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“Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:16)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 219917653 - VENICE, ITALY - MARCH 12, 2014: Paint of Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Cacciata dei profanatori dal tempio) scene (1678) in church Chiesa di San Pantalon by Giovanni Antonio Fumiani. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
ALERT - FIRE ANTS …. SEE NEAR THE END OF THE NEWSLETTER ……
PASTOR’S POST- Fr Anthony
At the heart of God’s covenant, with the people of Israel and with us, is the ten commandments. We might want to call it our do’s and don’ts. The Ten Commandments should not be understood only as a “moral imperative" but as a “norm that distinguishes Israel from other peoples and makes it a saving sign for the nations. It is more of an identity”.
Of course, laws, rules and regulations which can come either in form of a constitution, declaration, legislation etc. help not only to bind a people together as a nation, but also help to guide them, protect them from harm, whether internal or external, and insure and sustain them. There is more to what it offers, but over and above it brings hope and sustains the future.
The first statement from the Vatican II Pastoral Constitution on the Modern World- “Gaudium Et Spes” spells out the intention of the document. It reads: “the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men and women of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ”.
To interpret then, Good Christians are people who are good citizens, because they bear witness to the teachings of their faith amid their brothers and sisters in their everyday lives.
With this understanding therefore, the words of Saint Paul in the second reading strike a deeper meaning about what we preach: the wisdom of God made manifest in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
It would mean, dear sisters and brothers, that there would be times when our Christian values and principles might run parallel with some of the principles of the world and of people around us.
When such happens, our attitude shouldn’t be that of “if you can’t beat them, you join them,” but rather, let us look at our icons of faith like Mary MacKillop and persevere in moments of struggle.
Grace-filled season of lent.
Anthony
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday, 1st March 2024, 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 Saturday - 2nd March, 2024. Followed by adoration and Benediction.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am 5th March 2024. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
LENTEN GIVING - WITH PROJECT COMPASSION
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, King Charles III, 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, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Brian Johnson, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Marianne Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, Jan Kristenson, Krystal, Bob Lahey, Diane & Steve Land, Sue Langham, Patrick Joven de Leon, Nathan Lepp, Joseph Ah Lo, 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, Denis Mullins, Stephen O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, John & Pat O’Hanlon, 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, Teresa Teo (Hhih Ting), John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Rick Murphy (USA), Karen Vestergard, Billy Webb, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Michael Francis Dooley, Louise Antoinette Levi, Erzsebet Rigo, Minnie Ware, Beatriz Dos Santos, June Mitchell, Kevin Bathis, Robert Reed, George Beljak, Pavo Dronjic, Dudley Plunkett, Laurel Goddard, Chris Girvan, Franco Innocenti, Mirko Papak, Sybil Vos, Allan Endicott, John Grimley, Marcella Wockner, Beryl Dorfield.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Romano Del Bianco, Paul Bleakley, Joseph Caruana, Fr James Concannon, June Hilda Curtis, Monique Mary Felsman, Malcolm Leslie (Mal) Flannery, Raymond Fredricks, Michael Anthony Geoghegan, Shirley May Heath, Fr Brian Horton, Kathleen Jackson, Benjamin Anthony Kyle, Michael Maloney, Kathryn Matthews, Francis Vernon Maunder, Fr John McMonagle, Valerie Lorraine Meldrum, Margaret Mary Miller, Elizabeth (Betty) O'Hagan, Pamela Margaret Rawlings, Brenda Scantlebury, Millicent Dawn Shaw, Austin Smith, Kazimierz Tadeusz Ważny, Fr Raymond Wilson.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Wilhelmina Elizabeth Carter, William Chard, Barbara Joan Degiovanni, Fr Patrick Finnerty, Fr Peter Gillam, Doreen Hewitt, William John (Bill) Kelly, Kenneth Mason, Patricia (Pat) Moore, Leisa Holman (née Mullins), Peggy Doreen Norris, John Norris Rohrs, Fr Francis Scanlan, George Schreiber, Kaylene Ellen Swan, Richard Michael Trad, John Anthony Woodruff, Ivy Gladys Yow.
