Dear Passionist Family Group members and friends,
I hope this finds you well and slowly getting yourselves back to some kind of normalcy. There has been a lot of fear and loss over these past couple of years and many have felt a decline in confidence, in going out to meet others, in contacting people including family and friends in the endeavour to keep safe. I have wondered if my visiting and connecting with Passionists Family Groups is the best thing? Does my moving around create a sense of fear or add to it.?
Upon reflection, I have come up with a definitive ‘NO ‘and the engagement with Passionist Family Groups seems to confirm this belief. Many have started to meet and have had a sense of missing; other wanting still play it safe; but I wonder sometimes if we trust and really have faith in each other, let alone God. None of us knows our hour of departure from this world. I visited a solo mum with twins last week only to find out she has a malignant tumour on her brain and now she wrestles with what’s to become of her and her children. The local parish community and friends are rallying and again it demonstrates how important ‘connections’ are and how important family is!
I do believe we need to trust and as Jesus said, to the disciples when fishing, “move out into the deep”. They did and what a catch thy had!! I was also struck by the readings this week and these after we celebrate the Feast of Mary McKillop on Monday August 8th . She lived what she spoke about, “Never see a need without doing something about it”. Our retirement whenever it comes, is not an exit from life, family, friends. Rather, it a new opportunity to try and do new things and live – yes, live! Despite our decline in mobility, health, and all things related to age we can still ‘connect’ have a laugh, smile, tell stories and have time with and for others. So, to this end I share some of snippets from Hebrews and Luke’s gospel this Sunday.
- From Hebrews: Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen.
- It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call to set out for a country
- By faith he arrived, as a foreigner, in the Promised Land,
- It was equally by faith that Sarah, in spite of being past the age, was made able to conceive,
- All these died in faith, before receiving any of the things that had been promised, but they saw them in the far distance and welcomed them,
- It was by faith that Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac.
- From Luke: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.
- When a man or woman has had a great deal given them, a great deal will be demanded of him; when a man or woman has had a great deal given them on trust, even more will be expected of them.’
So, let us live our faith in a practical down to earth way brining people hope, encouragement, a listening ear, a warm smile, having a good laugh, a meal or coffee, a sitting with, in silence and prayer – just being a presence of forgiveness, understanding and of course, compassion.
“Do not be afraid. Love one another and bear with one another and let love guide you in all your life.” Mary McKillop -1909
Or listen to TS Elliot: “What life have you if you have not life in community? There is no life that is not in community, and no community not lived in praise of God.”
Have a good week – keep up the good caring and loving work you each do.
Prayer and blessing,
Paul
Scripture reflection: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 7 August 2022. For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also
Lectionary readings
First reading: Wisdom 18:6-9
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 32(33):1, 12, 18-20, 22
Second reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Gospel: Luke 12:32-48.
Link to readings – click here
Today’s readings remind us that God has chosen us all as his own. They also highlight the importance of our humble faith and trust in God, who calls us to ‘joyfully take courage’ in the world. The First Reading recalls the night of the Passover, when the Jewish slaves put their trust in God and escaped the oppression of Pharaoh.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that while the Kingdom of God has, in one sense, already arrived, in another it is still to come: it is both a gift and a challenge to us. It is therefore vital that we are awake to meet the Master whenever he returns, committing our hearts to the unfailing treasures of his kingdom.
The Second Reading meditates on the history of Israel, inviting us to imitate people like Abraham and Sarah as models of faith. Faith is the virtue that enables us to keep watching and waiting for the Lord’s presence in the ups and downs of our daily lives.
Pease remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Paul Darbyshire (Linda and family)
- Boyd Dunlop (Judith and family)
- Wilma Schimanski and family
- Ross Darbyshire and family
- Julie Neve her two children, family and friends.
Humour:
- Why did the Jedi cross the road? To get to the dark side.
- What do you call a freshly fallen tree? Die Hard.
- Did you hear about the new Johnny Depp movie? It’s rated “Arrrrrrr.”
- Which bear is the most condescending? A pan-duh!
- What kind of noise does a witch’s vehicle make? Brrrroooom, brrroooom.
- “My wife said I should do lunges to stay in shape. That would be a big step forward.”
- “Why do fathers take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing?” “In case they get a hole in one!”
- “Singing in the shower is fun until you get soap in your mouth. Then it’s a soap opera.”
- “What do a tick and the Eiffel Tower have in common?” “They’re both Paris sites.”
- “What do you call a fish wearing a bowtie?” “Sofishticated.”