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“For out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1211082193 - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 17, 2018: The fresco of Adoration of Magi the in church kostel Svatého Cyrila Metodeje by Petr Maixner (1872). Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
Pastor’s Post: The Light to All the Nations
The feast of the Epiphany is a celebration of the revelation to all the world of the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ. This feast also focuses on the fact that God’s message and invitation from Jesus is for all people of all languages, nations and cultures. Jesus was born for all people, and Jesus came to be the Light of all nations.
I am impressed by the fact that the foreign wise men travelled a great way to give homage to Jesus, the King. I also like how they could discern (with inspiration from God) not to trust the words of Herod. They realised that just because Herod SAID he wanted to find Jesus to worship him, his words were mere political speak and were a pathetic sham, and that he had in his heart nothing but hatred for Christ and a shocking desire to
destroy Jesus. Discernment and sobriety are needed to assess things and events around us.
I try not to sound pessimistic about the values of our broader society. Many things about our modern society are good, life-giving, and “enlightened” because they are consistent with the values of Jesus and his gospel. Having said that, many things about our modern world and society are also NOT good. Perhaps the world needs a sign such as the warning that precedes some television shows, saying: “Caution, discretion advised!”
Jesus is the true light of light and life to all, but we now live in a world filled with competing noises and lights that can easily distract us from the truth of Christ’s enlightenment. Many values and practises need to be examined very keenly with the light of Christ to see how they stand up.
The Light of Christ has much to offer us when testing and evaluating our world's practices, attitudes and values.
It is why we all exercise caution, prudence and balance in our approach to life’s significant events and practices. I hope that even the wider society, which does not necessarily expressly hold to the explicit values of Christ, can at least start seeing the value of tailoring its values to be consistent with the truth of Christ, who shows us the true meaning and value of all things. We all need the light, guidance, and discernment of Christ and his values more than ever as we walk through the events and situations of our earthly pilgrimage.
Fr Paul.
To tune in to The Epiphany Mass - sound podcast, please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the next feast - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
Chalking the Doors
This weekend in Surfers Paradise Parish, we will be refocusing on the somewhat forgotten, ancient Catholic Epiphany practice of “chalking the doors” also known as Marking Homes with Blessed Chalk for the New Year.
At masses this weekend, the priest will bless pieces of chalk. One blessed piece will be used to mark each of our church doors and at the end of mass, each family will be offered a piece of chalk to take home to mark the doors of their homes. Along with the chalk, each family will be provided with an A5 piece of paper explaining how to mark your door and a prayer ritual for your family to pray at this time of marking. We warmly invite each family to participate in this tradition of marking your doors with this sign of God’s protection and in recognition of the Light of Christ present in your home.
The practice is called “chalking the doors” because priests traditionally would bless the house and then use chalk to write above the main entrance the specific year, separated by the letters C, M and B (e.g., 20+C+M+B+24, for the 2024 blessing). The inscription is applied as a prayer that Christ will bless homes so marked and that he will stay with those who dwell there throughout the year and with any guest who may cross their threshold.
The image above is of the markings on the door of St Stephen’s Church in Prague. The church was visited in December 2023 by our Parish Manager, Sonya Slater. You will note that the letters on the St Stephen’s Church door are the Czech equivalent and have lasted on the church door for the whole of 2023.
The letters stand for the Latin blessing, “Christus Mansionem Benedicat (May Christ Bless this House),” and the traditional names for the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Scripture states, “The three, going into the house, saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11, RSV Catholic edition).” To this day, many Catholics in Latin American cultures call the feast of the Epiphany Dîa de los Reyes (“Three Kings Day”) and, instead of Christmas day, delight in the “twelfth day of Christmas” as the day for exchanging gifts in imitation of the Magi who brought their gifts to the Lord Jesus.
PILGRIMAGE WITH FR DAN RYAN -FRANCE, PARIS AND LOURDES 2024
(With Fr Dan Ryan, as he celebrates 50 years of priesthood).
Would you like to travel to France from mid-May to mid-June next year with me, Fr Dan Ryan, on a French Saints Pilgrimage, with a possible extension to Rome?
I have organised a pilgrimage with Harvest Journeys to travel through France and visit the Places of Saints.