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
ADVANCE NOTICE OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES IN OUR PARISH (2024)
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASS AND SERVICE SCHEDULE
Our Easter timetable is as follows:
HOLY THURSDAY: (March 28th 2024)
6 pm Mass is only at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
GOOD FRIDAY: (March 29th 2024)
10 am Stations of the Cross in all three Churches:
10 am Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
10 am Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
10 am St Vincents Church. 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
GOOD FRIDAY - (March 29th 2024) Afternoon Solemnities.
3 pm Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion in all three Churches:
3 pm Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
3 pm Stella Maris Church 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
3 pm St Vincents Church 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
HOLY SATURDAY: (March 30th 2024)
5 pm Full Vigil Mass with Baptism of adults, (longer ceremony). Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
5 pm Vigil Mass, Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
5 pm Vigil Mass, St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
EASTER SUNDAY: (March 31st 2024)
7 am Mass Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
8 am and 10 am Mass, St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
9 am and 6 pm Mass, Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
MARKETS ON FAIRWAY (THE MARKETS ON FAIRWAY ARE SUSPENDED FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS DUE TO WORK ON THE ATRIUM SITE)
What is the purpose of Market On Fairway? A place where creativity and concern for personal income open doors to a world of dreams.
Everyone invited Saturday March 9th 10am -3pm
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 (THE MARKETS ON FAIRWAY ARE SUSPENDED FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS DUE TO WORK ON THE ATRIUM SITE)
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
EASTER GREETING CARDS NOW AVAILABLE
SAINTS MEDALS - Agnes, Ann, Anthony, Benedict, Bernadette, Catherine, Charbel, Christopher, Divine Mercy, Fatima, Francis, Gabriel, Gerard, Guardian Angel, Holy Family, Infant of Prague, John Bosco, Joseph, Jude, Martin, Miraculous, Mary Mackillop, Matrix, Michael, Mother Teresa, Our Lady Help of Christians, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Padre Pio, Patrick, Peregrine, Peter & Paul, Our Lady Chestowa, Our Lady of Sorrows, Peter, Philomena, Rita, Scapular, Serenity, Sacred Heart of Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St Therese, Mater Dolorosa, Holy Spirit & Holy Communion.
This weekend again, only available in the Parish Religious Goods Shops
ALL MEDALS ARE PRICED AT $1 EACH OR 3 FOR $2
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at the Sacred Heart Church before the 9 am Mass, at 8:15 am, Monday to Friday, including First Saturdays.
Stations of the Cross each Friday of Lent at 6 pm at Sacred Heart Church,
50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. From 16th February 2024.
INFORMATION MORNING: PASTORAL CARE TO THE SICK IN HOSPITALS (VOLUNTEER ROLE).
In conjunction with the Institute of Faith Education, Centacare will conduct a registered training course in spiritual and pastoral care for the sick in 2024. Date of the information session:
Wednesday 6 March, 10 am – 1 pm, Level 1, Cathedral House 229 Elizabeth St, Bne City. Please note: If there is sufficient interest from Gold Coast parishes, an information session will be arranged in your area. For further information or to attend the information morning, please email judy.norris@bne.centacare.net.au or phone 3324 3193.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP -
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.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
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.
MARIAN VALLEY PILGRIMAGE
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima's Feast on 13.03.2024. The bus will pick up Sharp 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 a contact name and phone number with Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine at 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome. If You need further information, please contact Xavier on 0404 843 260.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
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’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 several weeks are
04/03/2024 Eilleen & Julio Camera Nerang
11/03/2024 Eilleen & Julio Camera Nerang
18/03/2024 Maria Filo Paradise Waters
25/03/2024 Maria Filo Paradise Waters
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
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.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
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 0409840693.
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 0493742670.
