from Fr Satheesh
In the Gospel this week Jesus does not command us to love ‘God’ in the abstract. Teaching Jew to Jew he says: ‘You shall love the Lord your God’ – the Lord who had rescued the Jewish people from slavery. So, commanding a love which responds to an initiative of Divine Love.
Why wouldn’t one respond ‘heart, mind, strength, soul’ in gratitude for the gift of life itself, for some particular person or incident, for the beauty and grandeur of nature, for rescue from some situation which seemed to engulf us? And if the Lord God loved you in such a way, why wouldn’t you love yourself?
Then you can properly ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. There is nothing sentimental in his teaching from Leviticus 19:18 and the preceding verses. Jesus was pointing to the system of social justice which looked after the poor. It is up to us as global citizens of the 21st century to recognise as ‘neighbours’ those beyond our borders and to love them in the practical ‘Levitical’ way.
I wish to thank Anne Ellis and all those who assisted in making our All Souls Day/ Remembrance Mass and blessing of the graves such a special occasion. It is an important time to remember and celebrate our loved ones. We continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones especially in the last year. Those who wish to offer a Mass for your dear ones please do the offerings by using the November Mass envelopes.
Thank you to all those who were able to join us in celebrating the Feast Day of St Martin de Porres. It is always a wonderful occasion when we can come together as a parish to celebrate. Thank you to the youth group and school community who helped out to celebrate the Feast a memorable one.
Ongoing formation is very important for all. We learn many things by attending different classes. We welcome all altar servers (senior and junior) and those interested in joining this ministry to our formation session on Saturday, November 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at OLGC church. Deacon Peter will be there to inform and instruct us. Please don’t miss it.
As you know, some of our parishioners, under the leadership of Fr. Joseph, are flying to India on Monday, 4th November, and will return on Monday, 18th November. During their trip, they will explore the heritage and culture of India, and Fr. Shiju will join them when they reach Kerala. As a parish, we wish them a safe journey and will keep them in our prayers.
Additionally, Bishop Anthony Randazzo will celebrate his fifth anniversary as the Bishop of Broken Bay on Monday, 4th November. We congratulate him on this milestone and pray for his continued guidance and wisdom.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in our parish activities.
I extend a warm welcome to all visitors to our churches. Please feel free to come and introduce yourselves when you are at Mass. We look forward to meeting you and sharing in the joy of our parish community.
May God Bless you
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH