Morena – Good morning,
Clare and I arrived back Sunday October 6 and fortunately we had reasonable sleep on the plane which meant less impact from jet lag. In fact, I felt better than I did after the 17 hour flight to New York which took a few days to recover from. We had a wonderful time, Ireland and Southern California were true highlights. Clare did really well with all the walking after having a hip operation three weeks before we departed.
Anyway, enough of that – Firstly, I would like to thank the following for their reflections and support over the past five weeks. Bernadette Lyon Manning for her reflection; then, we had Shelley and Graham Ward and their reflection and our last one was by John and Kerry Kleinsman. I personally enjoyed each of their reflections and their respective insights and sharing from the readings along with what support needs to continue.
It was great that these people stepped up and shared in this ministry to one another. Let me invite anyone in our communities who would like to share in one of the fortnightly reflections. I am most happy to step aside and allow others to share their faith story.
Above, on this page, is the Passionist Logo for their 48th General Chapter being held in Rome this month. The theme of this meeting is “Here I am – send me” and that the Passion of Christ is our source and mission. Passionist Family Groups are founded on this faith stance as the founder St Paul of the Cross stated “The passion of Jesus is the most overwhelming evidence of the love of God”. When we see the current world around us we see the Passion played out in people’s lives. As associated members of the Passionist family can we embrace the need to connect with others and create an sense of welcome and belonging. Can we be the place in our communities where colour, creed does not come into it – all are welcome as our motto states – “We are a Family for All”.
It was interesting to arrive home and read in Saturday’s paper (5th October) about Wairarapa’s census data. It showed that 62% who stated they are not religious and 28% identified as Christian. Nationally, 52% of people have no religion and 32% are Christian. These show us what we already knew that religious identification and practice is in serious decline.
However, asking someone if they are religious will only result in the way people understand the term ‘religious’. Usually, they would understand or interpret that as some affiliation to a church group; If we were to ask people if they consider themselves ‘spiritual’, I wonder if the result would be different. I can recall teaching in catholic schools where I had many students who saw themselves as spiritual but not religious. It was reflected in their studies and assignments and I have seen it in my own children. Many have left the church structure due to the way clergy have behaved and also the loss of respect for church leadership. In Ireland we witnessed the same results where a very religious country is in steep decline. Secularism, has become the new religion and with this is the rise of individualism. We have also seen the rise in the distortion of truth and disinformation.
But, all has not been lost; we have seen amazing community responses and gathering to disasters and support for people both secular and/or religious.EG Vinnies, Salvos, give a little page, the recent floods in Otago, foodbanks etc. These are the touchstones of HOPE! What we have here in our Passionist Family Groups is knowing that our gatherings of like-minded people are faith and service centred who will be to connect and support PFG members in ‘belonging’. As our churches and communities go through their challenges let us remember what church is? a body of believers following and living the message of Jesus.
So, for me, it’s not about comfort or prestige about going to mass or just being there to receive the sacraments. It is this but more to be of service and to create a real connection to and with others no matter who they are! Who are my brothers and sisters?
Our group may be comfortable and going well but there are always people who would and will appreciate a listening ear, a prayer, a word of encouragement, a laugh, a helping hand, a phone call or visit, assistance in whatever way we can to show and demonstrate the compassion of Jesus in down to earth and practical ways. As Mary MacKillop said, “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Have a good week – God go with you – Paul
Passionist Family Groups Movement Aotearoa 2024 -2027
Planning and Consultation
In September, I wrote inviting all members to assist the Movement in seeking your feedback and seek your insights, comments and thoughts about the needs of our Movement over the next three years. The Trustees will be working with Fr. Brian Traynor CP (Passionist Advisor to NZ) at a meeting in December 6th – 9th, to consider
- our present situation
- what we need to do over the next three years
- what we will need to do to get there.
To assist us, I want to consult with you about the direction we should take.
In order to do that, we need to reflect on:
- what is working
- what could be improved
- what can help keep the PFGM grow and develop.