LENTEN PROGRAM starts on the 13th of February after meditation - from 10.45 am to 11.45 am with the Living In Harmony Program from Garratt Publishing as the resource material.
Everyone is welcome to attend both or just the Lenten program.
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.
LENT 2024 WITH THE CATHOLIC GUY, BRUCE DOWNES
Lent is a time when we can grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for the true meaning of Easter. Be inspired, be refreshed, and be renewed!
For 40 days, you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE, and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent
Go to BruceDownes.org for more information.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD - (CLOW) AT SACRED HEART CHURCH
Helpers are needed also to assist with our Children’s Liturgy of the Word
(also known as CLOW) on a Sunday morning during the 9 am Mass at Sacred Heart.
The children leave the congregation at the start of Mass and go to the Atrium to celebrate and reflect on the Sunday Gospel reading in an age-appropriate way. The children are led through prayers, songs, and readings adapted to their understanding level.
Attending Mass together is a part of being a Catholic Family, while Children’s Liturgy of the Word allows children to enter the celebration more fully by catering to their needs.
Interested volunteers are invited to contact the Parish Office.
One of the requirements will be to have or apply for a Blue Card. Staff will be able to help you apply if necessary.
LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION
During Gold Coast Marathon week for 7 days - Bernadette O’Donnell 0427 922 804
LENTEN IDEAS FOR CHILDREN:
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.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
Prayers of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.
O, my God! I offer You all my actions this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to His infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of His merciful love. Oh my God! I ask You for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfil perfectly Your holy will, to accept for love of You the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all eternity. Amen.
A VOCATION VIEW:
“We proclaim Christ, Crucified!” (1 Cor 1:23) In the Crucifixion, we find strength. In the Cross is our triumph. Rest in His mercy that you might proclaim Him in all that you say and do. Jesus cleaned out the temple of money changers. He was zealous for the Sanctity of His Father’s House and his Father’s loving will; He was authoritative. He was doing what He had to do, even though it involved risk, danger, insult, and wonder. Such is a vocation.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything…” - Exodus 20:4
How many “gods” do you put before God?“Idols” do not always take the shape of physical things, things we can touch and feel. Those are easy to recognize. Many times they take the form of things we cannot touch and are much harder to spot like pride, power, ego, time, comfort or health.Pray for God’s help to prune our vices and to grow in virtue.
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 -
Anointing of the Sick
A sacrament for the recovery and salvation of a critically ill or injured person formerly called Extreme Unction (“last anointing”). No longer reserved for those near death, one may be anointed before surgery, in extreme age or illness, after losing consciousness, or when no longer coherent.
CONTEXT
Anointing of the Sick permits us to touch with our hands God's compassion for humanity.
—Pope Francis
When the church anoints a sick person, it anoints a member of its own body.
—Sister Susan Wood, S.C.L.
By the grace of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, the sick person receives the strength and the gift of uniting more closely to Christ’s Passion.
—Catechism of the Catholic Church
WHY IT MATTERS
The mercy of God extends to the body as well as soul of each person. Jesus ministered to the sick and suffering both physically and spiritually. The church continues this ministry in its care for the whole person.
From Rites of the Catholic Church as revised by Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council: The Church obeys Jesus’ command to care for the sick by visiting those in poor health but also by raising them up through the sacrament of Anointing and by nourishing them with the Eucharist during their illness. The church offers prayers for the sick to commend them to God, especially in the last crisis of life.
RELATED WORDS
Extreme Unction | Consecration | Holy Oils | Chrism
QUESTION OF THE WEEK - What is the Anointing of the Sick?
One of the seven sacraments of the church, Anointing of the Sick recalls the healing presence and power of Jesus when we touch our mortality most vulnerably. From ancient times oil was valued for its healing and beautifying properties and in preparing bodies for burial.
