Gospel Reflection 2020

 Sunday 25 Yr A 

On the surface, the parable of the workers in the vineyard appears to be an offense to common sense. Those who work a longer day ought to be paid more than those who work just an hour or two. When viewed in this way, the landowner seems unfair. That is because we are reading into the parable our own preconceived notions of how fairness and equality should be quantified.

A close read shows us that the landowner paid on the terms that were negotiated. The landowner, it seems, has acted completely justly. The parable goes beyond that, however, and we come to see that the landowner is not simply just, he is exceptionally just. He is radically just. He has given those who labored in the field for a full day their due pay. But he has also given a full-day's wage to those who worked only a single hour. No one is cheated, but a few receive abundantly from the landowner just as we receive from God more than what is merely justifiable or due. God, like the landowner, is radically just and abundantly generous. The workers who complain are made to look foolish as they lament the fact that landowner has made all workers equal. Indeed, what more could one ask for than to be treated as an equal at work or anywhere else?

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Audio Gospel Reflections -  Fr Frank Moloney SDB

[Updated Sept 19]

A message from Fr Martin ...
Dear Parishioners
This weekend is the beginning of the school holidays and I
hope these next 2 weeks will give all involved a chance to
rest and have a break from the routine of school or home
schooling. Even though we are still in lock down we still
have the opportunity to spend some quality time together as
a family. Let us continue to pray for the future; the day when
we may go out, socialise with our family and friends and
experience the gift of freedom.
In a recent video message from Archbishop Peter, he spoke
about several important principles for the church when
working with the Government. Firstly, one of the principles
which he believed to be important is the aspect of
consistency and fairness. Archbishop Peter said “Whatever
decisions are made for the good of all people, that there will be consistency and fairness about how they are applied to people of faith – us Christians and Catholics.” For many of us, our faith is our foundation and we need to practise it as a
community, not only as individuals. 
The second principle he mentioned was regarding the
Government’s road map. Archbishop Peter shared “If we can
get some movement in terms of when the outdoor spaces
regulations are to be put in place – that we might be able to
have something in our sights, and here at the Cathedral, where outdoor Mass might be opened.” For me, looking forward, I wonder what Christmas may look like in 2020?
The third principle he spoke about was the Sacraments of
Initiation for our young people. “If schools are allowed to
open up again (if children are back at schools), then whether
we might be able to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation
within that context.” The children in our two schools are
preparing for their sacraments, especially Confirmation, and
I look forward to celebrating with them before the year has
ended.
Finally, the last principle the Archbishop mentioned was the
need for the Anointing of the Sick and the care for the dying.
“If you do have someone in your family who is sick and dying,
please get in touch with your local priest and invite him to
come to be able to offer the sacramental care of Jesus Christ”.
Again, for a lot of people these gifts of the sacraments are
there to assist us in our hour of need. Let us seek the
blessing of anointing like we seek the need for exercise and
food. These are important moments in our lives and the lives
of those we love and care for. Have a safe week.
Fr Martin

Marriage Encounter
ONLINE WEEKEND
If you are spending time together, but feel the distance
between you …
A great opportunity to spend a weekend improving your
communication in the comfort of your own home.
This VIRTUAL Weekend gives couples the chance to sleep in
their own beds and check-in on kids or animals during meal
times. Come and learn how to keep/rekindle the passion in
your relationship and how to keep your love growing!
The weekend we offer is based around Catholic values but
couples of all faiths are welcome.
Couples from regional areas may find this option ideal.
Next weekend is on 9-11th October 2020.
Information/Bookings: Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au

An Act of Spiritual Communion:
The simple and loving act of Spiritual Communion (written by
St Alphonsus Liguori) can be made when we are unable to
attend Mass and receive the Eucharist. Pray these words:
My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least
spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I
embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me
to be separated from You. Amen
 
Thanksgiving - the easy way 
If you wish to assist in “keeping the parish afloat” we offer
different ways of giving … direct debit, credit card or sacrificial envelopes. Ring the office on 9481 7333. 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.