17 January.  SEE: The old ladies shared their thoughts again, “Now that the holidays are over we have to look ahead to what is in store for us this year.”  “I wonder how leaders get to be where they are?  Take a look at the US elections and how for months and months millions of dollars are spent on building an image, lobbying, debating even kissing babies.”   They laughed but Anna said, “Don’t we do much the same for our local elections, giving out food parcels. But we do it in all kinds of elections like PPCs  and sodalities, so not only political ones? Are we really examining the qualities and abilities of the persons and also pray for guidance about it?”  “Let us make a point of really examining candidates and look for their positive qualities. Finding good candidates should foster a sense of hope.”

JUDGE, reflect and share: Scripture: When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said, “This is the man of whom I spoke.   He it is who will rule over my people.” 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19.  Pope Francis: Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring. SNC 1.  Pope Leo: Goodness is disarming. Perhaps this is why God became a child. The mystery of the Incarnation, which reaches its deepest descent even to the realm of the dead, begins in the womb of a young mother and is revealed in the manger in Bethlehem. “Peace on earth,” sing the angels, announcing the presence of a defenseless God, in whom humanity can discover itself as loved only by caring for him (cf. Lk 2:13-14).  Peace Message 1 January.

ACT: Decide on possible appropriate action in your own life.   Conclude with prayer