The ordinary minister of the sacrament is the priest. However, it’s presumed that others share the event: family, friends, caregivers. Elements of the ritual include prayers, scripture, laying hands on the recipient, and anointing of the head and hands. A water sprinkling rite may be included, and affected areas of the sick person’s body may also be anointed. When in danger of death, additional sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion (viaticum, or “on the way with you”) are also administered.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask:
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN OF GOD, RELIGIOUS (MARCH 8)
Power players in prayer
When it comes to your health, you can always turn to the saints for help. Feeling sick? Ask Saint John of God, patron of the sick and hospitals, to intercede on your behalf. Suffering from arthritis? Invoke Saint Alphonsus Ligouri. Have a headache? Entreat Saint Teresa of Ávila. Catholics also have the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, to bring further healing.
Readings: 1 John 3:14-18; Matthew 25:31-40 -“Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”
FAITH IN ACTION
No matter the physical outcome, remember that the primary purpose of our petitionary prayer is to draw us closer to God, which will truly and wholly heal us.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 2156585795 - MONOPOLI, ITALY - MARCH 6, 2022: The painting of Jesus Cleanses the Temple scene in the church Chiesa di Sacro Cuore by Onofrio Bramante from 20. cent.Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
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
Third Sunday of Lent. Year B. Sunday, 3 March 2024 - fr Paul.
The lines of the First reading, today set the scene for everything that follows. That first sentence is the key to the understanding of the ten commandments that follow.
God gives the Law to Moses saying, "I am the Lord your God who brought you out of slavery in Egypt." The "Words" from God that follow, which we know as the commandments are given to God's people in order to free them, to protect them and keep them in a good relationship with the Lord. (God is declaring to us that he is the God of liberation; God gives us this law to make us free).
God's law is not an onerous duty or a burden. it frees us to be everything we are created to be.
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The Psalm sums it up so well: God's law is perfect. It is a real JOY. it gives wisdom. We are created not to be slaves, wearily doing the Lord's will as if it is a dreadful imposition and a burden. God's law is life and light.
From the outset, God names two things that imprison and enslave us;
- Putting other earthly things before God. and
- Creating false idols, (making passing "things" into our 'god'),
These things lead to disaster. Our Lord wants to free us from this. Our Lord sets us on the path of God's ways being first and respecting and showing reverence to ourselves, our communities and our neighbours.
To truly understand the real meaning and purpose of the law, it can be very helpful to understand the lawmaker. and then one sees what the purpose of the law is. God is love, God has unfathomable depts. Of compassion. God is just, true and loving. To keep God's law is a delight; because it is created by our loving and compassionate God.
Our Lord, Jesus, who embodied and perfected the law, shows us God's loving, compassionate heart.
This is why Jesus knew the purpose and meaning of the law and how to apply it in Spirit and Truth. And, it is why he occasionally seemed to bend the letter of the law, in order to keep the spirit and meaning of the Law. Only Christ (who is the Law and the compassion of God), could understand the meaning of the Law so well as to complete it.
A good symbol of this issue in a modern example would be on our roads, As you drive along the highway. how many people do you see who look like or act like the road laws are a delight; a pure joy to keep? How many do you see driving around filled with delight and peace as they observe faithfully the laws of the road?
As they cut in or tailgate or sail past others doing four times the signed limit.
Like many laws, rules or regulations: - we know that the laws of the land, are for the purpose of protecting safety, regulating competing rights and ensuring the protection of life, liberty and property. but, in this one example, I am mentioning, many seem to go through life flouting laws and treating them as a bore and a burden; a silly restriction on their "freedom," as they drive at excessive speeds, cut people off, turn and brake dangerously tailgate, abuse, and so on. Too many people seem to have taken this view on the road rules and so many other aspects of life as well.
"This law is silly and it limits me. It doesn't apply to me. I am above all that; so I ignore it." But if everyone flouted laws when they felt it was unimportant who would obey any? And what would become of it?
Too many find out by accident that they were not such a master of the situation that they believed.
