Chaplain's Reflection

Witness Opportunities!

Much of “the News” would have us believe all is “doom and gloom” But standing back and getting things in perspective we see that isn’t so. Despite challenges, difficulties, shames, injustices, unfairnesses and embarrassments we have it pretty good! And what a great time to be a Christian!

We have beautiful churches, the fruit of God’s blessings to us, freedom to worship God in our churches and in our lives and the ability to reach out to those in difficulties, exercising tolerance and openness with those who are different.

There is no denying we Christians confront some complex matters, distractions, and diversions we need to deal with. At times waves of anti-religious antagonism crash around us and Christians in other lands suffer actual persecution.

Christianity is often belittled and sometimes even despised in the general media. Our personal faith and the Christianity which has underpinned our nation is under considerable challenge. Values that seemed so obvious they were non-issues a generation ago have been turned on their heads by indisputable new understandings of the world. Christians though have a fundamental understanding of creation and our relationship with the Creator which is enhanced through re-evaluation and re-contextualisation in the light of modern knowledge.

Malachi, writing about four centuries before Christ, dealt with complex social issues as we do, and reassures us in the Lord’s name that all will be well, while Paul reminds the Thessalonians to stay focussed and to live simply and, in the gospel, Jesus urges us not to “drop our bundle” in the face of challenges, wars, revolutions, natural disasters and other fearful sights and circumstances.

These are new opportunities, as Jesus tells us in our gospel (Lk 21:5-19), “to bear witness.” This is our chance to stand tall, living our lives, quietly and faithfully as examples to all. In this way we will find salvation ourselves and conversion of our fellow citizens.

Legacy of Pope Francis No 6: Querida Amazonia 2020

Taken chronologically this series is a summary of the seven most important writings of Francis’ papacy.

Major Themes

Social dream

Rights of the poor: Fights for the rights of the poor, original peoples, and the vulnerable.
Justice: Addresses the injustices and crimes, often caused by industries like mining and logging, that harm the region's people and their rights.
Solidarity: Promotes networks of solidarity and development that benefit local communities.

Cultural dream

Preservation: Aims to preserve the Amazon's distinctive cultural riches and biodiversity against the threats of a globalized economy.
Diversity: Celebrates the beauty of human variety and encourages the protection of threatened cultures.
Encounter: Promotes a rich encounter between cultures and peoples.

Ecological dream

Environmental care: Emphasizes that caring for people and caring for the environment are inseparable.
Protection: Calls for the preservation of the Amazon's natural beauty and abundant life.
Sustainable development: Links sustainable development to informing people about projects that concern them.
Interconnectedness: Highlights that each part of the ecosystem is essential for the preservation of the whole.

Ecclesial dream

Amazonian face: Seeks to develop a Church with an "Amazonian face," one that is incarnated in the region and has new features.
Listening: Encourages a Church that listens to the people of the Amazon, especially the voices of indigenous peoples and women.
Empowerment: Pushes for greater public recognition and commissioning for women in the church so they can have a real and effective impact on the life of communities.

Deacon Mark Kelly

College Chaplain