Faith and Mission
John XXIII College is pleased to host a public lecture by renowned biblical scholar and Jesuit priest, Fr Brendan Byrne SJ, on Thursday, 1 October 2026 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm in the Thomas More Exhibition Centre.
Presented by WA Christian Life Community (CLC) and Ignatian Spirituality WA (ISWA), this special event offers those interested in Scripture, Ignatian spirituality, and faith formation an opportunity to engage with one of Australia's most respected theologians.
In his presentation, The Risk of Freedom: From Genesis to Paul and Ignatius, Fr Brendan will explore freedom as the foundation of humanity's relationship with God. Drawing on the creation narratives in Genesis, the writings of St Paul and the wisdom of the Ignatian tradition, he will examine how authentic freedom enables us to respond generously to God's call and participate in God's mission in the world.
Ordained in 1970, Fr Brendan has taught New Testament studies for more than three decades and is Professor Emeritus of the University of Divinity in Melbourne. He has authored more than twenty books on the Gospels, the letters of St Paul and Ignatian spirituality, and continues to lead workshops and retreats throughout Australia.
While WA Christian Life Community and Ignatian Spirituality WA organise this event, we are delighted to welcome Fr Brendan to our College and provide a venue where members of our wider community can gather for learning, reflection and dialogue.
Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Venue: Thomas More Exhibition Centre, John XXIII College
Cost: Free (bookings essential)
RSVP https://www.trybooking.com/DNTBY
Janeen Murphy
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Community Mass
It was lovely to see the wonderful group of Magis students and families at Community Mass this morning – thank you for your presence! We proclaimed the readings from this Sunday. The Gospel reflection below is part of a longer homily by Fr Andrew Doohan.
We will celebrate the first Community Mass for Term 4 on Friday, 16 October. This liturgy will be prepared by Year 11 students. All families are welcome!
Community Mass details
- College Chapel
- All welcome!
- Fridays in term time
- Starts at 8:00am; concludes at 8:30am.
Good News for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
THE GOSPEL
THE REFLECTION
Faith is not a certificate we earned long ago; it is a relationship that must be lived in the present, here and now, in time and in this place. The Gospel amplifies this message through the parable of the two sons that Jesus recounts. One son initially refuses his father’s request but later changes his mind and does the work; the other politely agrees but never acts. Jesus asks a simple but piercing question: Which one did the father’s will? The answer is obvious – and uncomfortable. Obedience is not about saying the right things but about doing the rights things.
Jesus aims this parable squarely at religious leaders, but its reach extends to every generation. It warns against a faith that sounds right but remains inactive. Saying ‘yes’ to God in words, through prayers, statements of belief, or social identity, means little if our lives do not follow through. At the same time, the parable offers hope to those who have stumbled, resisted, or even failed. The son who initially says ‘no’ is not rejected. He is honoured because he repents and acts.
The surprising twist in the Gospel is Jesus’ declaration that ‘tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you’. These were people publicly known for wrongdoing, yet they responded to God’s call with real change… The Good News is not that God lowers expectations, but that God always leaves the door open to conversion. Today – now – is what matters. The Christian life is not about perfect consistency but honest repentance and faithful action. In a world tired of empty promises, the Gospel calls us to be people whose lives quietly but clearly say ‘yes’ to God.
Fr Andrew Doohan is a priest in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.
Doohan, Andrew. "Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - 27 September 2026." Pastoral Liturgy 56, no. 3 (2026): 136-141. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/pastoral-liturgy/vol56/iss3/23