“I have come that they may have life, life in abundance.”

Adelaide Synagogue

Just a few thoughts

·         What might be the demons we face in our lives? I imagine that our own egos and the spreaders of fake news would be some of them.

·         It’s the feast of St John Bosco – He founded the Salesians. Their activity concentrated on education and mission work.

Reflection.

ü  The One and the Many

ü  Pope Francis

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  Satan and the Devil  --  Fr Ron Rolheiser

Ø  The Three Domes  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Musical Reflection

¯ Jesus Christ you are my life

¯ We Are Called

Bits & Pieces

v  1882  --  Peter Dawson

 

A small boat crossing a stormy lake: what a perfect image of human existence!

Just a few thoughts

·         More equitable economy  --  CathNews
The CSSA report summarises a number of the key challenges that faced the Australian economy and workforce before the pandemic, including underemployment, instability of work, slow wages growth and some immoral behaviour by employers.
It says that rather than the recovery seeking to restore what existed before the pandemic, a new, more equitable economy should emerge.

Reflection.

ü Let us pray for that inner peace that comes from knowing Jesus is always very close to us, no matter what may be going on in our lives.

ü Today, Jesus is teaching us about the need and importance of always having faith in Him and also trusting in Him during good times and bad times.

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  For those of you particularly interested in aspects of Social Justice the Eureka Street edition of Friday 29 January should be of interest. Quite a few thoughtful articles.

Ø  Free to Serve Others  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Musical Reflection

¯ Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult

¯ This Little Light of Mine

Bits & Pieces

v  1882  --  Victoria Park

 

Bring forth the presence of God

Just a few thoughts

·         Josephites call for acceptance of Uluru Statement  --  CathNews

·         New Church protocol  responding to sexual abuse  --  CathNews

Reflection.

ü Reflect upon the incredible potential that God has placed within our soul. He made us with the intention to bring forth His Kingdom through us and to do so in an abundant way. It is our responsibility to simply believe this and to allow God to do what He desires to do in our life.

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  The Justice of Jesus and the State  --  Catholic Voice

Ø  A Liberating Spirit  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Musical Reflection

¯ Bring Forth

¯ This Little Light of Mine

 

We all need to “see the light.”

Just a few thoughts

·         Today is the feast of St Thomas Acquinas. Here is a brief outline of his life

·         Many, many years ago, while at Rostrevor College, we students went on a retreat at the Glen Osmond Monastery. I learnt about St Thomas and got a “pocket edition” of his “Summa Theologiae”. I read all of it!

·         Today I learnt that he did not actually finish writing his book……
He stopped work on it after celebrating Mass on December 6, 1273. When asked why he stopped writing, he replied, “I cannot go on…. All that I have written seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen and what has been revealed to me.” He died March 7, 1274.

·         A couple of his quotes:
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”

“The things that we love tell us what we are.”

Reflection.

ü There is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  A Liberating Theology  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Ø  God Cannot Tell A Lie  --  Fr Ron Rolheiser

Musical Reflection

¯ Thy Word  --  Maranatha Singers

¯ This Little Light Of Mine  --  Odetta

Parables - Jesus is waiting for your mind to open, your spirit to deepen.

 

Just a few thoughts

·        There were so many powerful expressions in the media about Australia Day trying to explain who we are as Australians. The one that struck me most -
Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann
“We have adapted to a new way of living.
We have learnt to speak your English.
We, for many years, have walked on a one way street to learn the white people’s way.
Now is the time for you to come closer to understand us and understand how we live and listen to the needs of our communities”

·         Jesus is waiting for our minds to open, our spirit to deepen.
I read an opinion in the media that stated in no uncertain terms that we should move on!
The past is no longer relevant!
The immediate response was – “Well why than are we spending so much time celebrating the invasion and colonisation of Australia?

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  A Silver Lining  --  Fr Richard Leonard

Musical Reflection

¯ Happy Australia Day  --  Luke O'Shea

For the nation of Australia, that all who dwell here, from its First Peoples to its most recent arrivals, will work together for a just society.

Just a few thoughts

·         Happy Australia day everyone!

·         Acknowledgement of Country
Today, on this day of mourning, invasion and survival, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians on whose land I stand and pay my respects to the Elders past, present, and future. I take a stand in solidarity for truth and justice

·         Sheila and I watched the Adam Goodes documentary “The Australian Dream”.
What an education!

·         We watched the Australian of the Year ceremony.
What an education!

·         I watched the Aboriginal Christian service – Change the Heart – Tuning in Together
What an education!

What I learnt most of all was that all these programs highlighted the serious need for governments to actually listen to community voices. Governments must take responsibility to correct the obvious barriers to justice that are made so obvious in these programs.

