October 17. Sunday 29B.  Adrian shared his concern.  “In the middle of all this electioneering, and in fact in all political debates, people don’t seem to be able to listen to each other. I know that is what has to happen when the political parties are having to sell their views, but I do find it hard to concentrate and listen when there is so much “noise” around.  We all need to consider seriously what parties are offering, what is for the common good and what is just for their own benefit. Even in our families this can turn into arguments taken over by who can shout the loudest. At this time I hope that our Church will give us, as voters, good guidance too, as in “What would Jesus do?”  

James and John asked Jesus “Grant us to sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.”  When the ten heard it they began to be indignant at James and John. Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”  Mark 10:35-45.  Pope Francis:  Approaching, speaking, listening, looking at, coming to know and understand one another, and to find common ground: all these things are summed up in the one word “dialogue.”  I think of what our world would be like without the patient dialogue of the many generous persons who keep families and communities together.  FT198.   Reflect, share, act and pray. Like St Francis am I humble?