2008 FAMILY LIFE CALENDAR REFLECTIONS

THEME “ME AND MY FAMILY”

AUGUST THEME: ME, WOMAN AND MAN

INTRODUCTION

Traditionally in Western and African cultures roles of men and women in the family were more clearly defined with the man regarded as the head of the family. This could be good but has also led to much abuse and oppression of women and girls. A universal trend towards equality and to women's empowerment challenges this model, resulting in major changes in the roles of men and women, boys and girls. Women are gaining greater freedom and have access to many work opportunities even though there is not yet equal pay for equal work.  Women and girls are also most often the victims of trafficking.
Within family life these changing roles are also causing confusion and sometimes perceived disempowerment or alienation of men. This can be so particularly in the intimate male-female relationship. 
Sexuality and gender orientation are issues to be addressed in growing families. Roles of male and female, adults and children need constant renegotiation as a family changes over time in its life cycle.  
How are you as a man or woman, boy or girl coping with gender issues and orientation?
Is the necessary sexuality education being provided? Reflect, share, discuss, pray……

Note:  As from 29th June we begin to celebrate the Year of St Paul, there will be a greater focus on the 2nd reading when it is taken from Paul’s letters. 

3rd 18th Sunday A.  The Lord who feeds us.  Like any parent God feeds us because he loves us. Men and women have different ways of expressing their loving care in family life.  We used to see fathers as breadwinners and mothers as homemakers but that is not always the case.  Boys and girls also don’t play the same roles as they used to do, when girls had to help in the house and boys were often just playing.  Does everyone do their part in cooperating with God who provides for us and feeds us?      

9th Women’s Day, SA.  Discuss how gender roles, of old and young, are played out in the family.  Are we being fair to everyone and helping boys and girls grow up with self-confidence? 

10th 19th Sunday A.  His voice that speaks of peace.  While the 1st reading and the gospel speak of storms, St Paul writes about an inner storm, anguish on behalf of his spiritual family whom he regards as his flesh and blood. Maybe this is an appropriate time to speak about gender abuse and violence in families and society and pray for healing.

15th ASSUMPTION.  The Catholic Church teaches that because Mary bore the Son of God, and because of the perfection of her own life she was rewarded by God in a special way.  When she died she was taken up, body and soul, into heaven so that her body would not decay.  This feast is the patronal feast of South African and an opportunity for great celebration. We pray for her protection on our country and all its people. 

17th 20th Sunday A. Mercy to all Mankind. The readings all provide us with an important occasion to focus on the issue of inter-faith dialogue. Do we understand the traditions and habits of other faiths especially with regard to their treatment of women?  Dialogue is about hearing one another’s views and seeking to do what is right together.

24th  21st Sunday. A  Peter the Rock.   God in his infinite wisdom which St Paul describes so eloquently chose Peter to build his Church.  Peter’s successors over the centuries all still need the wisdom of God to guide the Church in God’s ways.  Pray for the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI and all Church leaders that they may be guided with God’s wisdom. 

31st  22nd Sunday A. Christ, who overcame the reluctance of the Flesh.  Jesus spoke of the suffering he would have to endure in taking up his cross and St Paul also calls on his readers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice.  Men and women, boys and girls,  have to make personal sacrifices in order to live with integrity and consider what is best for their families and not only for themselves.  Also Bible Sunday.