·         Australia Day Prayer
May the God of truth
– open our ears and eyes to the wind whistling through the Grasstrees.
May the God of justice
– open our minds to the flowing actions of the waters from refreshing rain, to gentle brook, from mighty river, to raging sea.
May the God of love
– open our hearts to the beat of the Clapsticks calling us in to rhythm.
Now go. . . to pursue Jesus,with truth, justice, and love.
Amen.

·         Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM became the Northern Territory's first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher in 1975, becoming a principal in her community of Nauiyu, 143 kilometres south-west of Darwin.
I first learnt about her when she designed an Aboriginal Stations of The Cross

Musical Reflection

¯ The Seekers - I Am Australian

¯ Virtual Choir - ABC Australia

 

Proclaim the good news to the whole creation.

Just a few thoughts

·         The homily at our church on Sunday had a strong focus on the word repent. It has a negative view of our mission in life.
Mgr Denis Edwards used a different word  – transformation, changing our attitudes.
The advice is that we change our lives with a focus on the Good News – metanoia.
It once again comes back to our ego!  Jesus showed us by example how we can diminish the size of our own ego, by applying our free will in the service of the will of God.

·         Our parish Mass included patriotic songs providing colonial perspectives. Sadly there was no acknowledgement of this country’s incredible First Nations Peoples culture/heritage. On the eve of Australia Day we have the opportunity of sharing in a unique national First Nations Peoples prayer service.  Tonight at 7pm

Reflection.

ü A Sunday Homily

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  Authentic Freedom  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Musical Reflection

¯  “Let us build the city of God....” Don’t look for plans; your own village is the city of God. The city of God is not made of stones but of people, “living stones”

¯ This beautiful Irish hymn was sung during the Inauguration Mass of Joe Biden -
To Christ the seed, to Christ the crop, in barn of Christ may we be brought.
To Christ the sea, to Christ the fish, in nets of Christ may we be caught.
From growth to age, from age to death, Thy two arms here, O Christ, about us.
From death to end, not end but growth, in blessed Paradise may we be.

¯ U2 + Gospel Choir - I still haven't found what I'm looking for.   --   I love this one!

Bits & Pieces

v  1959  --   Pope John XXIII announces intention to convoke the Second Vatican Council
Our current Catholic hierarchy still seems to be struggling to understand its significance. 

Change your ways and believe the Good News

Just a few thoughts

·         I was wondering in what ways I could celebrate Australia Day. The theme is - reflect, respect and celebrate.
Due to the C-Virus many important activities have restrictions. Here is a statement from The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC)
I usually attend activities organised by our First Nation Peoples.
A national prayer service led by Aunty Jean Phillips and Aboriginal Christian Leaders that be simulcast online at commongrace.org.au  -  click for details. The service will be held at 7pm on Monday evening

·         Get your church involved

Reflection.

ü Listening  --  Fr John Foley

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  A Silver Lining by Fr Richard Leonard

Musical Reflection

¯ The Summons

¯ Companions on The Journey

‘He has gone out of his mind.’

Just a few thoughts

·        Reflecting on yesterday’s Gospel……  Jesus chose his 12 apostles, his inner circle and he included Judas.  So there we have our “Church” – a church with inbuilt imperfections!

·        Blog reader Josie has been paging through some blog posts from the past and was particularly interested in the following posts:-
“Verandah”   --  it’s a good one, don’t you agree?  Do you contemplate life on your verandah? Send us a photo of your “veranda of contemplation”.
Australia Day Prayer  --  a very relevant one  as Tuesday is Australia Day.  What are you doing to celebrate Australia Day?

Reflection.

ü Like Jesus every true follower of Christ has faced misunderstanding, opposition and even verbal and physical violence. And this sometimes from within his own community.

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  Thinking about today’s Gospel it seems that many of the world’s great developments for the good of humanity have come from ideas of people who were definitely not members of “the silent majority”.
They were people seeking to change the world for the better by upsetting the status quo. Often they were depicted as extremists/ revolutionaries/ terrorists/ freedom fighters, etc.

Ø  True Liberation in God   Fr Richard Rohr

Musical Reflection

¯ I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say

¯ Take the Word of GOD with You

Bits & Pieces

v  1965  --  Kensington Sports Field

v  "Sunset is the opening music of the night." M  Mehmet Murat ildan

v  "Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully."    Kristen Butler

 

He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles.

Just a few thoughts

·        Nonagenarian!  Congratulations Veronica Deegan

·        Our church has the 12 apostles memorialised in the Communion rails/tables.
These were made by Voitre Marek as were the Stations of the Cross.
The copper legs of the Communion rails have a variety of symbols related to each of the apostles.

I wonder if anyone in our parish has any information about the meaning of these symbols?

·        The story and art of Voitre Marek and his brother will be featured in the Art Gallery of SA later this year.

Reflection.

ü Jesus goes up a mountain. His purpose on this occasion is to pick the inner circle of his followers.

