October 26.  With the SA election around the corner it is important to consider what different parties have to offer as we consider where and how to cast our vote. In some circles in today’s society kings and kingdoms are largely out of fashion while some traditional rulers do remain and are actively supported by their people. Kingship as such is hereditary and so can be a setting for national and/or family values to be planted or instilled and built upon. However there is also the issue of abuse of power or jealousy from others. When it comes to comparisons, as in the gospel, do forms of government other than democracy have an equally strong possibility of upholding positive values, e.g. in such matters as the ownership and appropriation of land? That was the subject of a debate amongst three schools’ matric classes. The outcome?  Undecided.  Kingdoms of man like the kingdom of God remain a mystery.  

The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden and it grew and became a tree and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. The kingdom of God is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal.  Luke 13:18-21   From 2018 SACBC Statement on Land states: Based on Biblical teaching and developed by the Social Teaching of the Church we affirm that the land is meant for all the peoples of the earth and is held by us in sacred trust.  There is no absolute ownership of land.  Human beings are always at the centre of our social and economic life.  We affirm the need for respect for human life and human dignity, a democracy at the service of the common good, transparent and incorruptible leadership, responsible dialogue, non-violence, respect for the Constitution, practical wisdom and rejection of populism. The gospel will always remain good news until it has been proclaimed to all people, until it has brought all men and women together at the table in God’s kingdom.EG 237. Reflect, share, act and pray.   How will I care for the environment today?