Mission News

Prayers

This evenings Years 5&6 + Years 7&8 dance is a fundraising Initiative for AMS, we pray together: 

Today we give thanks for the work of Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) who partner with communities to provide resources, improve facilities, make education accessible and give children and their families hope for a brighter future.

May our support of AMS show our solidarity, care and connection with our fellow Marists and may the Gospel message and the vision of Marcellin Champagnat live on throughout Oceania in the communities where Marists serve.

Gospel & Reflection

Matthew 14:22-33 – Jesus Walks on the Water

This week’s Gospel speaks to the heart. After feeding the 5000, Jesus sends the disciples across the Sea of Galilee while he remains on the mountain to pray. During the night a storm arises, and the disciples struggle against the wind and waves. Jesus comes towards the boat – walking on water – telling them not to be afraid. Peter full of enthusiasm, walks towards Jesus , but when his focus shifts towards the turbulence instead of the one who Loves him, he begins to sink calling out “Lord, save me”. Jesus’ commands the storm to be still and rescues the floundering man. Together they walk to the boat, and the disciples declare, “truly you are the Son of God”. This is a story not just about God’s power but about ‘choices and orientation’. In the Old Testament water was something feared, representing primordial chaos and forces beyond human control. In our own way we all face St. Peters problem – we are all up against our own personal chaos – represented by the water. However, within the chaotic waters that threaten to overcome us, we are called to orientate ourselves to the Love that is constantly present, but we are often too distracted to see. St. Peters problem isn’t that the storm becomes stronger – rather his attention shifts. When he is focused on the Love of God – he moves forward despite life’s hardships. When his attention becomes dominated by the storm fear takes over and he is overwhelmed. The question being posed to the reader is - what do we fix our orientation on –is it lifting us up or weighing us down? Peter doesn’t give into this despair though. In response to the chaos, he doesn’t say ‘I need to be strong’ but calls out in humility and trust ‘Lord, save me!’. The Gospel stories ask us to be people of humility. Even though we cannot control life’s storms – we, like Peter can surrender our fear and recognise that someone is there – always there with an outstretched hand – just waiting for us to reach out. 

Assumption Mass 

Next Wednesday we come together as a college community to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, an especially important feast for us as Marists. Families are welcome to join us, however seating is limited to upstairs. 

Thank you to Gilroy House who attended our Week 4 Gilroy House Mass. Will Bagnall has done a wonderful job as Gilroy Mission Leader this year – thank you for your commitment and organisation!