November 16.  The J&P group also contributed to the reflections. “The State Capture Commission and others have heard numerous stories of attempts to bribe government officials for personal gain. Bribery and corruption have become a way of life for all of us, in business and private life, on a large and small scale. We have lost our moral integrity, our moral fibre, and it’s going to be one of the most difficult evils to eradicate unless the whole country  cooperates and acts with complete integrity and is even prepared to suffer for the sake of a belief in truth and justice.”

In those days Eleazar one of the scribes in a high position, advanced in years, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine’s flesh. When he refused his captors tried to bribe him but he continued to refuse.  He was beaten and as he died he said, “I am enduring terrible sufferings in my body but in my soul I am glad to suffer these things because I fear the Lord.” He died leaving an example of nobility and courage not only to the young but to the great body of his nation. 2 Maccabees 6:18-31.  Pope Francis:   Faith means believing in God, believing that he truly loves us, that he is alive, that he is mysteriously capable of intervening, that he does not abandon us and that he brings good out of evil by his power and infinite creativity.  It means believing that he marches triumphantly in history with those who are called and chosen and faithful. EG 278. Reflect, share, act and pray