Actually, as I am sure most would agree; following the road rules can actually be a joy and a delight, because it frees us to be thoughtful and respectful to others and peaceful as we drive. Gone is the desperate effort to speed, rush, tail-gate and to rage over people who happen to be "in the way". The person who impatiently tailgates one car finally gets past them only to be pathetically stuck behind the next car. and all the while they never noticed that these cars aren't driving too slow; but rather, THEY keep getting stuck because they are going too fast!!!! Some people are slow learners. Especially when they get to their destination (not having saved any time), and with a speeding camera fine, coming in the mail. All riled up. and of course, it is always someone else's fault;
As necessary as human laws can be; God's law is so much better than this. It is true that, the more we understand the reason for laws and the purpose of a rule, the more likely we will be to follow it. Of course, as the second reading reminds us if God's ways are not like human ways, we have to obey God's wisdom even if we find it unusual. We can be more and more open to God's ways. and get deeper inside the heart of the one who makes the laws not to hold us back but for life, and life to the full.
The key to the gospel today is the first sentence too!!
- "Just before the Jewish Passover. " -
There is nothing wrong with people coming into the temple and offering up goats or pigeons or spotless lambs in reparation for sin and for offering up one's prayer and dedication to God. In fact, it was the law of the time to do this. The temple was the house of God's presence amongst his people.
The money changers would have claimed that they were there to simply assist with the people's religious duties. There are major problems here, though. At one time, "living animals" were not permitted to be brought into the temple grounds for sale. But that had changed. The area of the temple that was supposed to be reserved for Gentiles to worship God was now a marketplace where no one could possibly hope to pray or worship amidst all the noise, and the rabble of haggling. Our Lord saw that the Gentiles were being treated with contempt, as well as everything else wrong with this scene. The fees charged for the temple services had also gotten out of hand, costing poor visitors three or more days wages to be able to perform their religious duty there The attitude with which the money changers were robotically, mechanically and business-like performing these operations was making a mockery of the sacredness of the action. This was a place of mystery and awe and not a place to turn into a circus with markets and cold, businesslike precision. It is also never meant to be a case of "put in a penny and out comes a blessing". So, Our Lord was restoring the proper awe and reverence to God.
And, since it was indeed "just before the Passover, we cannot help but notice that Jesus is the TRUE Passover lamb. He is doing away with the need for lambs, goats and pigeons. he will be the one offering once and for all the perfect sacrifice which will now be the means of forgiveness and grace and redemption. He is restoring in himself right worship and effective sacrifice in which businesslike marketplaces will not be needed.
Also, Jesus will BE THE NEW TEMPLE. Our Lord will be for us always, the presence of God and the abiding promise of God's presence amongst us always.
In and through Christ, church and the Eucharist.
Jesus, (who not only knows the lawmaker but us actually ONE WITH him), restores, completes and renews the ancient sacrifices and makes them effective by his own life, his teaching, his death and his resurrection. And he warns us, just as he did the moneychangers, never take this for granted. Do not go through rituals with the mechanical presumption of a slot machine. Always, let us do this in awe and reverence for the saving law and sacrifice found in the temple that is the body of Christ.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
D'ARCY, T., JOHNSTON, J. AND COPLEY, B. (2015). BREAK OPEN THE WORD. BRISBANE. QLD.: THE LITURGICAL COMMISSION/ LITURGY BRISBANE.
DEBONA, G. (2014). BETWEEN THE AMBO AND THE ALTAR. YEAR B. 1ST ED. COLLEGEVILLE, MINNESOTA: LITURGICAL PRESS.
JOHN J PILCH. THE CULTURAL WORLD OF JESUS/ THE APOSTLES/ THE PROPHETS SUNDAY BY SUNDAY, CYCLE B. COLLEGEVILLE, MINN. LITURGICAL PRESS .1996, 2002.
BARCLAY, W. (1975). THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. VOLUME I. 2ND ED. EDINBURGH: ST. ANDREW PRESS
St Casimir - 04 March. Optional Memorial
Born at Cracow (Poland) in 1458. Died in Lithuania on this day in 1484. Though a young prince of Poland, he preferred peace to being a soldier. He chose celibacy over marriage and favoured prayer and penance rather than royal privilege. Remembered for his generous life of austerity and devotion.