I thank Murray Straight who has collated the twenty or so responses. However, after talking to a couple of parish coordinators they felt I needed to encourage further responses due to the importance of this review and future planning. So to this end, taking into account how busy people are can I suggest that any member and surely, Parish and group coordinators if they have not already personally send back a reply to Murray Straight by 25 of October. The information with questions is attached to this email Warm regards, Paul
Scripture reflection: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 20 October 2024.
Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant
Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Isaiah 53:10-11
Responsorial psalm: Ps 32(33):4-5, 18-20, 22
Second reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
Link to readings
As we contemplate Jesus as the Servant King, our readings today challenge us to consider themes of service and sacrifice. The First Reading comes from Isaiah’s fourth song of the suffering servant. Although the servant is rejected because of the message he proclaims, and will suffer because of it, his sufferings will ’justify many’.
The Psalm encourages us to look with hope to the Lord always, especially in challenging times. We can trust in his merciful and loving help, for he is ‘our help and our shield’. The Second Reading then reminds us that we can trust even more in finding mercy and grace in times of trouble, because Jesus shared in our humanity. Although he remained without sin, he knows all that human nature brings, including the temptations.
The Gospel brings us full circle as Jesus again speaks of the sacrifice that he, ‘the Son of Man’, will make. We see James and John approach Jesus seeking a share in his glory. He foretells the suffering that they, like him, will face, and reminds us all that, above all else, we must serve those in need.
Perhaps, this week, we can take time to review the ways in which we serve the needs of others. Knowing that the Lord will always hear us, we can ask for the grace and strength we need to do his will.
Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals
- share & celebrate life & faith
- support one another (especially in need)
- reaching out to & include others
- build community/extended family
- show and give example to children
A view from my home office assists with reflection and prayer and just good with
nature.
Pease remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Please keep Jocelyn Bryant who continues her cancer treatment
- Please keep Maggi Gribble in your prayer – she has been unwell – Charlie has been a great support as usual.
- Please Jenny Epplett, Preston and family after the death of her brother.. Also, other family loss and daughter who is in need of support. Jenny has surgery coming up at the end of this month.
- Please keep Paul and Linda Darbyshire in your thoughts and prayer.
- Please remember Paul Davenport and his wife Jill who is under the grip of dementia. Tough times.
- Remember Leanne Hintz daughter of Clair and Ray Hague who died recently from Levin and all the family
- Robyn Burns (Hill) she is now home and the next part of recuperation begins. She has a long recovery time. She continues making good progress.
- Please remember Terry Nelson’s family in your prayers.
- Please keep Brian McFlynn in our prayers who is undergoing cancer treatment. Also, his wife Eleanor and their family in your prayers..
- Please keep in your prayer Tim Bartell’s son Sam and family
- Please keep Christine Geoghegan and family in your thoughts and prayer.
- Please keep Richard Gibbs in your prayer he continues to slowly improve. Remember his wife Sue who has just been a pillar over the past 3 years.
- Please keep Robert van de Pas in your prayers Also Adriana his mother who is supporting him.
- Please keep Bryan Davidson in your prayer
- Please keep Charlie and Maggi’s daughter and her partner in prayer.
- Keep in mind all those who are struggling with various aspects of mental health.
- Please remember Martin van der Wetering in your prayers as his health still is causing him grief and discomfort.
- Please remember Phil Drew a former Passionist along with his wife Anne and family
- Please keep in your prayers those who continue to deal with the after effects of droughts on the horn of Africa. Also weather effects on other countries across the planet
- Please keep Bob Buckley in your prayers-
- Keep in prayer the people of Ukraine
- Keep in prayer the people of Sudan in Africa
- Keep people in Gaza and Israel in your prayer – these acts from both sides have had a horrible effect on the innocent as always.
- Please pray for Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill) – their son-in-law Mark married to Dot’s daughter Anita has been diagnosed with aggressive brain tumour, Please keep in mind their daughter Bailey and son Taylor.
- Remember Pat and Rod Carson
- Your own intentions
Humour:
