20 January.  God’s Leadership style.   The Masons were discussing prefects at school. “How do you choose the best person for headboy or headgirl?”  “At our school our Life Orientation teacher gave us quite a lecture about what to look for and not just choose the most popular person.” “But why is a person popular, any way?” Amy asked.  “That is the real question isn’t it? Are they honest, care for others or just nice to their friends?” Mom added.  “That is exactly what happens in the public and political domains too,  nepotism is a massive problem as for bribery and buying favours, don’t even mention it.” “And what about threats and intimidation?”    

JUDGE, reflect and share:   Scripture: The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance, for the Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Samuel anointed David and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him.   Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13.   Pope Francis:   I know that you are capable of acts of great friendship and goodness.  With these you are called to build the future, together with others and for others, but never against anyone.   Message to Youth.  Pope Leo: God shows a preference for the poor: the Lord’s words of hope and liberation are addressed first of all to them. Therefore, even in their poverty or weakness, no one should feel abandoned. And the Church, if she wants to be Christ’s Church, must be a Church of the Beatitudes, one that makes room for the little ones and walks poor with the poor, a place where the poor have a privileged place (cf. Jas 2:2-4)   DT

ACT: Decide on possible appropriate action.   Conclude with prayer