19th October. Prophets and lawyers.  The visiting missionary told the group, “Mission month combined with the Synod of Synodality reminds us of the call to communion, participation and mission. Everyone is called to be a missionary and prophet, to speak the truth that comes from God and is written on their hearts.   A “Pharisee” is someone who does not do the good they preach. They can demand false religion from others over whom they have power.  They kill the Spirit of God and the knowledge he gives to people. Do our churches and pastors speak the truth?  Do those in leadership lead by example?  But do not expect people will like to hear the truth from you, when you speak it? 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  Woe to you lawyers, for you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves and you hindered those who were entering. Luke 11:47-54: Pope Francis. To either a greater or lesser degree mass man is convinced that his acceptance of and conformity to buy, own and consume is reasonable and just.   This leads people to believe that they are free as long as they have the supposed freedom to consume.  But those really free are the minority who wield economic and financial power. This situation engenders a feeling of instability and uncertainly which in turn becomes a seedbed for collective selfishness.   LS203-4.  Pray: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love, so that walking together we may renew the face of the earth.