Reflections for the Week

The Challenge for True Discipleship of Christ

As Christians we are expected to treat others well or avoid hurting them. We respect and do good to others. It seems easy enough from our perspective. But what if we are the "beneficiaries" of evil deeds by others or are the object of their persecution and violence?
It is rather "easy" to be Christian until violence or evil is done to us. The Gospel, however, challenges us at the very root of our understanding of what it means to be Jesus' followers. Jesus commands, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." We are to lend without expecting payment; if struck on the cheek, we are to offer the other.
Why are we not permitted to hate those who hate us, expect payment from those who have borrowed from us, and retaliate when harm is done to us? Because the Father is like that, Jesus says. God is good to everyone, good and bad alike. God is merciful to all, kind and merciless alike. we are to act against our natural wishes and imitate our divine and loving Father in heaven.
Jesus says that if we love only those who love us, lend only to those who can repay us, or take revenge on those who hurt us, we are no better than unbelievers who do the same. Jesus expects us to act differently or in accord with who we are: children of God who are loved despite our unfaithfulness and wrongdoing. We Christians are to live as children of light.
This is the heart of Christianity: to love even when we are hated, as Jesus has shown us. Admittedly, this is very difficult fro most of us, especially when we are wronged gravely and we have done nothing to cause it. But as we beg for this grace to be conformed to the heart of Jesus.
Do we have enemies whom we find very hard to forgive? Are our hearts open to receive God's grace so we can eventually forgive and love them?

365 Days With the Lord Renato R Repole SJ

Top 10 Reasons for Becoming a Catechist

If you were looking for a good reason to become a Catechist try some of these:

The best way to learn is to teach. If your won faith education ended years ago, the resources and materials you are exposed to as a catechist will surely refresh and expand your own knowledge.
Catechists tell the truth. The world needs the message of the Gospel and the way to true happiness; as a catechist, you offer a hungry world that sustenance.
Sharing the faith is an honour. It's estimated that fewer than 1 percent of Catholics are catechists.
Your own faith will come alive. as a catechist, you will discover that prayer, liturgy and your own relationship with God will become more vibrant and meaningful.
You become an active part of the most active part of your parish. When you join the catechists in your parish, you enter into a community that will support you on your faith journey, pray for and with you and encourage you in your Catholic way of life.
A catechist is a role model. as a catechist, you get to model behaviours young people might not learn anywhere else.
You will be practising stewardship. Being a catechist is a way of being a good steward by giving a bit of your most precious resource - your time.
You show your own family that you value religious education. Taking time out of your life to teach the faith shows your own children, grandchildren, siblings and family members that you put a high priority on religious education.
It's fun. Kids remind adults to live and laugh in the moment and get enthused about things like holy days and stories of saints.
It's what we are called to do. At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus said: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations."

Our Catechist and helpers will be commissioned to go into their schools next weekend at the Sunday masses. If you are interested in this wonderful ministry please give us a call at the parish office on 4332 2216 for further information.