October 24. SEE. Patience.  Every year from the end of winter and the beginning of spring gardeners go out in force, pruning, digging up, tidying, replanting and fertilising and then patiently wait to see how fruitful their efforts have been.  Will their garden win a prize or bear the best fruit?  A hail storm or severe drought could threaten it all but nevertheless we keep hoping and trying.  How long can patience hold out?  Jesus said: God is like a gardener who will spend time and care on his fruit trees; however there is nevertheless a limit to his patience and effort!  Be conscious of the need to render fruit to God always. 

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture. “Cut the fig tree down. Why should it use up the ground?” And the gardener replied, ”Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about and put on manure. If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.” Luke 13:1-9. Pope Francis:  Patience takes root when I recognise that other people also have a right to live in this world, just as they are.  It does not matter if they hold me back, unsettle my plans or annoy me by the way they act or think.  AL 92.  Pope Leo:  In the past, it was largely up to the State to guide and direct innovation. Today, however, the main drivers of development are private, often transnational, parties that are endowed with resources and the capacity to intervene that surpass those of many Governments. Technological power thus takes on an unprecedented, predominantly “private” aspect, which makes it even more challenging to discern, govern and direct such power toward the common good.  MH 4-5

Daily Prayer for Mission Month October, Year of St Francis and upcoming Local Elections in SA.  

Heavenly Father, during this Mission month, we praise and thank you for the gift of your love and the riches of your creation. As missionary disciples we answer your call to walk in the way of peace.  We lift up to you all leaders of nations. Grant them an open heart and a listening ear to hear the cries of the poor and the needy. Bless all missionaries, protect them from harm, strengthen their hearts in times of trial, and fill them with the joy of your Spirit. As we prepare for the elections and a renewal of society for the common good we acknowledge our shortcomings and faults. We hear the needs that call for help to build a united country under God, as a family of all the families of creation.  Mary, Mother of the Church and of the Rosary pray for us. St Francis, our model and patron saint of all of creation pray for us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen