Weekly Gospel Reflection
Matthew 5:1-12
All Saints Day
Reflection
On Wednesday next week, we celebrate All Saints' Day. It is the feast day where we recognize all the saints and look to their examples for inspiration in our own lives. Jesus, in this week’s Gospel, gives us instructions on how we can live through the Beatitudes. "Happy are those who are gentle, who mourn, who seek justice, are merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers." Almost alarmingly, Jesus concludes by saying, "Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you on my account... for your reward will be great in heaven." This passage would have been particularly relevant to those who were being persecuted by the Romans for their faith. Jesus does not shy away from understanding the complexities of living like the saints. Indeed, if we look at the lives of the saints, many had very difficult lives, and a good portion became martyrs. I think we could be forgiven for replying, "No, thank you," at this invitation.
People are fundamentally good trying to do their best at living out God’s mission. Furthermore, their lives not only inspired people at the time but continue to inspire people hundreds of years later. St. Francis of Assisi’s humility inspired Pope Francis to take on his namesake; John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of Jesus – even though it would later cost his life, and Simeon Stylites’s pillar became a place of pilgrimage and showed that we can show prayer through fasting and sacrifice. It is said that the learning-impaired St. John Vianney brought people from all across the country to seek his wisdom through Reconciliation at the small village he resided in. His legacy continues to live on, inspiring others, including our Parish, to live a life of humility and understanding.
St. John Vianney and all the saints, pray for us.
Jonathan Rooney
Religious Education Leader
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PARISH NEWS
SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Preparation Date: Tuesday 31 October at 6.30pm
Sacrament Dates: Saturday 11 November at 6pm
Sunday 12 November at all Masses
Saturday 18 November at 6pm
Sunday 19 November at all Masses
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