September 26.   DISCERNMENT.  A Look at Life. The family had spent some weeks on an eco-safari, observing and absorbing the world around them.  The relaxed  atmosphere they had achieved had given them a different view of life. “Today people rush into everything, want the latest gadgets. You know it seems that people used to be much more patient than they are today.” “ But still there are times when action is important, like when we challenge governments and big corporations about inequality, climate change and pollution they’re very slow to act.   On Heritage Day the teenagers had suggested they really needed to celebrate National Braai Day. “Why?”  “Because a braai is a good South African institution that we all enjoy.”  So in a small town they visited they saw a big sport stadium and a soccer competition being advertised. Nearby was an outdoor eatery advertising “Buy and Braai” That idea was new to them, but they joined in and enjoyed themselves until Michael noticed that a lot of young kids hanging around the soccer field were clearly poor. Had they eaten? Was there genuine sharing here? They prayed for guidance as they discussed what they could do. What would Jesus expect of them here.

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:   Jesus asked, “ Who do you say I am?”   Peter answered, “You are the Christ of God.”Pope Francis: We should be particularly indignant at the enormous inequalities in our midst, whereby we continue to tolerate some considering themselves more worthy than others. We fail to see that some are mired in desperate and degrading poverty, with no way out, while others have not the faintest idea of what to do with their possessions, vainly showing off their supposed superiority and leaving behind them so much waste which, if it were the case everywhere, would destroy the planet. In practice, we continue to tolerate that some consider themselves more human than others, as if they had been born with greater rights. LS 90.  Eco-tip and prayer.  Continue to value and make moments away from the rush of daily life and pray for wisdom in discerning the way forward in every action. 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.