Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel comes after a discourse in which Jesus reproaches people who have witnessed his mighty deeds yet still lack belief. In this context, today’s Gospel explains the reason for this unbelief and reveals what is necessary for faith. Today’s Gospel also continues to enhance our understanding of discipleship as last week’s Gospel did.
Jesus first prays in thanksgiving to God who has made himself known to Jesus’ disciples. He praises God who has made himself known to the “little ones” and not to the wise and learned. As in other recent readings from Matthew’s Gospel, a contrast is made here between the unbelieving Pharisees, who are wise and learned, and the faithful disciples, tax collectors, and sinners with whom Jesus keeps company.
The second part of this reading calls to our attention the unity between the Father and the Son. God has made himself known through Jesus, and in knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. In Jesus’ life and in his person, God reveals himself to us.
In the concluding sentences of today’s Gospel, Jesus’ teaching is again contrasted to the teaching of the Pharisees. This common theme of Matthew’s Gospel probably reflects tension that existed between Jesus and the Pharisees and between the Pharisees and the community of Christians for whom Matthew wrote. Pharisaic Judaism became the predominant form of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem about 70 A.D. Here that tension is expressed as alternative paths of holiness. The careful observance of the Mosaic law taught by the Pharisees could be experienced by some as difficult and burdensome. In contrast, Jesus’ way of holiness is presented as uncomplicated and even restful.
Today we have the message from Jesus to come to him and receive the rest he alone can give. It is a call to a personal relationship. He takes us away from the impersonal relationship of law to a personal relationship of love and makes us enter a joyful life-giving relationship. In coming to the person of Jesus we discover that far from being burdened, we are fully liberated. Let Jesus be our rock of strength. (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Seniors Morning Tea
The next Seniors Morning Tea will be held on Monday 17th July at 10am in the Parish Hall. All seniors welcome.
Basilica Guardians
Seeking guardians for Wednesdays and Thursday 1pm to 3pm. We require two volunteers for each session. If you can assist, please contact the Parish Office on 9335 2268.
Fr Mathew Raj OMI
On Monday 17th July we will farewell our current Interim Parish Priest, Fr Mathew. Thank You Fr Mathew for being with us over the past three months, we have come to enjoy your homilies and your company. We wish you all the very best in your future and hopefully we can see you again in Fremantle.
Welcome Fr Slawek Plonka OMI
From Monday 17th July we will welcome our new Parish Priest, Fr Slawek. We hope that he will enjoy his new position here in Fremantle and we look forward to meeting him and working with him.
Fr Austin Cooper OMI
It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate announces the death of Fr Austin Patrick Cooper OMI, 2nd July 2023 at the age of 92.
Fr Austin has been an outstanding priest and dedicated Oblate of Mary Immaculate. He was a highly capable, a man of prayer and deep spirituality, inspirational to many students, and kind, with a lovely sense of humour. He was involved in the formation of many priests in Australia. May he rest in peace.
Basilica Guardians
Seeking guardians for Wednesdays and Thursday 1pm to 3pm. We require two volunteers for each session. If you can assist, please contact the Parish Office on 9335 2268.
Planned Giving
The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week giving was 83%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
EFT First Collection Details
BSB: 086 006
A/c No: 56187 5405
Reference: 1st Collection and your name
First Collection supports the Priests.
EFT Second Collection Details
BSB: 066 107
A/c No: 0080 0216
Reference: 2nd Collection and your name
Second Collection supports the Parish.
Regarding Masks
Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costello SDB with the aim of providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, leaders and especially children and vulnerable adults. The parish of St Patrick’s Basilica is committed to creating a safe parish. To read more please click here.
COMING EVENTS
Monday 17 July: Seniors Morning Tea