The trip will include Paris (2nights), Rouen, Lisieux(2), Mont-Saint-Michel (2), Chartes, Nevers (1), Taize, Paray le Monial (2), Ars, La Salette (1), Avignon, Lourdes (3), Montserrat(1), and Barcelona (1), Optional Rome Extension (3)
If you would like more information, you can contact Harvest Journeys on 1800 819 156 or https://bookings.harvestjourneys.com/pv2445. If you contact Harvest Journeys, mention my name and the pilgrimage is the French Saints Pilgrimage. There are a few brochures at the back of the church. Father Dan Ryan. A copy of the brochure is available here as well: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EuOjctr5PMLmUrxxhut9-IoMAI3OMQXQ/view?usp=sharing
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2024
To begin or to continue the journey of faith with your child, please use the information provided in the table below.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
“TAP `N” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again (when it has re-set) for another $10, and so on.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: (Alphabetical)
Jack Barretto, Nellie Bellinger, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Diana Castro, Cecily Cellinan, Doug Chester, Jo Clark, Leslie Clarke, Tina Conidi, Margaret & George Cook, Alfonso Covino, Margaret Cusack, Geraldine Daniels, Nia Falekakala, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Lorraine Gallagher, Laurel Goddard, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Dion Herft, Mary Hirst, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Marianne Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, Jan Kristenson, Bob Lahey, Diane & Steve Land, Sue Langham, Patrick Joven de Leon, Nathan Lepp, Joseph Ah Lo, Ann Marie Loder, Sarina Losurdo, John Nathaniel Maher, Maria Manuela, Andrew McPherson, Phil McWilliam, Fabiola Menzs, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Hugh Morand, Amy Elizabeth Morgan, Michael & Lesley Murtagh, Joanna Muthu, Lynn Nunan, Stephen O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, Natalie O’Reilly, Letty O’Sullivan, Joanne Parkes, Kay Pitman, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Patricia Roberts, Rogelio Rodriguez, Bob Rogers, Felipe S Cataquiz (Senior), Thor Skjaerbaek, Kathy Stevens, Brenda Stewart, Jim Stewart, Rose Stewart, Betty Taylor, Liza Teo, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Rick Murphy (USA), Karen Vestergard, Billy Webb, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Allan Cupitt, Sharon Cass-Edwards, Peter Lowe, June Carnovale, Annie Scicluna, Michael Plant, Arthur “John” Robinson, Helen Bohringer, Josip Burda, Pascual Tantengco Jr., Carmel Wilkinson, Dr Frank Miau.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Russell Albury, Daphne Iris Ardilley, Fr Norman Ronald Birch, Remo Bos, Fr Ray Brain CP, Christine Carberry, Mons Leo Carlton, Terry Conway, Geraldine Coyne, Melinda Craig, Lionel Ernest Cunynghame, Carmen Callus d, Walter Leslie Davis, Veronica Frances (Frances) Dawson, Elvira Fantinelli, Rosalia Archetto Feo, Luciano Freda, John Gordon, Margaret Mary Kelly, Charmaine Jannette Leafe, Brian Mayhew, Rex Joseph McShane, Colin Meneely, Carol Ann Newman, Violet Mary Nickson, Edmund O’Brien, Doris Angela Pace-Balzan, Sergio Di Pietro, Sylvia Sciberras, Shirley Mary Selby, Trevor David Simes, Nicole Simmons, Veronica Junette Smith, Anna Snelleksz, Joseph Johannes Em van Deurse, Jeanette Louise Vial, James Woodhouse.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Mark Addison, Victor Paul Aguggia, Santo Auteri, Jim Lepanto Avuri, Stephen James Baker, Pauline Bocking, Fr James Brosnan, Kevin Patrick Carmody, Maurie Cass and Monica Cass, Fr Patrick Coleman, Fr Reginald Copley, Ms Lesley Court, Merv Cross, Fr Michael Egan, Patricia Gado, Michael Joseph George, Kevin Gleeson, Fr Pat (Doc) Kenny, John William Maddocks, Brian J Maher, Gregory Robert Mahoney, Dalibor Novak, Barry Owens, Noreen Jessie Patterson, Trevor Ralfe, Alan James Russo, Pamela Elane Shelton, Zora Spiranovic, Dale Strode, Donald Ralph Thomas, Sally Tristram, Kenneth Alfred Walker, Fr William Whelan, Fr Cornelius Whyte, Kevin Wills, Janet Anne Winks, Margaret Wotherspoon.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES.
