October 22. SEE. Managing the fire. Two sodality leaders shared with one another.  “Do you ever feel as if there is too much good work to be achieved and not enough time?” “I’m sure we all do, but what is really important to achieve?“   “I feel I have neglected my family because of my church work and that does worry me.”  “ Jesus knew that his time was limited and that his teaching, even of the fire of love, would cause division between members of families. Sadly I see that still today the Christian fire, joy and enthusiasm of some is disliked by others.  In spite of that we should respond to our own calling, but continue to evaluate and discern. After all, fire can burn to destroy or to bring light.”  

JUDGE.  Reflect, share. Scripture. “I came to cast fire upon the earth and would that it were already kindled. Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No I tell you, but rather division. Luke 12:49-53: Pope Francis:  Ecological conversion must be based on a spirituality that can motivate us, nourish and give meaning to our individual and communal activity for a more passionate concern for the protection of our world.  LS 216. Pope Leo:  The civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization. For this reason, it is worthwhile pausing to reflect on some aspects of how we, each in our own way, can cooperate in building the civilization of love. Without presuming to exhaust this theme, I would like to propose five paths toward daily and public responsibility: the need to disarm words, building peace through justice, adopting the perspective of victims, cultivating a healthy realism and reviving dialogue and multilateralism.

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