Sts Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs. 07 March. Memorial.
Died at Carthage (Tunisia) on this day about 203. Perpetua, a young woman with a newborn son, and Felicity, a pregnant slave girl, were arrested with their catechist and several other African catechumens. Baptised while in prison. Perpetua resisted her father's appeals to renounce her faith. Felicity gave birth to a daughter. Thrown to wild beasts and then put to the sword, they died in the embrace of the sign of peace. Remembered for the joyful courage of their final witness to Christ. Mentioned in Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon)
St John of God, Religious. 08 March. Optional Memorial.
Born in Portugal in 1495. Died in Granada (Spain) on this day in 1550. At the age of about forty, he directed the energies of his spiritual conversion toward hospitality for the destitute and care of the sick. Remembered for this ministry, which was continued by his followers, who became the Order of Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God.
POPE FRANCIS: Continuing the summary on Session One of the Synod on Synodality. +
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 243727753 - 10 January, 2015:portrait of His Holiness Pope Francis. Editorial Use Only. Illustration Contributor: DeepGreen.
12. The Bishop in Ecclesial Communion
Convergences
According to Vatican II, bishops, as successors of the Apostles, are placed at the service of the communion that is realised in the local Church, among the Churches and with the entire Church. The figure of the bishop can therefore adequately be understood only in the web of relations that is woven from the portion of the People of God entrusted to him, the presbyterate and the deacons, consecrated persons, and the other bishops, and the Bishop of Rome, and taking account of a constant orientation toward mission.
The bishop is, in his Church, the one primarily responsible for proclaiming the Gospel and for the liturgy. He guides the Christian community and promotes pastoral care of those experiencing poverty and the defence of the most vulnerable. As the visible principle of unity, he has, in particular, the task of discerning and coordinating the different charisms and ministries sent forth by the Spirit for the proclamation of the Gospel and the common good of the community. This ministry is realized in a synodal manner when governance is accompanied by co-responsibility, preaching by listening to the faithful People of God, and sanctification and celebration of the liturgy by humility and conversion.
The bishop has an indispensable role in vivifying and animating the synodal process in the local Church, promoting the mutuality between "all, some and one". The “one” Episcopal ministry values the participation of "all" the faithful, through the contribution of "some" who are more directly involved in discernment and decision-making processes. The conviction with which the bishop himself adopts a synodal approach and the style by which he exercises authority will influence decisively how priests and deacons, lay men and women, and those in consecrated life, participate in the synodal process. The bishop is called to be an example of synodality for all.
In contexts where the Church is perceived as the family of God, the bishop is regarded as a father to all; there is, however, a crisis in regard to how his authority is experienced in secularised societies. It is important not to lose sight of the sacramental nature of the Episcopate, lest the figure of the bishop be assimilated into that of a civil authority figure.
Expectations of bishops are often very high, and many bishops spoke of feeling overburdened with administrative and legal commitments, which makes it difficult for them to fully realize their mission. The bishop also must come to terms with his own frailty and limitations and sometimes lacks the support he needs, whether human or spiritual. A certain sense of loneliness is not uncommon. That is why it is important, on the one hand, to refocus on elements that are essential to the mission of the bishop, and, on the other hand, to cultivate authentic fraternity among bishops themselves and among bishops and their priests.
Matters for Consideration
On the theological level, the significance of the reciprocal relationship between the bishop and the local Church needs to be significantly deepened. He is called both to guide his local Church and, at the same time, to recognise and preserve the richness of its history, traditions and charisms.
The relationship between the Sacrament of Holy Orders and jurisdiction needs to be studied in greater depth. In dialogue with Lumen Gentium and more recent teachings such as the Apostolic Constitution “Praedicate Evangelium,” such a study would aim to clarify the theological and canonical criteria underlying the principle of the shared responsibility of the bishop and to determine the scope, forms and implications of co-responsibility.
