September 21.   25th Sunday C.   As they continued their eco-safari the Phantana family found they weren’t able to go to Mass every Sunday in some of the tiny places where there was no resident priest.    However they did read and reflect on the scripture and practised their faith sharing.   Pauline asked.  “I think that the story of the dishonest steward changing the invoices of the money owed to their master is very real and a serious case of corruption like we hear about all the time.  Were people like that already in those days?” Michael responded, “Well wickedness has been around since the time of Adam, don’t you know! In the Bible stories God also punished people through nature, e.g. the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah. Whether those are literally true accounts is another matter but the point is that such stories illustrate how God’s justice overcomes evil.  You can’t continue to get away with corruption. We hope that the government will eventually catch up with you.”  “Unless your family and friends protect you. Isn’t that what happens?”    

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  No servant can serve two masters.  You cannot serve God and mammon. Read Luke 16:1-13.   Pope Francis:   We lack the culture needed to confront the crisis of global warming, water scarcity and more.  We lack leadership capable of striking out on new paths and meeting the needs of the present with concern for all and without prejudice towards coming generations.  LS53.   We should not think that political efforts or the force of law will be sufficient to prevent actions which affect the environment because when the culture itself is corrupt and objective truth and universally valid principles are no longer upheld the laws can only be seen as arbitrary impositions or obstacles to be avoided. LS123.  ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  Witness to and lobby for Christian eco-values and social justice in the workplace or wherever one’s environment allows.  Pray for honesty and integrity in political leaders as they decide on the necessary action to combat climate change effects. DAILY PRAYER.  God of love show us as families how to be channels of Your love for all Your creatures.  Pour out Your Spirit upon us as we pray and work together to tend the garden and foster peace with creation.