14 October.   Groups from the two twin parishes met from time to time for sharing and discussion.  At such a time there was bound to be talk of corruption. “Corruption is a real cancer in our society today. We saw how it affected outcomes of the last elections, both here and elsewhere, in Africa too.”  “But do you think that new brooms do sweep clean, or are there also skeletons in their cupboards?”  “However, should we ourselves not be conscious to do what is right, honourable and merciful too, rather than criticise others?  At least some of them do care for the poor and underprivileged too.” ”With their ill-gotten gains!”   “And how many of us would be prepared to go and visit those in prison and help with rehabilitation?” 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  Jesus accused the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. “You fool, did not he who made the outside not make the inside also?  But give for alms those things which are within and behold everything is clean for you.” Luke 11:37-4 Pope Francis: Corruption is a sinful hardening of the heart that replaces God with the illusion that money is a form of power.  St Gregory the Great said that no one can think himself immune from this temptation.  MV 19.  Jubilee. During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind. I think of prisoners who, deprived of their freedom, daily feel the harshness of detention and its restrictions, lack of affection and, in more than a few cases, lack of respect for their persons. I propose that in this Jubilee Year governments undertake initiatives aimed at restoring hope; forms of amnesty or pardon meant to help individuals regain confidence in themselves and in society; and programmes of reintegration in the community, including a concrete commitment to respect for law.   Act and Pray for the needs of families and our calling to become true missionary disciples.