Good afternoon,
The Power of Compassion and Gratitude
Experiences of Healing and Unity
This Sunday’s readings present us with two accounts of individuals being cured of leprosy. Leprosy, a devastating disease, brought people to a common ground of shared humanity. Historically, Jews and Samaritans held deep-seated animosity toward each other. Yet, in the story of the Ten Lepers, we see both Jews and at least one Samaritan together, united by their affliction. The burden of their illness brought them together, erasing the boundaries that separated them as Jew or Samaritan.
The Cry for Mercy and the Pain of Isolation
As the narrative unfolds, the lepers cry out to Jesus, mindful of the strict requirement not to approach those who were considered clean. They were expected to remain at least fifty metres away from others. The enforced distance prompts us to imagine the profound sense of isolation and alienation they might have felt. Such experiences must surely be deeply soul-destroying. Many of us may relate to similar feelings, whether through experiences of isolation or the impact of bullying, which can devastate self-esteem, particularly among young people.
Jesus’ Compassion and the Call to Gratitude
The encounter with Jesus is significant for each of us, as it reveals the nature of God’s compassion. Jesus’ response to the lepers demonstrates what motivates him and his relationship with God—namely, compassion. After being healed, it is easy to focus solely on the result and forget the actions required to move forward. The path Jesus points us toward is one of gratitude. Luke underscores this by highlighting the Samaritan who, recognising the blessing of his healing, returns to Jesus. With great humility, he falls at Jesus’ feet, expressing his gratitude.
The Transformative Power of Compassion
This moment is significant not only for Jesus and his disciples, who witness the power of compassion to heal, but also for us as readers. Jesus helps us understand both the mind and the heart of God. God’s desire is for us to be healed and to recognise His presence in our lives. This theme is echoed in the second reading, where Paul, despite being in chains, continues to live out his faith with steadfast determination.
Living with Gratitude and Humility
We are encouraged to be mindful of those we can help and support, as well as those who support us. Embracing gratitude and thankfulness enables us to appreciate the blessings of life, which include recognising and valuing the people in our lives. Humility allows us to thank others sincerely. In our faith, these actions remind us of the many ways God brings people into our lives and encourages us to be grateful for the positive differences they make.
10,000 Reason – Matt Redman https://youtu.be/r3K3roEF36k?si=W3TDDnYlYZQkFwQN
Have a good week – God go with you, Paul
Scripture reflection: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 12th October 2025.
All nations give thanks to the Lord!
May your grace, O Lord, we pray, at all times go before us and follow after and make us always determined to carry out good works.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: 2 Kings 5:14-17
Responsorial psalm: Ps 97(98):1-4
Second reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
Link to readings – click here
The readings this week focus on healing, gratitude, and giving thanks to the Lord for his goodness to all of us. Following the instructions of the prophet Elisha, Namaan, a Syrian general, is cured of his leprosy (First Reading). In gratitude, Namaan takes home with him some of the soil of Israel as a tangible reminder that he will from now on worship the one true God.
The Psalm is a hymn to the universal kingship of God. The Lord has made known his salvation not only to Israel, but to all nations. The Second Reading encourages us to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Although the person writing to Timothy is in prison and in chains, he is sure that the Lord’s good news cannot be bound. Even if we are faithless, God will remain faithful. Returning to the theme of healing, the Gospel passage tells of the ten lepers who are cleansed of their leprosy. Only one of them, a Samaritan, goes back to Jesus to thank him. God’s healing reaches beyond the people of Israel.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we remember this week all those in need of healing, whether they openly acknowledge Christ or not. We also pray for all who are ostracised and marginalised by society.
Formation: As stated in previous newsletter: “as part of this Jubilee Year- Paul will be offering to visit parishes and or regions to conduct a mini formation using two talks and discussion/sharing opportunities – one on ‘Belonging’ and the “On Being Church – Why community matters?”.
If you or your community or region would like a presentation please let Paul know and dates that would suit you”. The sessions thus far have been very well received.
Coming up:
Mt Maunganui Oct 10 and Whakatane October 11; Palmerston North Oct 14
Update: Just advising that earlier this year I was asked if I would be able to be a marriage celebrant for one our PFG parents children whom I have known for many years. I had been a celebrant but let it lapse. I have now been through the process and am now able to be a Marriage and Civil Celebrant and also act as a Funeral Celebrant. If there is any way I can support please let me know paulus663@gmail.com or 021357933
Safeguarding: “Working Together for a Safe Church”
A Reminder: Dear Parish and Group Coordinators There has been a little angst re having to sign a Code of Conduct. With Safeguarding there is naturally some hesitance but after the Royal Commission it was put to the Government that there were protocols to be developed and implemented. The Catholic Bishops of New Zealand were also asked to put these into place. So, at the end of the day we are expected to comply with these protocols and to through parishes and groups ensure that we
1. Protect ourselves and
2. Protect the at risk and vulnerable within our communities.
There is no blame our accusation toward any community just that we act in a way to keep ourselves and others safe. To this end we protect our Passionist Families, our groups, parishes by ensuring we comply to the requests asked of us. If you have not done so please complete and send a copy of your signed Parish or PFG Code of Conduct to paulus663@gmail and a copy to your Parish Safeguarding person.
Any complaints should be directed through the National Office of Professional Standards (NOPS) or report directly to the New Zealand Police or Oranga Tamariki.
Phone: 03 365 1993 or 0800 114 622
Email: prof.standards@nzcbc.org.nz
www.safeguarding.catholic.org.nz
A couple of articles from Paul Casey were shared by Tina Minichilli the Australian PFGM National Coordinator. – worth a read.
Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals of Passionist Family Groups
- share & celebrate life & faith
- support one another (especially in need)
- reaching out to & include others
- build community/extended family
- show and give example to children
Please remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Please remember Dee and Peter Costello’s grandson and parents Katelyn and Reuben. The recent news is positive but the prayers will assist.
- Please remember Barry Straight brother of Murray who the week before last and we remember his wife Viv and all the family and extended family.
- Please remember Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family in your prayer.
- Remember Rencha who is dealing with the aftermath of cancer.
- Pease keep Di Buckley in your prayer
- Pat Smith RIP and keep in prayer Maureen and family; Remember Pat Carson; Graeme Matthews; Adrian van de Pas and her son Robert ; Graeme and Margaret Armstrong
- Please remember, Tim Bartells & family, Linda Darbyshire and family in your prayer, Christine Geoghegan’s daughter Kate and extended families, Pauline Prendergast, Robyn Burns (Hill,) Sean and Ann Mulcahy, Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill) Paul Davenport, Clair and Ray Hague; Terry Nelson’s family;. Brian and Eleanor McFlynn ; Bryan Davidson; Richard and Sue Gibbs; Martin and Sally van der Wetering; Phil and Anne Drew .
- Keep in mind all those who are struggling with various aspects of mental health;
- Keep people in Gaza and Israel in your prayer along with the people of the people of Ukraine: Keep in prayer the people of Sudan and Syria.
- Pray for peace and sensible and just decisions by leaders across the planet.
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- Your own intentions
Humour:
1. The teacher said to little Eddie. The essay you wrote about your dog is word
for word, the same as your brothers’ essay”. Eddie said, “That’s because it is
the same dog”.
2. Joe was stopped at customs where they found he had two sacks full of
mobile phones. The customs officer asked him why and he said his mate had
phoned him overseas and said he was starting up a jazz band, could I bring
him back two saxophones!
3. Paddy was at the bus stop when Barry pulled up and offered him a lift. “I’d
better not”, Paddy said, “the bus might come”!
4. Tony called out to Rick in the bathroom, “Did you find the shampoo”. Rick
called back, “Yes, I did but it says it’s for dry hair and I just wet mine”!
5. A waitress came over to the table where Graham and Ed were sitting and
said “You can’t eat your own sandwiches here”. So, Ed said, “Let’s swap
Graham”!
We are a “Family for All”