Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C
We continue our reflection on Jesus’s sermon on the plain as presented by the evangelist Luke. Rev. Pablo T. Gadenz, a priest and an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies. He says that “as a whole, the Beatitudes or sermon on the plain reverse the world’s understanding of true happiness, showing that it is found not in riches, gratification, entertainment, and fame, but in God.” So, Jesus’ sermon invites us to focus on the core of our Christian faith and be content in one’s life. If we like to follow Jesus and be his true disciples, then we are invited to imbibe his teachings and embrace the challenges he presents to us through this sermon.”
Jesus presents many aspects of Christian life in the sermon on the plain. Today in particular I would like to reflect with you on the golden rule: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you”. It is everyone’s human nature that we all like to be treated properly. But of what does this golden rule remind us? Through this, the standard that Jesus proposes is one of imitating God, who himself is kind to those who are evil. The book of Psalms says, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, he instructs sinners in the way.” (Ps 25:8). Whenever we imitate Jesus, we all become children of God and there will be a reward for those who follow the high standard that Jesus places before us.
As the Lord is merciful, kind-hearted, and forgiving, the children of God too are invited to imitate him in their daily living. How do I repay a person when I am unduly punished or persecuted in my life? A natural inclination would be to react more severely or equally to that individual. But Jesus expects something different from his sons and daughters, and to act differently to what the world would expect you to do. How many of us would act today towards an enemy as David acted, a thousand years before Christ had come to teach us mercy and forgiveness, towards his enemy (Saul) whom he had never offended?
As Fr. Kevin O’Sullivan, O.F.M says, “Think of the story of David’s example of mercy, forgiveness and piety today. Compare what he so unjustly suffered, and how easily he could have put an end to that suffering, had his respect for God not prevented him. Compare that with your own case of unjust suffering which is not always so undeserved as your own self-esteem makes out. Perhaps, with God’s grace, your piety, and the thought of your own need for mercy will enable you to be forgiving and merciful to those who offend you.”
So, to be Christlike in our lives, we need to let go our selfishness and imitate the nature of Christ with which we are all created. If we always imitate Christ, then we will always intend good for others even in our adversities in life. Amen.
This weekend bulletins
Click here to download the ebulletins for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C.
Ash Wednesday Mass Times
We begin our Lenten journey on 2nd March with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. It is a day of fasting and abstinence for all Catholics between 14 and 65 years of age, except those who may be excused due to infirmity or ill health.
It is a great season to take an inward journey into our lives and see what needs to be corrected so that we can enjoy the fulness of life that Christ has promised to us (Jn 10:10). We should take this time of reflection seriously and come closer to God.
On Ash Wednesday, there will be Three Masses: 9.00am, 12noon and 7pm. Please make use of this opportunity and begin our Lenten journey with the determination to always follow Jesus in our lives.
Parish Lenten Retreat 2022
“It was because of love that the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Lent is a time of journeying, when we are preparing ourselves to join with Jesus on the last days of his life which led from the Last Supper to his show trial, conviction, and death by crucifixion, coming to completion three days later as the risen Christ of St Pauls’ letters.
You are invited as part of your Lenten preparation to come together for a series of one-hour prayerful evenings (we will be using some of the meditation exercises from the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola as our guide for the journey) where we will journey with Jesus Christ through his life to his death and resurrection. Commencing on Monday 14 March, and continuing every Monday for five weeks (14, 21,28 March, 4 & 11 April) in the Parish Centre at 6pm.
To register your interest please contact the Parish Office on 9335 2268, Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm or via email parishoffice@oblates.com.au.
The journey is best experienced over the five weeks, however if you cannot attend all five weeks you are still welcome to be part of the journey.
World Day of Prayer 2022
Many Parishioners will remember that last March we gathered in St Patrick’s Basilica to pray for the people of Vanuatu and learnt more of their faith, lifestyle and needs. This year on Friday March 4, parishioners of St John’s Anglican Church in Fremantle will lead us in prayer and thanksgiving for the people of ENGLAND, WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND. The service will take place at 10 am and our St Pat’s parishioners are invited to attend. Please join us and be part of this worldwide celebration.
Fremantle Park Concert – Sunday 6th March, 2022
We have received notification that on Sunday 6 March there will be a SummerSalt Concert on the Fremantle Park (Ellen Street, Opposite CBC) from 12noon to 9pm. They are expecting large crowds and there will be road closures and detours in place on Ord, Ellen and Parry Streets. This will also impact parking spaces around these areas on the day with possible limited number of parking spaces available. We advise that you plan and give yourself plenty of time to arrive for Masses on the day.
Children’s Liturgy
During the school terms, Children’s Liturgy will be celebrated at 5pm Mass on Sunday. If you have your children attending the Mass with you kindly send them to the Children’s chapel, (located on the left-hand side of your entrance to the Church) where the Children’s Liturgy coordinators will guide your children in the liturgy. Thanks for your co-operation.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe 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.
The Planned Giving Programme
The planned giving programme is an important part of the Parish as it allows 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’s giving was 58%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
God bless.
Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest