What does baptism mean for us? Is it a sign of our commitment to love God and neighbour, a mark of discipleship?
Sinless, in a sinful society, Jesus came to the river. As John the Baptiser prayed and the water poured over him, Jesus shared in our human burden. The heavens broke. A heavenly voice affirmed his divinity. His saving work had begun, his identity affirmed. Do we continue to walk with him?
Feast of the Epiphany – For Matthew, the appearance of the star at the time of Jesus’ birth and the way it guided the Magi to where he lay is an impressive confirmation of Jesus’ messianic status. If it did occur, it would indeed be that, and it would also authenticate Matthew’s reliability as historically accurate biographer.
No wonder then that a fierce debate rages among the scholars over what the star might have been. Was it a planet like Jupiter, a supernova (an exploding star), a couple of meteors, or something else? Perhaps it was a miraculous body and therefore beyond scientific scrutiny? Or should it simply be regarded as mythical?
Feast of the Holy Family – A Gift of Witness “Living in a family is participating in the work of the Lord; it is a sharing in the mission of the Church. It is indeed holy….” Pope Francis.
Family is a witness to the world that love shared is a reflection of the great love and care of Christ for all people. When we love each other unconditionally as family, we demonstrate the love of God, which is the work of evangelisation. All families are missionaries in their own right!
The Church scene mirrors the political scene, as it always does. The most pastoral pope in centuries is vilified by his own. A powerful hierarchy, firmly set on its three foundations of dogmatism, moralism and clericalism, wants no erosion of its power. It sticks to its guns. For them any adjustment of the rules is the start of a slippery slope. Meanwhile, Pope Francis sees . . . .
Alas, what has emerged is a classical Christianity in which the liberating truth of this God–is-Love reality has been supplanted by dogma and moralism, by institution and clericalism, by power and pomp: a church preoccupied with the outside of the cup (the macroscopic), rather than the inside of the cup (the quantum). Thus, the signposts pointing to Christ have become our idols: we have worshipped and bowed down before the well instead of drinking its water.
BULLETIN – 4th Sunday in Advent
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When Lourdes’ parents passed away in Goa, she was sent to live with Mother Theresa. There she looked after the street children and has very fond memories of that special time. Now, Lourdes is devout, honest, fun, humble, loving, sometimes mischievous and cares for all. She loves the Eucharist and Mass. She is a friend to everyone and an exceptional member of the St. Canice Family.
Bulletin Dec 16 2018 3rd Sunday in Advent
We look forward to welcoming you to share the Joy of Christmas with us at one of the four Celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Refreshments will be served after the 10 pm Mass on Christmas Eve, and after the 10.30 am Mass on Christmas Day.