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  A Journey to Freedom  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Ø  We bishops have the responsibility of being witnesses: witnesses that the Lord Jesus lives, that the Lord Jesus is risen, that the Lord Jesus walks with us, that the Lord Jesus saves us, that the Lord Jesus gave His life for us, that the Lord Jesus is our hope, that the Lord Jesus always welcomes us and forgives us. Our life must be this: a true witness to the Resurrection of Christ. For this reason, I would like to encourage you today to pray for us bishops: because we too are sinners, we too have weaknesses, we too run the risk Judas had: he too was chosen as a pillar. Pray that the bishops might be what Jesus wanted and that we all might bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus. (Pope Francis - Santa Marta, 22 January 2016)

Musical Reflection

Go Make Of All Disciples

Voice of God - Dante Bowe

Bits & Pieces

v  “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”– Dr. Seuss

v  1870  --  Central Market

They came to him in great numbers

Just a few thoughts

·        This blog and the email letters that came before it, have been very enriching for me in my own faith journey. In a way its focus has become a personal sharing rather than addressing needs of readers.

·        Yesterday I was browsing through the “Australian Catholics” magazine summer edition. I think it is a great magazine. You can pick up free copies from our parish church.
It has a reflection entitled “A letter to Simone Weil”. The reflection ended with  “Yes, we are far from perfect. Our very imperfection is where God attends to us.”
It struck me that if we had been created perfectly or evolved perfectly we would be like God!
Perhaps we are like distorted mirror images of God and if we follow the advice of Jesus we may become a more accurate image of God. The trouble is that God created us with the gift of Free Will. Our ego gets in the way!

Reflection.

ü They were coming for their own immediate needs and not as true followers. They came to get, not to give or share.

ü This is a good reading for people who tend to over-stretch themselves and feel guilty if they are not always working frantically.  Read More

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  UN countries challenge Australia's Indigenous incarceration record in human rights review

Ø  Telling a New Story  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Musical Reflection

¯ Take The Word Of God With You

¯ You Are the Way

Bits & Pieces

v  1903  --  Captain Collet Barker

He was grieved at their hardness of heart.

Just a few thoughts

·        Yesterday we included a quote from famous Australian author Tim Winton.
By coincidence ABC TV showed an episode of a most interesting series of programs by a very talented person, Anh Do.  He came to Australia as a child refugee with his parents from Vietnam.
His program featured the story of another refugee – Dr Munjed Al Muderis. – Australian of the Year 2020 - Awesome!
I am not sure if it is available on ABS iView right now. But keep an eye out for it.

·        On Sunday Fr James reminded us that 2021 is the Year of St Joseph. Learn more here.

Reflection.

ü Jesus became angry because people had closed their minds!

ü Christianity is about loving relationships not about conformity to laws.

The Signs Of The Times

Ø  Pope Francis formalises presence of women at the altar  --  Southern Cross

Ø  A New Story to Replace the Old  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Musical Reflection

¯ Sing of the Lord's goodness

¯ Sing of the Lord's Goodness (Jazz Church)

¯ Go Out In The World

Bits & Pieces

v  “Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.”  --  Douglas Adams

v  1803  -  Louis Freycinet-exploration of Spencer Gulf

 

The Law is for human beings, not human beings for the Law.

Just a few thoughts

·        Pope Francis --  Martin Luther King Jr’s dream “of harmony and equality for all people” is still relevant today

·        Death of Archbishop Philip Wilson  --  Southern Cross

·        Archbishop Coleridge  --  It’s time for bishops to speak up on democracy - Cathnews
One wonders about such statements when there is great urgency required to get their own dysfunctional church hierarchy in order?

Reflection.

Ø There is only one law in our faith: Love one another as I have loved you.

Ø Pope Francis:  We can always praise God, whose love never fails

The Signs Of The Times

Ø Charity workers gather to farewell a stranger

Ø Love Is the Protagonist  --  Fr Richard Rohr

Ø We're Afraid  --  Tim Winton

....We're afraid. Terrified. This big, brash wealthy country.
We have an irrational phobia. We're afraid of strangers. Not rich strangers. No. The ones who frighten us out of our wits are the poor strangers. People displaced by war and persecution.
We're even scared of their traumatised children.
And if they flee their war-torn countries in boats, well, then, they're twice as threatening. They send us into wild-eyed conniptions. As if they're armed invaders.
But these people arrive with nothing but the sweat on their backs and a crying need for safe refuge.
Yet, they terrify us. So great and so wild is our fear, we can no longer see them as people, as fellow humans.

Musical Reflection

¯ We Are Many Parts

¯ Oh the Love of My Lord is the Essence

¯ The Love of the Lord

Bits & Pieces

v   “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”– Dorothy Parker

v  1887  --  First express train to Melbourne