Hello friends,
This Sunday highlights the reality of yet another month passing. I have come across a few people who like me are realising the speed at which the year is passing. This is not always good news as it forecasts for us that another year of ageing is upon us.
This Sunday’s readings focus on the themes around ‘reconciliation’. The gospel highlights this in the wonderful parable of The Lost Son but better described as the parable of The Loving Father. What parent at some stage hasn’t thrown up their hands at the choice their child has made but often in the aftermath, comes to their senses. At the end of the day, love is always the most important attribute to communicate as parents. An embrace, a forgiving word, a warm smile or a confirmation ‘It’s OK’ we have got this and we will work this out together.
These actions and words reflect encouragement, forgiveness and the concept of ‘building up’. We all make mistakes, I have had my fair share and I am sure there will be more before I depart this life. I’ve had parents who were frustrated yet offered me understanding and acceptance. Mind you there were a few times that punishment was dealt out before the forgiveness and apologies.
As frustrating and challenging as life was for me I found and believe in a God who loves and forgives and then, walks with us on our new path. Many people have had experiences of trauma, grief, loss and shame only to struggle to believe that they are lovable yet, this parable and our readings affirm that God is there with open arms. Contrary to the past and sometimes today many focus on making people feel bad about their mistakes. This attitude is not found in Jesus through the gospels.
Jesus is forever inviting people to look beyond the letter of the law to the spirit and to believe that we can start again. Yes, we all make mistakes for a myriad of reasons but as we grow and live our lives experience tells us people just need a kind word, a smiling face, a word of forgiveness, a hug of reassurance and a belief in them and their worth,
The image of a father waiting for his son expresses love and hope but also the pain associated with waiting . It is also humbling that as the son falters over his self-depreciating apology the father wants to ‘reinstate’ him and celebrate his coming home (to himself and family) Welcome home, son!
We can all feel for the older son as being hard done by but again, forgiveness is not about a good show or doing what we know we should be doing. We are asked to be reflective on what we have – not on what we have lost. To this end, the father says “all I have is yours – all my love and work for you is given freely nothing owed!” Forgiveness is not about balancing the ledger, it is seeing that we can reach deep within and find a way to bring renewed life where healing can happen. Another opportunity to be compassionate, supportive, and welcoming.
There is no age limit on this – we are called to be the healing forgiving presence of Jesus to all! as our motto states, to be a “Family for All”. Sentiments expressed above can be listened to in this song by Christian singer Lauren Daigle.
. https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI You Say – Lauren Daigle –
“I believe forgiveness is the best form of love in any relationship. It takes a strong person to say they’re sorry and an even stronger person to forgive.” – Yolanda Hadid
Have a good week – God go with you
Paul
Scripture reflection: Fourth Sunday of Lent Year C, 30 March 2025.
Rejoice! In Christ we are a new creation
O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith, the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Joshua 5:9-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33(34):2-7
Second reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Link to readings – click here
On this Laetare (‘Rejoice!’) Sunday at the mid-point of Lent, our liturgy centres on the boundless forgiveness of our loving God. We may choose to turn away from his love, but God forever turns towards us, longing to embrace us with compassion and rejoicing when we come back to him.
In the First Reading God tells Joshua that he has taken away the shame of the people of Israel: their years in exile eating manna in the desert are over. From now on, they eat from the bounty of the land. The generosity of God’s goodness and forgiveness is proclaimed throughout the Psalm. God comes to us in our need and distress, desiring us to put aside our shame and be radiant with his transforming love. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians continues this feast of forgiveness. We are reconciled to God through Christ and in him we are a new creation, liberated from our sins. (Second Reading)
Finally, the beautiful parable that Jesus shares in today’s Gospel sums up the whole message of the Good News and the promise of reconciliation. This reconciliation is made complete through the events of Holy Week and Easter that we will soon celebrate.
In this Jubilee Year, we pray as Pilgrims of Hope, made new in Christ. This week, we pray for all those in the world who are unable to secure enough food to eat from their land as a result of a changing climate. May we be moved with compassion to take whatever practical steps we can to alleviate their food poverty.
