October 9. SEE.  Casting out demons. Their RCIA catechist told the group, “There is a lot of talk about false prophets, demons and healing from time to time within churches and society too. Historically some aspects of traditional religion have been called demonic or satanic. Today, when it comes to the various self-proclaimed prophets how can we really know who is on God’s side or just out for profit and for himself?“ She left them to debate and invited them too to take the issue home to their teenagers and pray about it.   “Remember, we must always be on guard against evil rebounding in our hearts & homes. If we ignore evil, it could become seven times as bad, as Jesus has said!”  

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture. If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. He who is not with me is against me.  Luke 11:15-26   Pope Francis: Called to take root in every place the Church has been present for centuries throughout the world, for that is what it means to be “catholic.” She can understand from her own experience of grace and sin, the beauty of the invitation to universal love. FT 278.  Pope Leo: .We must avoid the “Babel syndrome,” namely the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak, a uniformity that neutralizes differences, and the pretense that a single language — even a digital one — can translate everything, including the mystery of the person, into data and performance. The risk of dehumanization — of building a future that excludes God and reduces the other to a means — is an ancient and ever-new temptation that today takes on a technical guise. MH 10

Daily Prayer for Mission Month October, Year of St Francis and upcoming Local Elections in SA.  

Heavenly Father, during this Mission month, we praise and thank you for the gift of your love and the riches of your creation. As missionary disciples we answer your call to walk in the way of peace.  We lift up to you all leaders of nations. Grant them an open heart and a listening ear to hear the cries of the poor and the needy. Bless all missionaries, protect them from harm, strengthen their hearts in times of trial, and fill them with the joy of your Spirit. As we prepare for the elections and a renewal of society for the common good we acknowledge our shortcomings and faults. We hear the needs that call for help to build a united country under God, as a family of all the families of creation.  Mary, Mother of the Church and of the Rosary pray for us. St Francis, our model and patron saint of all of creation pray for us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen