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Jer 20, 7-9; Rom 12, 1-2; Mt 16, 21-27
Fool for the sake of Christ. Dear sisters and brothers, I am going through roller coaster life, life of turmoil and chaos. It makes hard to write a few words of encouragement and enhance faith to encounter Christ in your life in your own situation. Let me try to make some sense from the Scripture we hear today. Prophet Jeremiah goes through very tough time as he feels himself trapped in the message of God and the people with whom he lives. St Paul writing to the Romans strongly advises them to “truly pleasing to God”, and recommends that that “is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.” By remonstrating Peter, Jesus chides us too to relinquish worldly thoughts and “turn-around” gain life. Due to prevailing present situation in the world with Covid-19, other natural calamities, we are forced to adjust our daily lives, the life of care and love for one another. It is making us sacrifice, in the language of St Paul, “that Christian behaviour must be totally different from the values of the world, for the Christian is a new creation with a new set of values.” In Chapter 8 on the Spirit Paul repeatedly stresses that not only Christians but the whole of creation is straining to be set free from slavery to corruption; the presence of the Spirit of Christ makes all things new; it is a totally new world. Now we are encouraged to be new creation by renewing our minds and hearts from within. It is no longer of the external compulsion of the Law, but of inner compulsion, for the Christian has become a living sacrifice, dedicated to God with minds transformed, discerning personally the will of God and acting upon this discernment. This is Christian personally responsibility: we must ‘discern for ourselves what the will of God is’. Jeremiah had to make a choice of proclaiming God’s message to the citizens of Jerusalem that their city was to be besieged and destroyed, and that they themselves were to be dragged into exile.” He himself wanted to evade but “God overpowers or seduces the prophet and compels him to proclaim the message.” Both messages are tough but at the same time when submitted to the will of God becomes “a willing and joyful compulsion. Humanly speaking, we can say that prophet Jeremiah had a love-hate relationship to the LORD. We know the prophets have suffered the same dilemma like Peter and Paul in today’s’ readings. We are thrown into chaos as best we can say. Jesus’ disciples simply failed to understand him. Jesus puts it bluntly saying, ‘that you cannot be a Christian without following Jesus without carrying a Cross. We too have love-hate relationship with God. We people suffering the whole time, physical disabilities, breakdown of relationships, heartless treatment from others, financial worries – and then we grouse at a twinge of pain or a hurtful word. Carry the Cross behind Jesus? Yes, of course I will, but if you don’t mind, I’ll just take that section which is well padded and fits my shoulder nicely. No point in unnecessary splinters in my neck. Dear brothers and sisters, we can say in the words of St Teresa of Avila when she fell from her horse into the cold river, her comment was, ‘Lord, if that is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few of them.’ Fr Ephrem Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Barney Scully, Hazel Kingston, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and those recovering at home including Eddie Wilkins. And we pray for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community. We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Patrick Connolly and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Barbara Ah Mu. All Masses are suspended till we are back in alert level 1; Faithful are dispensed from Obligation of Mass as long as the restrictions remain. All churches are now closed except Holy Cross Church which will be open for personal prayer between 9am - 2pm each day. Following rules apply
We want to ensure we keep everyone safe Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery at the following times till we are back at level 1
Memorial Mass for John Rogers – 12 September 2pm St Patrick’s Church Kilbirnie A memorial Mass will be celebrated for John who died on the 22nd March. Please note: This will only go ahead at level 1. If we are at level 2, this will be postponed to a later date. Parish Council Meeting – 2nd September 7pm, Gascoigne Room St Anthony’s Finance Committee Meeting – 8th September 7.30pm – venue TBC St Patrick’s church Liturgy Committee are looking for someone to run the Sacramental Programme for the children in 2021. In this programme the children are prepared for Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion. Each Sacrament has 3 lessons each which are held in the Parish Centre before or after Sunday Mass. Resources are provided and help and support provided. Are you interested in taking part? Please contact the Chairperson of the Committee Patricia O’Donnell 04 934 3179. Thank you. St Vincent de Paul Eastern Suburbs Conference appreciates the assistance of food and donations given over the last few months by many parishioners of our Holy Trinity Parish. Our members have delivered food parcels to several families experiencing hardship during COVID, children's clothing and knitted items, and household items. Donations have been put towards supply of school uniform, shoes, jackets and activities for many local school students. Visits and phoning to elderly and