Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel follows directly after last Sunday’s Gospel in which Jesus was questioned by Jewish religious leaders about the source of his teaching authority. After refusing to answer their questions, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons and then criticizes the priests and elders for their lack of belief in John the Baptist.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus once again speaks to the priests and elders with a parable. In this parable, the landowner leases his vineyard to tenants and sends his servants to collect the portion of the harvest that the tenants owe to him. Several times the servants are sent to collect payment, and each time they are beaten and killed by the tenants. Finally, the landowner sends his son to collect his rent. The tenants, believing that they will inherit the vineyard if the landowner dies without an heir, plot together and kill the landowner’s son.
After telling the parable, Jesus questions the chief priests and elders about what the landowner will do to the wicked tenants. They all agree that the landowner will kill the wicked tenants and give the land to new tenants who will pay the rent.
In telling the parable, Jesus is clearly drawing upon Isaiah 5:1-7, which is today’s first reading and one that the priests and elders would have known well. Jesus doesn’t, therefore, have to explain the symbolism of the parable; the Pharisees would have understood that the vineyard represented Israel, the landowner represented God, the servants represented the prophets, and the bad tenants represented the religious leaders. Yet Jesus nonetheless explains the meaning of the parable for his audience: the Kingdom of God will be taken from the unbelieving and given to the faithful. The chief priests and elders have condemned themselves with their answer to Jesus’ question.
Today’s Gospel has a parallel in Mark 12:1-12. There are some notable differences, however. In Matthew’s version, the religious leaders condemn themselves; in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus answers his own question. Matthew names the religious leaders as Pharisees and chief priests. Clearly this Gospel shows the tension that was mounting between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders who thought that his message was dangerous. Matthew’s Gospel was written about 70 years after Jesus’ death and reflects the conflicts and tensions found in the Christian community for whom Matthew was writing. Many biblical scholars believe that the tension between Matthew’s community and their Jewish neighbors can also be heard in today’s reading.
This Gospel reminds us of the importance of listening to God’s word. God speaks to us in many ways—through Scripture, through our Church tradition, in our Church’s teaching, and through modern-day prophets. Are we attentive and receptive to God’s word to us through these messengers? (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Calling All Students! – The Fishing Fleet Festival – 75th Anniversary
Sunday 22nd October 2023 will mark the 75th Anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet.
The Fishing Fleet Festival are seeking all students from the neighbouring Catholic Schools to participate in this long-standing community event. Students from all ages can dress in Italian costumes, provided by the Association or dress in their communion dresses. Students can also come along and represent their school in school uniform and carry school banners.
Procession leaves St Patrick’s Basilica at 2pm. If you would like to participate, please email Maria on anna.minutillo@cewa.edu.au for further information and to borrow costumes.
Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Celebration for this year’s 75th Anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet will commence with a Triduum on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th with Rosary at 7.30pm and Mass at 8pm led by Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI. The Feast Day will be celebrated with Mass at 9.30am, followed by Procession leaving the Basilica at 2pm, Blessing of the Boats and Benediction. All Welcome.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO 5PM EVENING MASS ON SUNDAY 22ND OCTOBER.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be celebrated on Sunday 8th October after the 8am Mass in the presbytery carport. All Welcome.
Seniors Morning Tea
The next senior’s morning tea will be held on Monday 23rd October 2023 at 10am in the Parish Centre. All seniors welcome.
Piano Concert – Friday 27th October 2023
Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, of New Norcia Monastery, will present a solo piano recital in Fremantle’s historic St. Patrick’s Basilica, on Friday 27th October 2023 at 7.30pm. The programme will include Fr. Robert’s original compositions from his new album Celestial Void, as well as beloved works of Chopin and Liszt. Also featured will be compositions from the founder of New Norcia, Dom Rosendo Salvado, including works which he played at his legendary recital in Perth in 1846. Entry fee is donation at the door. See noticeboard for more info.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a wonderful opportunity for those who seek to embrace the faith of the Catholic Church and a great avenue for those who wish to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ. If you know anyone willing to take up this journey, please encourage them to come for the information evening on Tuesday 17th October 2023 at 6.30pm, in the Parish Office Boardroom. For further information please contact the Parish Office, Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm on 9335 2268.
CBC Exams
Please note that the Parish Centre will host CBC ATAR Exams from Monday 30th October to Friday 17th November 2023. We ask that you please keep the boys in your prayers during this time and please be mindful when using the toilets in the Parish Centre.
Weekday Volunteer Readers
We are URGENTLY seeking readers to read at the midday Masses, if you can assist can you please see Joan Swindells or call into the parish office.
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 77%.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 8 October
Parish Morning Tea
Friday 13 October
Iona Graduation Mass
Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 October
Triduum Blessing of the Fleet
Friday 20 October
CBC Graduation Mass