Faith Reflection and RE News 

Faith Reflection 

John 19:31-37 - Feast of the Sacred Heart 

This Friday, we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This image is well known: the heart usually over Jesus’ chest, adorned with a crown of thorns and a cross above it. On this feast, we celebrate the love of Jesus for humankind.

If someone were to take only one thing away from the Bible, what would it be? I think the central message is one of boundless love. In conveying this, Jesus challenged many of the values of his time. Rather than viewing disability as a punishment from God, Jesus showed compassion for the blind, mute, lame, and deaf. Even more, there is a paradox where the blind people could see and understand Jesus’ message better than others.

In fact, it seems that you will find Jesus among the outcasts and fringes of society. He kept a very interesting group of friends around him – Zacchaeus, the corrupt tax collector; lepers; the poor; and those possessed by demons. Throughout his parables, he paints controversial pictures of whom he holds in higher regard: the Good Samaritan (a racial undesirable) rather than the high priest, or the prodigal son returning from a life of squalor rather than his brother. All of these are best summarized in the Beatitudes: blessed are the poor, hungry, meek, and those who are persecuted.

Two thousand years later, many of the same people continue to be marginalized in our society. This feast day calls for us not only to appreciate God’s love for these people but also to replicate this love with others. However, this is easier said than done. This week are called to consider; how do we treat a homeless person we see on the pathway, how do we empathize with others when they are struggling, and how do we ensure that we accept people without judgment? In other words - how can we live and love just as Jesus did? 

By Jonathan Rooney 

Sacraments

Confirmation -  Sunday 28th July @ 2.00pm 

First Communion -  Saturday 9th November @ 6.00pm 

Sunday 10th November @ 10.00am 

Saturday 16th November @ 6.00pm 

Sunday 17th November @ 10.00am 

Class Mass Timetable