isolated parishioners continue to show the parish cares for them. If you wish to help with these acts of charity, please consider a direct online donation to our local Conference account which is: BNZ Kilbirnie, St Vincent de Paul Society, A/c No. 02 0576 0017 817 06 , reference “ Donation ”. If you want a receipt of the donation for tax purposes, do please contact our Treasurer , Maria Pene, ph 022 428 0247, mpene20@gmail.com St Catherine’s College Enrolments Enrolments are now open at St Catherine's College. If you would like to make an interview with our Principal, Steve Bryan or come and look around please phone us on 04 9398988 or email us on office@scc.school.nz. We still have preference and non-preference spaces available. We also have limited scholarships for families needing extra financial assistance, to pay $1000 towards your attendance Dues fees to the Archdiocese. St Catherine's College aims to nurture and empower our young women to be active and creative learners. St. Mary's College has a small number of places available for Preference students in Year 9, 12 and 13 for 2021. Please see our website for further information https://www.stmw.school.nz/SMC-Parents/Enrolments-Fees/Enrolments-Fees or phone the school office 473 5554. Some possible options as we can’t attend Mass on Sundays: This link takes you through to four different types of online retreats including a “3-Minute Retreat” and an Audio retreat as well as daily scripture with Sacred Space and Pray as You Go. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/prayer-online/ Auckland Liturgy Office https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/liturgy/ “Celebration of the Word at home” with links to daily readings and music Reflections from John O’Connor, ‘Food for Faith’ have just started again. https://foodforfaith.org.nz UPDATE: Archdiocese of Wellington Election Forum on environmental and climate change issues This event is going ahead as a livestreamed event on 1 September from 6-8pm. Please note we are no longer holding a public meeting. We invite you to join us from home in viewing live as young people of the Archdiocese question political party representatives about their environmental and climate change policies at https://youtu.be/Dpog-Gva3_M. The discussion will be chaired by Dr Areti Metuamate of Te Kupenga – Catholic Leadership Institute and there will be an opening address by Cardinal John Dew. The video will also be available for viewing following the event. For more information, please contact Lisa Beech – Ecology, Justice and Peace Advisor, l.beech@wn.catholic.org.nz 0212884388 MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD – A CONTEMPORARY UNDERSTANDING… with Br Kieran Fenn. This online series (Zoom) started on Mon, 24 August at 7pm, but it is not too late to join. It runs for 6 consecutive Mondays. The sessions are connected but also stand alone. Fee: $25/session or $120 for 6 sessions Special fees for groups of more than 2 persons. For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz Liturgical Guide for Season of Creation 2020, by Tui Motu InterIslands Magazine https://tuimotu.org/a/3ngdBdW Online Session (Evening): Mary, the Mother of God – A Contemporary Understanding of Mary with Br Kieran Fenn who has a wonderful way of bringing Scripture alive. Topic on Monday, 31 August, 7-8.30pm: Mary in Paul, Mark, and Matthew. Fee: $25/session. Special fees for groups of more than 2 persons. ZOOM. For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz See also: https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-teaching-mary-mother-of-god-i-with-kieran-fenn-fms-3/ Online Session (Retreat Day): Homecoming – A Journey of Transformation (Prodigal Son) with Eamon Butler. Saturday, 19 September, 10.30am-4pm. Fee: $60. For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/retreat-day-with-eamon-butler-the-prodigal-son/ I want to sing to you – Fr Chris Skinner SM With an interlude from Kapiti Senior Singers. At our Lady of Kapiti Church on Sunday 20th September 2-4pm. Tickets $25 from Our Lady of Kapiti Parish Office 04 902-5815 or Mary Cook 027-298-3255 cookwellington@yahoo.com CDs for sale at the concert. THE END OF LIFE CHOICE ACT: ARE YOU READY TO VOTE. Join representatives of the Care Alliance as they unpack the details of the Act and outline their concerns. Wednesday 2nd Sept 7pm @ The Dowse, Lower Hutt. Sponsored by the Care Alliance Trust. To allow us to contact trace, please regiser for this talk by clicking https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/end-of-life-choiceact-public-meeting-tickets-117586513427. The organisers can also be contact through the above link. (authorised by Sinead Donnellly, Care Allince, 15 Guildford Tce, Wellington. The pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable and interconnected everyone is. If we do not take care of one another, starting with the least, with those who are most impacted, including creation, we cannot heal the world. Te Kupenga–Catholic Leadership Institute is seeking a Marketing and Business Development Advisor to build the profile of the organisation, which was formed on 1 January by the merger of Good Shepherd College and The Catholic Institute (TCI). The role is Auckland-based and fixed term full-time for two years. Full details: https://www.seek.co.nz/job/50415919 ‘ KIWI ATHLETIC CLUB (est 1926) opening and enrolment nights 1st two Wednesday in October 5pm, Newtown Stadium. For College age to Veteran adults . Ideal for winter coders, newcomers. Contact Peter Jack 