The shops are open before and after Mass at the Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s churches.
SINGLE KEY HANDED IN AT ST VINCENT’S CHURCH WITH GREEN TAG, COLLECT FROM THE VESTRY AT ST VINCENT’S
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
First Friday Adoration will be held on Friday, 5th January, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am 6th of January.
Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- RESUMES ON THE 8th JANUARY 2024.
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821 or Mob at 0417 772 701.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE - RESUMES ON 9th JANUARY 2024.
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA - MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on 13.01.2024. The bus will pick up passengers at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare is $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573, All are welcome.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -
Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish.
If you want her in your home and say the Rosary,
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404.
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next four weeks are
08/01/2024 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The group will resume in the new year on Thursday 18th January.
The Bible Study Prayer Group Thursday from 5-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave Surfers Paradise. Come along and read/study Break Open the Word once a week on a Thursday evening from 5 to 6 pm—For further enquiries, Ashley at 040984069.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0428090703.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - NOW ON HOLIDAY RECESS - RESUMPTION DATE 24 JANUARY 2024
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 to 12. Activities include
art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone John 0412 759 205 or the Parish Office.
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please ring Grace: 0410 006 484.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH - NOW ON HOLIDAY RECESS - WILL RESUME ON 16TH JANUARY 2024
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or vulnerable adults.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Even gift-bearing kings, accompanied by camels and servants, visited Jesus Christ. You, come and follow Him. Bringing the Good News to your people: Jesus is Lord of all. God is not made manifest in magnificence but in the small and the ordinary. Use your talents to manifest God’s ever-faithful love for His people. (Isaiah 60:1-6)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“They fell down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” - Matthew 2:11
Notice the order of events in the Magi’s visit. First, they knelt before Jesus and prayed to Him. Then, they presented Him with their gifts. We, too, must pray before we present our gifts to the Lord. We never know what God may be asking us to share!
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
Take Five For Faith -
Some things are worth taking the time to do. After enduring the manifold burdens of this past year, few of us will need persuading that the annual Epiphany Blessing of the Home is a ritual worth investing in. Gather your housemates if living with others. Download a home blessing ritual or create one yourself, using symbols especially meaningful to your participants. Which household items became especially significant during the pandemic and call for a special blessing? A cloth mask, a bar of soap, and Netflix may be featured as items of a peculiar yet holy purpose in this year’s rites everywhere.
“Rise up in splendour, Jerusalem! Your light has come.” (Isaiah 60:1-6)
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto
Epiphany is a Greek word meaning "manifestation," or “showing” or “revelation.” In ancient times, the term referred to an official visit by a King or Queen. This is a public presentation or showing to the people of a sovereign.
According to our first reading, the qualities of the Diving King are justice, right judgement, care for the poor, "a person who establishes peace", a person with great concern for the needy, and compassion for the weak. The Divine King is the saver of the lives of the poor.
When we look at the gospel, (Not every King got a "present" in today's story, and not every king got what they wanted, but they all got what they deserved.
Actually, two kings are featured in the gospel this weekend - Christ and Herod. The two are extremely contrasting kings. One is unworthy, frightened, jealous and self-interested; the other is Christ, the Lord.
The wise men met both Kings. To Herod, they gave a respectful ear, but they did not worship him, and rightly so, and did not return to inform him of what they found. They 'listened to what the King had to say, but (through inspiration) they did not give King Herod what he wanted. Rather, they returned to their own country in a 'different way'.
We are all called to listen, reflect, ponder, and then, with God's inspiration, discern the right thing to do. Sometimes, the right thing to do is NOT to give someone what they ask or demand.
This feast of the Epiphany and the accompanying readings for this weekend reveal Jesus Christ to be the King of all heaven and earth and the "light" to all nations and cultures.
On this feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that God's glory has been revealed to all the nations and not just the chosen people of Israel. People from every corner of the earth, of every nation and race. Generations of people. God's revelation, God's invitation, is for all people of all times and places.
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Whenever I read this gospel passage… I cannot help but be struck by the disturbing irony in it.
