Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KFc07uzMRD8CZ1ejYXz1dMtUkGKWLSDL/view?usp=sharing
Greetings!
As we reflect on the Liturgy of this weekend, we think about the precious men and women in our lives, who are also fathers in one way or another. We thank God for the value He places on fatherhood and we pray and honour the fathers in our lives today and every day. For all “fathers”, we pray that you feel celebrated in a special way and treasured by your Heavenly Father, knowing that your sacrificial love and tireless efforts will be rewarded. Happy Father’s Day!
It is also Child Protection Week and new information on the Safeguarding of Children and young people.
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ezekiel 33:7-9. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts – Psalm 94(95):1-2, 6-9. Romans 13:8-10. Matthew 18:15-20.
Are we ready to hear the hurt?
We need courage to confront a person who has caused us pain and distress, a person who has sinned against us. It can often feel easier or justifiable to complain to other people about the ‘problem person’. For a little while, talking about the person rather than to the person can ease the pain.
Yet the wisdom of Matthew’s Gospel reminds us of the conversation that must happen ‘between you and him alone’. A careful, just and age-old process allows the sinner multiple opportunities to acknowledge their sins and return to the way of good. It begins with that first conversation. We might reflect how these difficult conversations feel for us when we are the one doing the ‘sinning’.
Whether we knowingly or unwittingly hurt a loved one, are we ready to hear the hurt, to understand the cost? Do we have the courage to accept our failings, seek forgiveness and return to the way of love and good?
https://www.pray.com.au/gospel_reflection/sunday-6-september-2020/
Have a wonderful Father’s Day!
Stay safe and well, God Bless
Mariangela and Lorraine
St. Joseph’s Parish Springvale, including St, Marks Dingley Village
A reflection from Fr. Pascal M Corby, OFM conv. Assistant Parish Priest
Lockdown affects us all in different ways, depending on our needs and personalities. While, personally, it has limited my movements and choices, I have found great peace during this time. Sure, I miss visiting my family and the interaction with friends. I regret the inability to be present to the needs of parishioners and to offer the Sacraments for them. My teaching at university has moved online, meaning that it suffers from the lack of face to face engagement. I also missed my annual trip Sydney to teach at Notre Dame University, having to speak to 45 faces on the computer screen instead.
But the experience has also offered opportunities that I find are often missing in the midst of a busy life. I can take time to enjoy life in community, in gardening and in caring for our ducks and chickens. I can immerse myself in reading which is a favourite pastime. Most importantly, I can give extra time to more intense prayer and to the careful celebration of Holy Mass. Our community of friars at St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary in Dingley has been spending each weekday morning in adoration before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament – time spent in mediation and pray for the needs of the people of God. Thus, while we might not be physically present to each other, we are united in the Lord, and are one spirit with Him (1 Cor 6:17).