from Fr Satheesh
This Sunday, December 14, the Church celebrates Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent. Gaudete is Latin for "rejoice", a reference to Saint Paul's words in the Letter to the Philippians where it says: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice... The Lord is at hand" (Phil 4:4-5). Pope Benedict XVI said this joy at God's closeness was not only about a nearness to Christ's return or to Christmas, but rather a closeness of His love.
In this week’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist in a moment of deep uncertainty. From his prison cell he sends a question to Jesus that echoes the longing of every human heart: “Are you the one who is to come?” Even the great prophet, so sure in his mission, now seeks reassurance.
Jesus does not answer with theories or arguments. He points instead to what is happening: the blind sees, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the poor receive good news. In other words, God’s kingdom is already breaking in. The signs speak for themselves.
John’s question is our question too, especially when life feels confined or confusing. And Jesus’ response is also for us: look at the quiet works of grace unfolding around you. Look at the hope being rekindled, the healing that slowly takes root, the compassion that restores life. God is present, often more gently and more humbly than we expect.
As we continue through Advent, may we learn to recognise Christ by the fruits of his presence, and may we not lose faith when answers seem slow. For the One who is to come is already at work in our midst.
As we prepare for Christmas we hope and pray that we are able to see the joy of Christmas in our hearts. Please note the Christmas Mass times in our parish bulletin. Also, I urge all of you, to make good use of the Sacrament of Penance and we continue to drink deeply from the fountain of mercy and healing that the Lord constantly offers in the Sacrament of Penance. Hence, I invite to join the second form of Reconciliation at St. Martin’s, Davidson on Thursday 18 at 7.30-8.30 pm.
We congratulate our year 6 students who had their graduation ceremonies last week and we wish all our school families a beautiful summer holiday.
Our Parish office will be closed for Christmas and New Year from Wednesday 24 December to Monday 19 January 2026. If you need anything please contact the office prior to this break.
Bishop Anthony extends a very warm invitation to the clergy and people of God in Broken Bay to join him for Mass and closing of the Jubilee Year on Sunday 28 December 2025, 9.30 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara. The Relics from our three Shrines of Hope will also journey to the Cathedral to be present for this Mass.
I encourage you to support our parish by joining in the various ministries of our parish and by assisting financially in whatever way you could please contact the parish office. Have a wonderful week.
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH PP