National Coordinator’s Update:
As stated in the last newsletter as part of this Jubilee Year Paul will be offering to visit parishes and or regions to conduct a mini formation using two talks and discussion/sharing opportunities – one on ‘Belonging’ and the “On Being Church – Why community matters?”. If you or your community or region would like a presentation please let Paul know and dates that would suit you.
At this stage Hawkes Bay are looking at May 10th. Mt Maunganui and Whakatane 26th & 27th July and Ashburton August 3rd for Formation Christchurch August 10th
Reflections of the PFG meetings:
- While we have some green shoots we are also experiencing the ageing effects of PFG’s and the lack of new blood so to speak. Illnesses and sickness have meant that we have lost PFG members and the result is grief and loss.
- There are questions of how to engage with the other cultures that now dominate the pews of our churches. We have to find ways of understanding their faith and culture without expecting them to follow ours.
- Many have started the year slowly but are organising their planning for the year. This is critical for us to function.
- We would do well to move to having ‘connections’ within our group rather than worrying about the next function. Involve people through passing on our contact lists and each week find someone you haven’t spoken to and give then a call. This is a positive process for those house bound
- Many have been isolated and just plodding along but there was a sense that we need to promote and move out to engage with our faith communities.
- There is enthusiasm for ‘relaunching PFG’s in parishes and the need to invite and speak to all about PFG;s and be welcoming.
- There is energy to engage with PP’s and Pastoral Councils to support promotion and relaunches of PFG’s.
- In his role Paul wishes to seek to find ways to support, enthuse and encourage support and growth but it is something we all have to work on and with. Our call is to be family and through care, hope, faith and love for one another we can and will be the difference in sustaining and creating community.
Distressing – I borrowed this from my brother Brian’s newsletter. Very sad and yes distressing for what our young deal with as powerful nations play their games of strength and aggression.
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
Please remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Please keep Linda Darbyshire and family in your prayer.
- Please remember Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family in your prayer.
- Robyn Burns (Hill;) –.. Our thoughts and prayer are with Robyn as she recovers slowly. We also remember, her husband Andrew and their children. Please remember her mum and dad Rob and Lynn Hill and her sister Tracey.
- Remember Rencha who is dealing with cancer.
- Please remember Sean and Ann Mulcahy who are both battling major health issues
- Please keep Di Buckley in your prayer she is recovering from a stroke
- Christine Geoghegan daughter Kate and extended families
- Pat Smith RIP and keep in prayer Maureen and family; Remember Rod Carson and remember Pat and family; Maureen and Graeme Matthews; Adrian van de Pas and her son Robert ; Graeme and Margaret Armstrong
- Jenny Epplett, Preston, Kate and family ;
- Please remember Paul Davenport and his wife Jill;
- Clair and Ray Hague;
- Terry Nelson’s family;. Brian and Eleanor McFlynn ; Bryan Davidson;
- Tim Bartell’s son Sam and family ; Richard and Sue Gibbs;
- Charlie and Maggi and their daughter and her partner in prayer.
- Keep in mind all those who are struggling with various aspects of mental health;; Keep people in Gaza and Israel in your prayer along with the people of the people of Ukraine: Keep in prayer the people of Sudan and Syria.
- Martin and Sally van der Wetering; Phil and Anne Drew;
- 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 pray for Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill)
- We pray for our world who under the Trump administration which has created a state of unease, tension and injustice for the vulnerable.
- Your own intentions
We pray the Jubilee Prayer for ourselves and our world.
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen
Humour:
- Why did the Energizer Bunny go to jail? He was charged with battery.
- What do cats eat for breakfast? Mice Krispies.
- What do French hedgehogs see on Groundhog Day? Their chateau.
- What do you get when you cross a fish with an elephant? Swimming trunks.
- What colour is the wind? Blew.
- Did you hear about the wig thief who escaped from prison? Police are combing the area to find him.
- I wondered why the baseball was getting closer and closer … then it hit me.
- Where do surfers go for an education? Boarding school.
- Did you hear about the guy who was addicted to the hokey pokey? He turned himself around.
- Why doesn’t it hurt if someone throws a can of Coke at your head? Because it’s a soft drink.
- Why are libraries so tall? Because they have many stories.
We are a “Family for All”