October 16. SEE.  What church and why? “Why do people go to some churches and not others?  Is it the quality of the preaching, the personality of the preacher, the type of worship with or without song and dance, the healing that they are seeking, or the message that speaks to them in their hearts?”   This kind of debate was being held all over as new churches are blossoming and more traditional churches are finding they are losing members.  “You could ask what attracted people to Jesus, because his message wasn’t easy.  People crowded round Jesus to hear his wisdom. The leaders then were jealous of him because he was popular and spoke in a way easy to understand about serious things that helped them think, like telling them how valuable and loved they were to God.  Where and how do we still feel like that?”   

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture. Jesus said, “are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  And not one of them is forgotten before God.  Even the hairs of your head are numbered. You are of more value than many sparrows. From Luke12:1-7.  Pope Francis:  Jesus took up the biblical faith in God, the Creator, emphasizing a fundamental truth: God is Father.  In talking with his disciples he would invite them to recognise the paternal relationship God has with all his creatures.  With moving tenderness he would remind them that each of them is important in God’s eyes. LS 96.  Pope Leo: Through the Lord’s closeness, the gift of peace enters into the world in a paradoxical way. It does so through the power to become children of God, and is awakened when we allow ourselves to be moved by the tears of the little ones, the fragility of the elderly, the silence of victims and the struggle of those who fight against the evil they do not wish to commit.  In this wounded yet beloved flesh, the Father shows us the true humanity of a life fulfilled through openness and communion, which leads us to desire that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

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