3886224 from 7pm THE SEASON OF CREATION: “Jubilee for the Earth: New Rhythms, New Hope”. Since the beginning of our Covid journey in March, many of us have enjoyed a renewed awareness of our environment and appreciated how it can positively affect our wellbeing. Pope Francis (see his document Laudato Si’ ) has designated the time from the 1st September – the World Day of Prayer for Creation until 4th October - the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, as the Season of Creation, an time of prayer and action to protect Earth, our common home and ourselves. We are invited to take part by praying, taking action – at home, in the parish, in the community and beyond or even advocacy for some related issue. New Zealand, Social Justice Week takes place 6-12 September. The focus: Catholic Social Teaching (CST), which provides a moral framework to help guide our decisions and actions as Catholics. The theme for 2020: "Easy as CST: Unlocking the Church's Potential" - "Māmā Noa, Pēnei i te CST: Te Tuku i ngā Pūmanawa o te Hāhi kia Whai Hua." One of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), is Kaitiakitanga or Stewardship - about caring for the gifts that God has given us, for the environment, our own talents and skills and other resources in our lives and society. Creation is given for all people. Understanding our interdependence with all living creatures, and as people of faith we should use God’s gifts responsibly to meet the needs of humankind, now and in the future. Prayer is a good way to start - at home or with a small group on Tuesday 1 Sept and on throughout the Season of Creation. Some of the following may be helpful. Common prayer for the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’ Loving God, Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them, You created us in your image and made us stewards of all your creation, of our common home. You blessed us with the sun, water and bountiful land so that all might be nourished. Open our minds and touch our hearts, so that we may attend to your gift of creation. Help us to be conscious that our common home belongs not only to us, but to all future generations, and that it is our responsibility to preserve it. May we help each person secure the food and resources that they need. Be present to those in need in these trying times, especially the poorest and those most at risk of being left behind. Transform our fear, anxiety and feelings of isolation into hope so that we may experience a true conversion of the heart. Help us to show creative solidarity in addressing the consequences of this global pandemic, Make us courageous to embrace the changes that are needed in search of the common good, Now more than ever may we feel that we are all interconnected, in our efforts to lift up the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. AMEN An ECOLOGICAL EXAMEN St Ignatius Loyola developed the idea of an Examen, a reflective prayer technique to help us become more aware of God’s presence in the events of the day and to help us make choices for our own way into our futures. Begin the Examen by putting yourself or your group in a place (or posture) that allows you to be open to the ways God’s Spirit is working in you. Spend as much time as you want on each reflection. You might like to share your reflections with others. All Creation reflects the beauty and blessing of God’s image. There are six steps in the Examen:
Conclude with a prayer for the earth and the vulnerable in our society. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this Earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the Earth. Creative Spirit, enlighten our hearts, remain with your world and strengthen us to act for change and for good. We ask this in the name of the Lord. AMEN We pray that people everywhere become more caring towards the environment in which they live, and that politicians, planners & developers seriously consider environmental concerns when making decisions. We ask this prayer through Christ, your son. AMEN Grant us the wisdom, to care for the earth. Help us to act now for the good of future generations and all your creatures. Help us to become instruments of a new creation, founded on the covenant of your love. We ask this through Christ your Son. AMEN Gracious God, your amazing love extends through all time and space, to all parts of your creation, which you created and called good. You made a covenant with Noah and his family, putting a rainbow in the sky to symbolize your promise of love and blessing to every living creature, and to all successive generations. You made a covenant with Abraham and Sarah, blessing them and their descendants throughout the generations. You made a covenant with Moses and the Israelite people to all generations, giving them the 10 commandments and challenging them to choose life. In Jesus, you invite us to enter into a new covenant, in communion with all who seek to be faithful to you. As people of faith, we are called into covenant. Your covenant of faithfulness and love extends to the whole creation. We pray for the healing of the earth, that present and future generations may enjoy the fruits of creation, and continue to glorify and praise you. National Council of Churches “A Prayer for Our Earth” All powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. (Laudato Si’, n. 246) Here’s a link to an “ecological rosary”: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X53spMlbd7pasdkw-xIALTPoPKPKSk8p/view
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