Chaplain's Reflection
Not doing – resting!
Parents empathise with Jesus’ predicament in this gospel from Mark (Mark 6:30-34). Murphy’s law applies that when parents are exhausted and all they want is rest, their children make demands on them. Parents rise to the occasion, as Jesus does when the people want more. Nevertheless, he and we need rest.
Rest is a good thing! It is not laziness. Hopefully we all have purpose in our lives and spend much time and effort pursuing that: studying, exploring, parenting, making a living and compassionately outreaching to the world.
Our value though is inherent in us, not a function of what or how much we do. We “do” in response to the needs we prayerfully discern when we spend quiet, reflective time with God. Recharging our batteries.
God already knows us intimately and isn’t impressed by our crushing workload, our imposing titles, or our remarkable achievements in work and play. Astoundingly, what God wants is quality time with us. Quality time in 2024 might mean no devices or media – even for a whole day (horror of horrors!), alone with none but our God. If this sounds difficult (as it does for me) then you probably really need it!
Deep within we crave this time of stepping aside from all our tasks and activities, into a quiet place, quietening our minds, allowing Jesus to nourish us with his life-giving word. Perhaps (and parents know this well) a total rest day is an unattainable luxury at present. Then we need to find other ways and strategies. To build in an early morning and/or a late evening time of prayer and quiet reflection on the day to come [or the day past] and our place in it with God.
Keep the Fire Burning – Strong in Faith
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday – 7 July 2024
Part of the message is from THE NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CATHOLIC COUNCIL for NAIDOC WEEK 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The recent Voice referendum highlighted the ongoing journey toward recognition and reconciliation. While the outcome was not what many hoped for, it has strengthened our resolve and commitment to working together for a better Australia for everyone. Like Jesus, who persevered in His mission despite the obstacles, we too remain committed to our Culture, our Land, our Church, and our communities with unwavering hope and determination.
As we gather on this sacred land, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and honour our Elders past and present, and our young people. Our connection to the land, waters, and skies is deeply rooted in our identity and spirituality. We invite you to join us in respecting and cherishing this connection, as it is vital to our shared journey of faith.
As Pope Francis reminds us, we are called to be a Church that goes forth, embracing all cultures and peoples. Let us open our hearts to the wisdom and spirituality of our First Nations Peoples, recognizing the presence of Christ in our stories and traditions. May this celebration be a moment of grace, healing, and transformation for all of us. May the Holy Spirit guide and bless each of us as we journey together in faith, hope, and love.
Artwork
Pentecost painting by Magda Lee, Gracie Mosquito and Imelda Gugamen (Balgo Community)
The four circles in the corners of painting represent the four communities: Wirrimanu, Mulan, Kurrurungku and Ringer Soak. The leaders are represented through the horse shoes located around the circle. The different colours represent different people.
The stars represent the different flowers in our area. The dots represent people all over the world and the people coming together for Church. People are also represented through the horse shoes on the right of the painting.
Wirrimanu is located in the top left-hand corner, Mulan in the top right-hand corner, Ringer Soak in the bottom right-hand corner and Kurrurungku in the bottom left-hand corner.
The Holy Spirit is located in the centre of the painting. It is the Spirit working in all of our communities.
Creating this painting helped to make us strong in the Spirit
Deacon Mark Kelly
College Chaplain