Religious Dimension

Our Gospel Challenge this week is to: 

- Make contact with someone to see how they are going.

 

Since I last wrote we have celebrated the wonderful events of Holy Week. Happy Easter! I hope in these unsettling times you were able to reflect and experience the joy of Easter. Easter is not one day, it is a season in the Catholic Church that lasts for 50 days. Please remember that Fr Dispin is recording his Sunday masses and they are on the parish website. So too are many other resources that may assist you Spiritually during this time of isolation. https://stjohnsmitcham.com.au/

 

In yesterday's gospel, Thomas' challenge to his friends was graphic and harsh. If Jesus had indeed returned, he wanted to see the marks of crucifixion. And Thomas got his wish, though he certainly hadn’t counted on it.

 

Many bear the marks of crucifixion as they make their way through the world. The abused child, the jaded adult, the dying elder, all show signs of the suffering they endure. We can, like Thomas, reach out and finger these wounds in others if we doubt their existence. But more useful is the healing touch Jesus demonstrated on so many occasions in his ministry. We may not have a miraculous gift for healing, but we do have within our grasp the capacity to ring or text someone; spend some time praying for others; speak a word of kindness. The sheer amount of suffering in the world can overwhelm us and lead to inaction, particularly at the moment. But a Christian has a clear calling to the signs of suffering in others. With a cross as our inheritance, we know even wounds can be glorified.

 

Contemplate in prayer the marks of crucifixion in your neighbourhood, parish, school, or city. Consider assisting a group which addresses these concerns in any way your resources allow.

Finding hope and strength in uncertain times.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xqrp7pv7x0zy2d8/In%20Uncertain%20Times.mpg?dl=0

Thank you Maree

Maree O'Keefe finished as St John's Parish Pastoral Associate on Friday, after 17 years of service to our community. Fr Dispin described her as the "back bone of our parish community" in the parish newsletter and I definitely agree. She certainly was a passionate and committed leader in our community.  She assisted me greatly in my role and was an inspiring colleague. I feel extremely grateful for having the opportunity to work with her and learn from her. Her Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell celebrations will take place once the restrictions are over.

 

Have a wonderful week,

 

Monica o'Shannassy

moshannassy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au