King Herod summons the Wise men from the East… they come to listen to him…. they don't know him,….. they know he is a King… they would probably assume he was a noble and gracious King…. but he is not! Rather, he is full of hatred, jealousy, and murderous intentions.
Herod manages to control his emotions while consulting with the Wise men….. he seems genuinely interested in the Star and the possibility of a king being born……… I almost imagine he is choking on his words when he says… "When you find him, tell me too… because I too want to go and ….. do….. him………(ahem)…. 'homage'…… We, the listeners…. The audience to this Gospel drama…. Know better…. Herod hates Jesus… and rejects his Kingship…. And wants to kill him…. He might as well have said…. " (when you find him, tell me too… because I too want to go and ….. 'do him in' !!!).
Herod wants nothing more than to kill Jesus! he is a liar! He wants to tear down, not build up! …. to destroy and blot out forever the child who is the hoped-for 'Light for all nations'….. Can there be any hatred greater than one that wants to blot out HOPE from the earth……for the sake of his own power… his own comfort???? It is fitting that the Wise Men, after meeting Jesus, 'go home by another road' – it says they listened to Herod… but it is clear that they didn't swallow everything he said…..
Instead…. they have been converted… they are different…. changed……. New men… in fact… will never again be able to go down the old paths… it is all-new, having met and discovered Jesus. …. They will not tell (hateful) Herod about what they have seen… but resolutely go home by a new pathway…. (their lives changed) to live the new reality of what they have experienced……
In the gospel today, the Wise Men from the East ultimately FIND the King for whom they had searched so diligently …….. Jesus! …. a humble baby lying in the manger… is found to be the revelation of God to the world……. the LIGHT of revelation for all.
The gospel today uses the quote from Micah…. "you Bethlehem are by no means the LEAST." This is really important. Not only is Bethlehem FAR FROM BEING the LEAST of all cities… but this humble baby in a humble manger is not by any means the LEAST of all babies. And the shepherds are not anywhere near the least of all people. There is more than one REVELATION going on here (for the eyes of faith to see!). The message is repeated in later sections of Matthew's gospel: (The wise men and us too are being shown something deeply important).
At first sight, the 'poor and forgotten' of our society are insignificant, but this is WRONG! They are, in fact, GREAT… because it is THROUGH THEM. that the Lord is coming to us.
The reaction of the Magi is interesting, too. When they enter the presence of God… revealed in his humble baby in a manger… they immediately open up treasure chests filled with gifts……
This must always be our reaction, too, in the presence of God….. when we come before the presence of Jesus… we too must open up our hearts and offer God our gifts…… the response of a person to the revelation of God's presence is one of openness, generosity and service………
The Magi… offered Jesus gifts of Gold (for Kingship)//, Frankincense (acknowledging Jesus as Priest and sacrifice)// and Myrrh (for burial- looking to the eventual death of the Lord on the Cross)//……. We, too, come before Jesus, and we, too, offer our gifts to the Lord…..
What gifts are WE laying before the Lord??……. let us think about what gifts we are presenting to Jesus. ……. Gifts God gave us in the first place.
let us take some time, at the start of this new year… to come into the presence of Jesus…… the Light to all nations….. and think about what gift (individual to each of us)…… We are called upon to present before the Lord …..for the Lord to use and transform….. that great first reading from Isaiah also shows something interesting… 'what is our response to seeing the revelation of Christ… who is a light shining in the darkness of the world……"… our response must be this… "arise… shine… for your light has come,.. and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us…"…. so when we encounter Christ.. we must become lights ourselves….. going out… to radiate Christ's light to everyone we meet……
This message reminds us… 'we must believe so that the world can begin to believe' - WE must radiate Christ's light to the world.. and all peoples…. so that people can experience Christ's light shining through us, too.
Today… we kneel before the Christ child… we bow… and open up our treasure chests… what gift is it that we lay before our Lord…????
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly;
Celebrating the Gospels. By Gaynell Cronin;
Gustavo Gutierrez: Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year
Vision – Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year A. Mark Link S.J., 55;
Abbot Philip: Monastery of Christ in the Desert. http://christdesert.org
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto.
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
Fr Paul W. Kelly;
Celebrating the Gospels. By Gaynell Cronin;
Vision – Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year A. Mark Link S.J., 55;
Abbot Philip: Monastery of Christ in the Desert. http://christdesert.org
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto.
