October 17. SEE. Daswa, standing up for God.  In 2015 here in South Africa our first martyr was recognised and beatified.  Benedict Daswa was a family man, a teacher and proud to be a Christian speaking up for Christian values in public. His courage and opposition to witchcraft led to his murder, but such courage will win us favour in Gods sight.  There is very much persecution of Christians in the world today.  Some do defend their faith but others are afraid to speak up for him in public: they can be forgiven because the danger is great.  At the same time people should recognize the Spirit of God being active in the world slowly leading us closer to God and filling us with joy. 

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture. When they bring you before the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how or what to say,  for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.   From Luke 12: 8-12. Pope Francis:  The majority of people living on our planet profess to be believers.   This should spur religions to dialogue among themselves for the sake of protecting nature, defending the poor, and building networks of respect and fraternity. LS 201.  Pope Leo: As a believer among believers I invite everyone to contemplate, in the face of the Son of God, the grandeur of humanity that shines a light also on the era of AI. In Christ we are called to cooperate in the work of creation , rather than be disinterested observers of technological processes that limit our freedom and responsibility.  MH 233   

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