Some bishops express discomfort when they are asked to speak on matters of faith and morals where full agreement within the Episcopate is lacking. Further reflection is needed on the relationship between episcopal collegiality and diversity of theological and pastoral views.
Integral to a synodal Church is ensuring a culture of transparency and respect for the procedures established for the protection of minors and vulnerable people. It is necessary to develop further structures dedicated to the prevention of abuse. The sensitive issue of handling abuse places many bishops in the difficult situation of having to reconcile the role of the father with that of the judge.
The appropriateness of assigning the judicial task to another body, to be specified canonically, should be explored.
Proposals
It is necessary to implement, in forms legally yet to be defined, structures and processes for regular review of the bishop's performance, with reference to the style of his authority, the economic administration of the diocese's assets, and the functioning of participatory bodies, and safeguarding against all possible kinds of abuse. A culture of accountability is an integral part of a synodal Church that promotes co-responsibility, as well as safeguarding against abuses.
There are calls to make the Episcopal Council (can. 473 §4), the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Eparchial Pastoral Council (CIC can. 511, CCEO can 272) mandatory, and to make the diocesan bodies exercising co-responsibility more operational, including in legal terms.
The Assembly calls for a review of the criteria for selecting candidates for the episcopate, balancing the authority of the Apostolic Nuncio with the participation of Episcopal Conferences. There are also requests to expand consultation with the faithful People of God and to involve a greater number of lay people and consecrated persons in the consultation process, taking care to avoid being put under any undue pressure in the selection process.
Many bishops express the need to rethink the functioning and strengthen the structure of the metropolitan sees (ecclesiastical provinces) and regions, so that they can become concrete expressions of collegiality in a territory and, through fraternity, mutual support, transparency and wider consultation, become commonplace practices among bishops.
Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.htm
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
……………..See overleaf …..
Alert - FIRE ANTS SUSPECTED IN CLEAR ISLAND WATERS
Alert
We have had a report - and have reported this to the Queensland Government Fire Ant Program- that possible fire ants have been spotted on the grass around the church car park and possibly other areas.
It has yet to be confirmed, but we do strongly feel the ants are likely to be so. This will be confirmed by experts ASAP. Meanwhile, given that fire ants are a major problem in the state and can cause very painful bites and, in some circumstances, severe medical emergencies to people who have reactions/allergies to such bites, we are warning everyone to take special care around the grounds until the situation can be thoroughly investigated and treated.
Please avoid grassed areas and a special warning that children be kept away from playing in these areas until the situation is clarified. The grass in and around the car parks at Sacred Heart are often places where one sees children running around and even rolling in the grass. So we are concerned that they may be bitten.
Please let others know about this.
God bless and thanks for your vigilance.
Sincerely, Fr Paul.
PILGRIMAGE WITH FR DAN RYAN
**Bookings for Fr Dan’s trip to France are closing** at the end of February.
For more information, please contact Harvest Journeys at harvestjourneys.com or phone 1800 819 156
-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 this year with me, Fr Dan Ryan, on a French Saints Pilgrimage, with a possible extension to Rome? It sounds like something beautiful and spiritual.
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).
For more information, contact Harvest Journeys on 1800 819 156 or https://bookings.harvestjourneys.com/pv2445. If you contact Harvest Journeys, mention Fr Dan Ryan’s name; the pilgrimage is the “French Saints Pilgrimage.” A copy of the brochure is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EuOjctr5PMLmUrxxhut9-IoMAI3OMQXQ/view?usp=sharing
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
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/)
** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 24”
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk at the epiphany each year. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
Meaning that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, Wise Men visited and gave homage to the Lord and were welcomed into the hospitality of the Holy Family’s abode. We dedicate the present year of this century, ‘24, to the protection of the Lord. May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Bathasar and Melchior; the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling-place.”
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