14 December.  Arrive alive.  For an end-of-the-year project the children had made a poster of the 10 Commandments. “Which ones should we be aware of at this time,” Mom had asked.  “Probably all of them” was the answer but they agreed, “Let us pray around the 5th commandment, “Do not kill.”   Cornelius had spent two years studying to become a paramedic.  “It isn’t just doing a bit of first aid or dealing with fire injuries, you know,” he stated.  “We do a lot of serious life-saving, but sometimes road accidents, road rage, drowning, reckless driving, drinking and driving are so often so unnecessary, that they even make us cross.  So much “snot and trane” (Afrikaans saying meaning “tears”) could be avoided.”   

Scripture: Jesus said, “Elijah has already come and they did not know him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. Matt 17:10-13.   Pope Francis: Pope Benedict asked us to recognize that the natural environment and the social environment have been gravely damaged by our irresponsible behaviour.  Both are due to the same evil: the notion that there are no indisputable truths to guide our lives, and hence human freedom is limitless.  LS 6. Reflect, share, and pray:  How many people will die on the roads these holidays?  Will it be more or less than last year?  Let us act responsibly and pray to St Christopher for protection and that drivers will act responsibly for the safety of their passengers and other families on the road.”