from Fr Satheesh
Dear Parishioners,
The readings for this week speak of God’s saving presence among His people, our need for trusting Faith in our loving and providing God Who always keeps us company, and our need for prayer in storms of life.
This week’s Gospel we reflect on how Life often feels like the stormy sea. We all experience moments when the waves of worry, illness, grief, uncertainty, or change threaten to overwhelm us. It is in these moments that Jesus comes to us with the same reassuring words he spoke to the disciples: "Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid."
Peter's response is one we can all relate to. Filled with trust, he steps out of the boat and walks towards Jesus. Yet when he focuses on the wind instead of the Lord, fear takes over and he begins to sink. How often do we do the same? When we allow our fears to become greater than our faith, we lose sight of the One who is always reaching out to us.
Jesus does not abandon Peter when he falters. Instead, he immediately reaches out his hand and lifts him up. This is a beautiful reminder that God's love is not dependent on our perfect faith. Even when we struggle, doubt, or lose confidence, the Lord remains close, ready to strengthen us and guide us forward. He calls us not to be fearless, but to place our trust in him, one step at a time.
The Gospel also reminds us of the importance of prayer. Before walking on the water, Jesus withdrew to be alone with the Father. His example teaches us that finding time to pray gives us the strength and peace we need to face life's challenges. When we spend time with God, we are better able to recognise his presence, even in the midst of the storm.
The comforting message of this Gospel is not that we will never face storms, but that we never face them alone. Jesus is always present, extending his hand to lift us up whenever we cry, "Lord, save me." As we journey through this week, may we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, trusting that his love is stronger than every storm we encounter. And like the disciples, may our hearts be filled with faith as we proclaim, "Truly, you are the Son of God."
Thank you for your prayers as I went to India to farewell my uncle. It is in these times when we see the importance of family and community. I am so grateful for your support and love.
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the highest liturgical feasts. In Australia, it is one of the two Holy Days of Obligation, aside from every Sunday of the year. This year, the Solemnity falls on a Saturday. In the Diocese of Broken Bay, Masses celebrated during the day will be for the Assumption, but the Vigil Masses that evening will be for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The obligation of both the Assumption and Sunday cannot be fulfilled by simply attending the Saturday Vigil Mass. The Vigil Mass on the evening of Friday, 14 August to allow the faithful to fulfil the obligation for the Assumption. Mass times for the Assumption Day is in the bulletin.
We look forward to celebrating our Parish Multicultural Celebration next Sunday, 16 August, following the 10:00am Mass at OLGC. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, share our diverse cultures, and celebrate the richness of our parish community. Please feel free to come dresses in your cultural outfit and bring some food to share. If you would like to volunteer to prepare and share food from your cultural heritage, please contact the parish office so that we can set a table for you to keep your food to share. I encourage everyone to join the celebration.
We extend our sincere thanks to Joyce McGrath for her dedicated service and hard work as Parish’s Social Committee Coordinator. As Joyce has expressed her intention to retire from the role, we gratefully acknowledge her commitment and the wonderful contribution she has made to our community. We wish her all the best and thank her for her many years of service.
May God bless you.
Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP
The readings for this week speak of God’s saving presence among His people, our need for trusting Faith in our loving and providing God Who always keeps us company, and our need for prayer in storms of life.
This week’s Gospel we reflect on how Life often feels like the stormy sea. We all experience moments when the waves of worry, illness, grief, uncertainty, or change threaten to overwhelm us. It is in these moments that Jesus comes to us with the same reassuring words he spoke to the disciples: "Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid."
Peter's response is one we can all relate to. Filled with trust, he steps out of the boat and walks towards Jesus. Yet when he focuses on the wind instead of the Lord, fear takes over and he begins to sink. How often do we do the same? When we allow our fears to become greater than our faith, we lose sight of the One who is always reaching out to us.
Jesus does not abandon Peter when he falters. Instead, he immediately reaches out his hand and lifts him up. This is a beautiful reminder that God's love is not dependent on our perfect faith. Even when we struggle, doubt, or lose confidence, the Lord remains close, ready to strengthen us and guide us forward. He calls us not to be fearless, but to place our trust in him, one step at a time.
The Gospel also reminds us of the importance of prayer. Before walking on the water, Jesus withdrew to be alone with the Father. His example teaches us that finding time to pray gives us the strength and peace we need to face life's challenges. When we spend time with God, we are better able to recognise his presence, even in the midst of the storm.
The comforting message of this Gospel is not that we will never face storms, but that we never face them alone. Jesus is always present, extending his hand to lift us up whenever we cry, "Lord, save me." As we journey through this week, may we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, trusting that his love is stronger than every storm we encounter. And like the disciples, may our hearts be filled with faith as we proclaim, "Truly, you are the Son of God."
Thank you for your prayers as I went to India to farewell my uncle. It is in these times when we see the importance of family and community. I am so grateful for your support and love.
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the highest liturgical feasts. In Australia, it is one of the two Holy Days of Obligation, aside from every Sunday of the year. This year, the Solemnity falls on a Saturday. In the Diocese of Broken Bay, Masses celebrated during the day will be for the Assumption, but the Vigil Masses that evening will be for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The obligation of both the Assumption and Sunday cannot be fulfilled by simply attending the Saturday Vigil Mass. The Vigil Mass on the evening of Friday, 14 August to allow the faithful to fulfil the obligation for the Assumption. Mass times for the Assumption Day is in the bulletin.
We look forward to celebrating our Parish Multicultural Celebration next Sunday, 16 August, following the 10:00am Mass at OLGC. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, share our diverse cultures, and celebrate the richness of our parish community. Please feel free to come dresses in your cultural outfit and bring some food to share. If you would like to volunteer to prepare and share food from your cultural heritage, please contact the parish office so that we can set a table for you to keep your food to share. I encourage everyone to join the celebration.
We extend our sincere thanks to Joyce McGrath for her dedicated service and hard work as Parish’s Social Committee Coordinator. As Joyce has expressed her intention to retire from the role, we gratefully acknowledge her commitment and the wonderful contribution she has made to our community. We wish her all the best and thank her for her many years of service.
May God bless you.
Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP