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
Jan 9 - Baptism of the Lord - Monday, Jan 09, 2024.
Be a carrier of peace. Pigeons and doves are different species within the same family of birds. The homing pigeon, also called the mail or carrier pigeon, is a variety bred for its ability to find its way home over extremely long distances of up to 1,000 miles or more. Because of this skill, they were used to carry messages throughout history. The dove symbolises peace and hope and famously carries an olive branch to Noah on the Ark after the great flood. If you want to send a similar message, you don’t have to go nearly as far. Extend peace and hope across the dinner table or over the neighbour’s fence.
We sometimes imagine it’s about collecting sacraments, stockpiling mountains of prayers, and writing fat checks to charities. Or being nice to people we don’t like. But the prophets relentlessly insist that what God desires from us is a just world. Where there’s a privileged class, abominable wage gaps, racist systems, and deeply disproportionate outcomes for a nation’s citizens, the peaceable reign of God can’t gain a foothold. Contemplate categories of injustice—education, health care, employment opportunities, criminal justice—to name a few. Make one your special cause, learn all you can, and educate others about it. “A smouldering wick he shall not quench until he establishes justice on the earth.” (Isaiah 42:3).
January 13 - m - Saint Hilary, bishop and doctor of the Church.
The word is out. Saint Hilary, born in Poitiers in southwest France in 315, had a learned education but was not raised a Christian. Able to read biblical languages. However, he was drawn to Christianity by the beauty and power of the prologue of the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18) and spent his life in strong defence of the divinity of Jesus, a controversial subject at the time. Recognition of his tireless efforts eventually earned him the high Doctor of the Church title. Perhaps John’s prologue has a word to speak to you as well. Why not dip into its powerful language today?
Be gracious in your disagreements. Catholics of the 21st century profess the belief that Jesus is both human and divine every time we recite the Nicene Creed at Mass. However, that profession of faith was challenged mightily in the fourth century when followers of Arius argued that Jesus was a great man—but not God. The conflict involved bishops and emperors on both sides, which went on for years. Hilary of Poitiers converted to Christianity at age 35 and was elected a bishop three years later. Hilary was a friendly and courteous man who persistently championed belief in Jesus’ divinity. Even exile did not silence his voice. Saint Hilary guides us to God’s grace in our own times of conflict and division. “For this purpose have I come.” (John 18:37).
“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?” (Mark 2:1-12)
POPE FRANCIS: Continuing the summary on Session One of the Synod on Synodality.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 402764872 - Panorama view of Saint Peter's Basilica and square on sunrise in Vatican, Italy - Photo Formats - Photo Contributor: ultramansk
5. A Church "out of every tribe, tongue, people and nation."
Convergences
Christians live in specific cultures, bringing Christ to them in Word and Sacrament, engaging in the service of charity with humility and joy, and receiving the mystery of Christ that already awaits us in every place and time. In this way, we become a Church that welcomes people from "every tribe, tongue, people and nation" (Rev. 5:9).
The cultural, historical, and continental contexts in which the Church is present reveal different spiritual and material needs. This shapes the culture of the local churches, their missionary priorities, the concerns and gifts that each of them brings to the synodal dialogue, and the languages with which they express themselves. During the days of the Assembly, we were able to experience the diverse expressions of being Church directly and mostly joyfully.
Churches live in increasingly multicultural and multireligious contexts. This necessitates finding ways to create dialogue between religions and cultures, with which Christians should engage alongside the many groups that compose a society. Living the Church's mission in these contexts requires a style of presence, service and proclamation that seeks to build bridges, cultivate mutual understanding and engage in evangelisation that accompanies, listens and learns. In the Assembly, the image of "taking off one's shoes" to cross the threshold towards an encounter with the other resonated as a sign of humility and respect for a sacred space on an equal footing.
Migration reshapes local churches as cross-cultural communities. Migrants and refugees, many of whom bear the wounds of uprooting, war and violence, often become a source of renewal and enrichment for the communities that welcome them and an opportunity to establish direct links with geographically distant churches. In the face of increasingly hostile attitudes toward migrants, we are called to practice an open welcome, to accompany them in constructing a new life and to build a true intercultural communion among peoples. Respect for the liturgical traditions and religious practices of migrants is an integral part of an authentic welcome.
