstrated against pass laws. Show gratitude for the courage and commitment of all women and consider ways that those girls and women who are still disadvantaged can be helped.

  15th 20th Sunday of the Year C, The Assumption. The patronal feast of South Africa of Mary Queen, assumed into heaven is celebrated in many ways across the country with pilgrimages and vigils and special Masses. Let Mary also be queen in our families and invite her to reign together with her son for all young people, boys and girls.

  22nd 21st Sunday of the Year C. The Lord gathers a People to Himself. The readings make challenging statements saying that although the Lord gathers a people to himself it is an invitation to which we must respond to be counted among the chosen. The 2nd reading speaks specifically about “sons” when it mentions that the Lord trains those whom he loves, but it must be applied to men and women. Will there be more women ultimately amongst the chosen?

  27th St Monica. The mother of the great St Augustine is a saint in her own right through her commitment and devotion to her son for whose conversion is prayed. That is the role of many women in our families today too.

  29th 22nd Sunday. Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant. Bible Sunday. Catholics have become more committed to bible reading and study over recent years and use different methods for doing so. Reading and sharing in families is an important skill to be learned so that men and women, boys and girls can learn to value and love the Word of God and understand the role and message of Jesus as the mediator of the New Covenant, the new relationship of love with God.
  No Comments

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.