November 8.  Fr Ivor invited Vincent, a parishioner well-versed in scripture, to prepare some basic explanatory material on the readings. Vincent explained, “The book of Wisdom belongs to a genre known as Wisdom literature, written mainly after the Babylonian exile as theological reflection on the events of the history of the chosen people.” He continued, “In our day many people found it quite challenging that when former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe died he was praised and lauded by some while others focused more on the negatives; the selfishness and greed he had displayed that had destroyed his country’s economy causing great financial and human losses and misery to millions of people.” The J&P group held a long discussion on the issue, “The same continues to happen in other places too. Despite loss of life and resources even bad rulers seem to have their faithful followers.” 

Love righteousness you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord with uprightness and seek him with sincerity of heart because he is found by those who do not put him to the test.  Perverse thoughts separate men from God.  Wisdom 1:1-7.   Pope Francis:  The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits.  In this system which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits whatever is fragile, like the environment is defenseless before their interests. We lack leadership capable of striking out on new paths and meeting the needs of the present with concern for all and without prejudice towards coming generations.   It is plain that our politics are subject to technology and finance. There are too many special interests and economic interests easily end up trumping the common good and manipulating information so that their own plans will not be affected.   LS53-54. Reflect, share, act and pray