Catholic Identity

Gospel Reflection

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Summary

In this passage, Jesus sends out seventy-two of his followers in pairs to go ahead of him and prepare the way in every town he plans to visit. He gives them instructions to travel light, bring peace to homes they enter, heal the sick, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. Jesus also warns that not everyone will welcome them, and they should shake the dust from their feet as a sign of moving on. When the disciples return joyfully, reporting that even demons submitted to them, Jesus reminds them that their true joy should not come from power or success, but from the fact that their names are written in heaven.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13–19

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them,

“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town." The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Reflection

In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples not just with a message, but with a mission: to be living signs of God’s love and peace. He tells them to travel lightly, trusting in the goodness of others and the power of God’s presence. They are to offer peace, heal the sick, and proclaim that “the Kingdom of God has come near.”

This mission is deeply joyful—but also deeply important. The disciples carry God’s love into the world, not through grand speeches, but through their presence, relationships, and actions. Even when they’re rejected, Jesus reminds them to move on in peace—their task is to love, not to control.

When they return, amazed by the power they witnessed, Jesus redirects their joy. True joy, he says, doesn’t come from success or power, but from knowing that we belong to God—that “your names are written in heaven.”

We, too, are called to bring God’s love wherever we go. Through simple acts of kindness, forgiveness, and peace, we make God’s kingdom present. This is our mission: to carry love. To be love. To trust that this is enough.

In what ways am I called to go “ahead of Jesus” into my family, workplace, school, or community?
Do I sometimes confuse success with faithfulness? How can I find joy in simply being God’s presence?
Where in my life do I need to “shake the dust” and move forward in peace and freedom?
How can I help others experience the nearness of God through the way I love, serve, and live?

Prayer

Loving God, You call us to go out into the world, sharing your peace and healing love. Help us to travel lightly—letting go of what we don’t need—and trust in you for what we do. Teach us to bring peace into every space we enter, and to walk away without anger when we are not welcomed. When we succeed, help us not to boast, but to remember that our greatest joy is being known and loved by you. May we always live as your joyful disciples, sent in love and grounded in hope.

Amen.

St. Kilian’s Feast Day – Many Thanks!

What a joyful celebration we shared for the Feast of St Kilian! Thank you to all the students, staff, families, and parishioners who joined us for Mass and the celebrations that followed. Your presence made the day truly special.

A heartfelt thank you to Fr Junray for leading us in a beautiful and prayerful Mass, and for his ongoing support of our school community. We also extend our gratitude to the Pastoral Care Leadership Team, whose reverent service and leadership during the Mass helped create a meaningful experience for everyone.

Days like this remind us of the strength and spirit of our St Kilian’s community. Thank you for being part of it.

Celebrate St Kilian at Home

Our celebration of the Feast of St Kilian doesn’t have to end at school—it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to grow in faith together at home. Here are some simple ways you can continue the celebration:

Questions to ask at home:

What did you enjoy most about the Feast Day Mass?
What do you remember learning about St Kilian?
How can we live like St Kilian—bravely, faithfully, and with love for others?

Activities to try together:

Family Prayer Time: Light a candle and pray together, thanking God for the example of St Kilian and asking for his courage and faith in your own lives.
Acts of Kindness: Choose one way to serve or care for someone in your family, neighbourhood, or wider community—just as St Kilian served others.
Creative Reflection: Draw or write about what it means to be a saint today. You might even design your own family “Saint Shield” with words and symbols that reflect your values.
Feast Day Treats: Share a special meal or dessert together and take a moment to give thanks for your blessings.

Feast days are not just about remembering the past - they’re about bringing the spirit of the saints into the present. May St Kilian continue to inspire your family this week!