October 13. SEE. Hypocrisy.  “Putting your money where your mouth is” was the topic of the J&P talk to the youth.  “How hypocritical are we?” the speaker asked. Paulette shared, “It’s really hard when you’re dealing with other youth to be completely open and honest. I think we tend to make an impression on others, or say what we think they might like to hear. Even spiritually it is like, when we come to meals, we must purify our hearts as well as our hands if we are to share food & wisdom well. God knows our inner thoughts and giving to the poor and almsgiving should not be just for show, but really come from the heart.”

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture. Give for alms those things which are within, and behold everything is clean for you.    Luke 11: 37-41.  Pope Francis: Any attempt by groups within society to introduce change is viewed as a nuisance based on romantic illusions or an obstacle to be circumvented.  People may well have a growing ecological sensitivity but it has not succeeded in changing their harmful habits of consumption which appear to be growing. A simple example is the increasing use and power of air-conditioning stimulated by sales and the market. The markets, which immediately benefit from sales stimulate ever greater demand. LS 54-5.   Pope Leo: Almsgiving is not looked upon favourably even among believers.   Not only is it rarely practiced, but is even disparaged.   The most important way to help the disadvantaged is to assist them in finding a good job, so that they can lead a more dignified life. But if this is not possible almsgiving is a necessary means of contact, encounter and empathy.   It offers us a chance to halt before the poor, to look into their eyes, to touch them and to share something of ourselves with them. DT 115-6

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