Religious Dimension
Our Gospel Challenge this week is to:
- Live life to the full.
In the Gospel of John, we do not find parables in the traditional sense. They are not a literary device that John employs, but yesterdays's Gospel (John 10:1–10) is as close an approximation to a parable as we have. The contrast he draws between the shepherd who enters the fold by the gate and the thieves and brigands who seek to enter another way is really about leadership. There are good leaders and bad leaders. The good leader of God’s people must come to them through Jesus, who is the gate. The thieves and brigands will only lead the people to fear and confusion, where they will be scattered. Perhaps John is addressing a situation in his community where those who are seeking leadership are not following the voice of Jesus but seeking their own aggrandisement or following their own agenda. Such people will ultimately lead the flock to destruction, but Jesus gives life in abundance to all who know his voice and follow him as shepherd.
#Where are you going?
#Who or what is leading you?
#What does it mean to you to live ‘life to the full’?
#Share together some reflections with your family on people you have known who have been a guide and a protector to you. Try to describe the positive attributes they had and how they used these gifts in caring for others
Lounge Room Sessions with Gary Pinto
On Saturday, 9 May , Gary Pinto will be hosting a free online concert for Project Compassion, bringing Australian and International music stars directly from their loungeroom, to yours! Gary is an Aria-Award winning and multi-platinum selling recording artist, and a musical mentor to the stars. Other artists joining him include: Diesel, Carmen Smith, Reece Mastin, Amelia Fox, Bobbie Lee Stamper, CBD and Matt Gresham. Having written songs for the likes of Jimmy Barnes, Guy Sebastian and Christine Anu, Gary recently penned a tune for Caritas Australia, in support of our annual Lenten Appeal, Project Compassion called Walk With Me.
After Walk With Me was released, the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and overseas really hit home for Gary. He wanted to go further for Caritas, to help the most vulnerable communities around the world whose lives could be devastated by COVID-19. And he wanted to connect with all of us at home in the best way he knew how: through sharing the joy of music. So, the idea of Walk With Me: Loungeroom Sessions was born, proving that Gary's heart is as big as his talent.
To pre-register for the free concert, please follow the link below:
Lounge Room Sessions with Gary Pinto
May is the Month of Mary
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers in our community for this coming Sunday. May is traditionally the month of Mary in the Catholic Church. A month in which we reflect on Mary's life, her qualities and honour her. Please share the following reflection with your family.
Hail Mary,
Mary, we can talk to you like a mother, a sister, or a friend.
full of grace.
Caring and gentle, you listen to what we want to tell you.
The Lord is with you.
Mary, God chose you to be the mother of Jesus. God also has a special plan for each of us.
Blessed are you among women,
When God chose you, you said, "Yes, I am willing to be the mother of this child." We too want to learn to say yes to the plan that God has for us.
and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.
Jesus was your child, and yet he is God. And today we pray to him.
Holy Mary,
What joy for you, Mary, to have brought this baby into the world! He is like a light that shines in your life and ours.
Mother of God,
Your heart is full of love for your son, Jesus. With you, we want to learn to know him and love him.
pray for us sinners,
When we can't find the words to speak to Jesus, then you Mary, are the one we confide in. You open your heart to us, You understand us and pray for us.
now and at the hour of our death. Amen
We want to make a special place for you in our lives to bring us closer to Jesus.
St John's Parish Website
Please remember that Fr Dispin is recording his Sunday masses and they are on the parish website. So too are many other resources that may assist you Spiritually during this time of isolation. https://stjohnsmitcham.com.au/
Monica O'Shannassy
moshannassy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.ay