Gospel Reflection 2020

 Sunday 14 Yr A 

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.

[>cont loyolapress.com ]

Come to me ... for I am gentle and humble of heart

Audio Gospel Reflections -  Fr Frank Moloney SDB

[Updated July 3]

A message from Fr Martin ...
Dear Parishioners,
As I write this article, the sun is continually coming
and going in between the clouds. This experience encourages
me to reflect about life. We are showered with moments of
sunshine as well as cloudy days; with challenges and moments of joy. Our continual passage through Covid-19 seems to also be popping its head through the clouds, reminding us that it has nottotally gone away. One moment we think we are on the right track and the next things seem to change. Let us continue to put our trust and hope in our faith, that the Trinity (Father, Son andHoly Spirit) is with us during these testing times.
This weekend is the start of the school holidays, and I dare say this break will be constricted by the presence of Covid
-19. Ultimately, it is a break from the routine of school life for
the teachers and students. Term 2 has been very challenging forall involved (Parents, Students and Staff) and a well-earned rest is in order. With the rise of new cases in recent days it is a good reminder to take care of each other and stay safe.
Our secretary, Joan Parr, had to have surgery this
week on her leg and I am pleased to say that she is doing well.The day after her surgery she was up walking with her friendly walking sticks. Joan has done so well that she has already gone home and will spend a couple of weeks recovering. Please continue to pray for her full recovery. Joan, look after yourself and we look forward to seeing you back in the near future. Let us also continue to remember and pray for others in our community who are struggling, whether it be in physical, emotional, or financial ways. Let us take up the mission call which we are reading about in the Gospel of Matthew these last couple of weeks.
Finally, I want to share with you a short reflection
from a series called ‘When Calls the Heart’. It is about a frontier community in America called ‘Hope Valley’ who started up as acoal mining town (Coal Valley). In one of the episodes they werereflecting about family and their community. They described their community as a family which comes in all shapes and sizes, each one of them are members of the one bigger family, and it is a place where people care about each other, all year round. This got me thinking how our parish community is made up of many different families. In our own ways, we care for each other and come together to pray and support each other. For me as Parish Priest, I hope and wish to see our parish continually as a place where people feel welcomed and cared for all year round.
Have a great week,
Fr Martin

Mass is back in force
Masses are now being held …
St Joseph’s:
6 pm Saturday (English)
8.30 and 10 am Sunday (Vietnamese)
St John’s:
Sunday 9 am (Italian); 11 am (English);
5 pm (English)
From next Monday, there is now no need to pre-book for Mass, however you do need to write your name and contact details on arrival.

“Together in the Spirit” 
NATSICC are holding their first-ever live-streamed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday Mass from St Francis
Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide from 10am EST. The livestream
will be available from the NATSICC homepage. 
We are inviting everyone around Australia - and the World -
to join us on 5 July 2020, as we come ‘Together in the Spirit’
to celebrate the gifts of spirituality and culture.

Change in office staff
Our parish secretary will be taking leave for the next couple of weeks, however the office will remain open and operational, Tuesday to Friday.

Thanksgiving ways
Please make use of our sacrificial offering portal on our website if you wish to assist in “keeping the parish afloat”. OR … We also offer other different ways of giving … direct debit, credit card or sacrificial envelopes. Ring and speak with Joan in the office. Remember … 25% of your commitment is returned in the form of a tax deductible receipt at the end of the year. Our Parish bank account details are: BSB 083-347 account: 16647 1224.      

Oz Harvest
As previously advised, St John’s has partnered with Oz Harvest to deliver food parcels to families and households who need a helping hand at the moment. Food Essential boxes will contain fresh fruit, vegetables and groceries and be delivered once a week on a trial basis for three months.
We are in need of non-perishable items for the Oz Harvest
boxes. There are a number of families in our local parish and
school communities who need our support. You can bring any food donations to Mass or the parish office. Thank you in
advance for your generosity.
If you would like to join this outreach program of St John’s or
you know someone who would benefit from the food parcels,
contact Jen Payne on 0439 113 500 or the parish office on 9481
7333.