21st October.  Benedict Daswa.  Not so long ago here in South Africa our first martyr was recognised and beatified.  In promoting his cause for canonisation Bishop Joao emphasized Benedict Daswa’s role as a family man, teacher and school principal who was proud to be a Christian  and speak up for Christian values in public. This won him favour with God and can do so for us too.  However his condemnation of witchcraft resulted in his murder.  Some people who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus are afraid to speak up for him in public: they can be forgiven. However all people should recognize the Spirit of God who is active in the world and slowly leads us closer to God. 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.   From Luke 12: 8-12.  Pope Francis. Spirit-filled evangelisers means evangelisers fearlessly open to the working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit grants the courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel with boldness in every time and place, even when it meets with opposition.   Jesus wants evangelisers who proclaim the good news not only with words but above all by a life transfigured by God’s presence. EG 259.  The Holy Spirit is the real protagonist of the Synod of synodality which is in progress at this time.  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.