Missionaries have given their lives to carry the Good News to the world. Their commitment is a great testimony to the power of the Gospel. However, particular attention and sensitivity are needed when "mission" is a word laden with painful historical memories that hinder communion today. In some places, the proclamation of the Gospel was associated with colonisation, even genocide. Evangelising in these contexts requires acknowledging mistakes, learning a new sensitivity to these issues, and accompanying a generation seeking to forge Christian identities beyond colonialism. Respect and humility are fundamental attitudes needed to recognise that we complement each other and that encounters with different cultures can enrich the living and thinking of the faith of Christian communities.
The Church teaches the need for and encourages the practice of interreligious dialogue as part of building communion among all peoples. In a world of violence and fragmentation, a witness is ever more urgent to the unity of humanity, its common origin and common destiny, in a coordinated and reciprocal solidarity toward social justice, peace, reconciliation and care for our common home. The Church knows that the Spirit can speak through women and men of every religion, belief and culture.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 402764872 - Panorama view of Saint Peter's Basilica and square on sunrise in Vatican, Italy - Photo Formats - Photo Contributor: ultramansk.
Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.html
What is the purpose of Market On Fairway.?
A place where creativity and concern for personal income open doors to a world of dreams.
I invite you to participate without the commitment of a contract or exuberant exposure, your work has a lot of value as each discovers their talent. All applications will be emailed, I hope to hear from you. From Grace R. grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
……………..See overleaf …..
Acknowledgement of Country - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
RECONCILIATION
Sacred Heart Church Weekly
(50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters)
(SACRAMENT OF PENANCE)
SATURDAYS FROM 4 PM TO 4.30 PM
(PLEASE DO NOT JOIN THE QUEUE AFTER 4.20 PM).
ON CONCLUSION OF RECONCILIATIONS AT 4.30 PM, WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PRIEST WILL THEN BE DOING THEIR FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MASS.
CONFESSIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT AT OTHER TIMES
[IF YOU NEED TO SPEAK WITH A PRIEST FOR A LONGER TIME THAN A BRIEF CONFESSION, PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE OFFICE FOR A TIME WHEN YOU CAN DISCUSS ISSUES WITH A PRIEST AT A LONGER APPOINTMENT]
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
A FINAL THOUGHT: Too many kings
Too many kings introduce the problem in the eternal story of powers and principalities. So doggone, many earthly authorities vie for our allegiance. We try to juggle our obedience to mortal and divine laws, splayed between church and state or personal profit and love of neighbour. We want to believe a comfortable neutral zone exists between these multiple altars at which we offer sacrifice. We try to convince ourselves we can be basically good people and still enjoy a taste of the “bad boy” and “bad girl” occasionally.
Many of us spend a lot of energy trying to differentiate who we are and who we pretend to be. We don’t clean up our acts, control our excesses, or rein in self-righteousness, rage, or sloppy morality because we’ve swallowed the lie that what hovers at the edges of our lives has little to do with what’s at the centre. We’re convinced it’s possible to serve a lot of little kings along with the Big One.
Let’s give King Herod some credit for his purely earthly political craftiness. In today’s story, He understands perfectly that there can be only one king over Israel. Right now, that’s him, and he aims to keep it that way. Isaiah had an even grander perspective: He foresaw that only one power could rule the world and foretold that Israel would become the light of nations that all other kingdoms acknowledged. This was because Israel alone enjoyed the indwelling presence of God, which made her a lampstand for the divine radiance.
But back to King Herod. He is the most self-serving king ever to land in the pages of the Bible. He assassinates most of his family members to keep them from threatening his throne, according to extrabiblical accounts. Certainly, he won’t allow some unknown baby to be raised, star or no star. While wise men bow in recognition to the one true King, in fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy, Herod seeks the death of this rival. In the end, there can only be one king. And unbeknownst to Herod, it won’t be him.
Related scripture links
We walk by faith: 2 Cor. 5:7
The role of the stars: Gen. 15:5-6; Job 38:6-7; Psalm 148:3; Luke 21:25
Journey and faith: Gen. 11:1-4; Exod. 3:10; Mark 6:8; Matt. 28:19-20
Church mission shifts to Gentiles: Acts 14:16-17; Eph. 2:11-13; Rom. 11:11-29
Alice Camille
(Prepare the Word resources).
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