Morena – Good morning
The recent events in Minnesota, USA, highlight the consequences of prejudice and bias when they are enacted without consideration for others. The actions of ICE, the DOJ, and Homeland Security serve as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity, humility, mercy, and justice—values rooted in compassion for others.
This week’s readings call us to embody these principles, drawing on faith and unity as our foundation. Pope Leo emphasises that our mission is to be united in Christ, acting not in isolation but through shared faith and love. The Kingdom of God is present here and now, and our journey is one of compassion, echoing the Hebrew concept of ‘hesed’—loving kindness.
We are encouraged to demonstrate human kindness by supporting, listening to, and caring for those in need, rather than judging. Family Groups provide a platform for mutual support, allowing members to share their experiences and find comfort during times of grief and loss. Building these connections requires active engagement, not passive waiting.
The Beatitudes, as presented in Matthew’s Gospel, represent a new law—one without limits. Following Jesus calls us to go beyond basic obligations, prioritising service to others. In contrast to the actions of the powerful, who may treat the vulnerable as expendable, Jesus teaches that all are precious in God’s eyes.
Integrity involves consistently choosing what is right and trusting in God and one another. True happiness is found in following Jesus’ example. As we strive to be ‘one for others’, we are called to respond to the suffering we encounter. Let us remember those affected by conflict, poverty, and hunger, and use our groups in 2026 to reach out, welcome newcomers, and foster inclusion.
The Passionist Family Group’s symbol—”a heart” encircling people and encompassed by a cross—reflects our commitment to deepening Christian love and acceptance. Fr Peter McGrath, CP, (Founder of Passionist Family Group Movement) explained it this way:
“The significance is of people wishing to deepen their Christian love and acceptance of each other. Our efforts of kindness to each other, of mutual support, help us to carry the cross through life.”
https://youtu.be/JBHx5AQdmcQ?si=q7ooV8pv8W0TRjVF – Where the world learns to walk again inspired by The Walk of Peace 2026
God go with you, Warm regards,
Paul
Scripture reflection: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 1 February 2026.
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honour you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of heart.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13
Responsorial psalm: Ps 145(146):6-10
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Link to readings – click here
Today’s readings invite us to follow a lifestyle focused on humility, righteousness, integrity and mercy, challenging the worldly ways of success and happiness. They encourage us to trust in God’s protection and the promise of reward in following his son, Jesus.
Formation: There will be Formations offered in 2026. The Theme is Nurturing and Nourishment. Hugh McKay likes to use the term kindness because it is the only form of human love that does not depend on affection. It is a response to a need, and it draws on our compassion – the quality that stands out most in Jesus’ life. Jesus chose to mix and meet with outcasts and invited them to share his table. His fellowship included everyone – a family for all! If you have a preference for when this could be in your parish or region please advise me as soon as possible:
Email: paulus663@gmail.com or Mobile: 021357933
Formation Bookings: East Coast Bays 28th July 2026
Safeguarding: “Working Together for a Safe Church”
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
Five Ways to Well Being
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 Christian example to children
Please remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Let us take up the call of Pope Leo to be concerned with creating and building a sense of belonging in our communities. Also to be united in Christ – united in Mission
- We pray for all leaders, political and other that they lead with wisdom, honesty and integrity.
- We remember that God calls on us, as people of faith, to offer our voices to help those who have none.
- Keep in mind all those who continue to struggle with mental health challenges, and their families who support them in their daily lives.
- Please keep Margaret and Graeme Armstrong in your prayer
- Please remember Preston and Jenny Epplett, their daughter Amy and grandson Thomas who had an accident on a farm resulting in head injuries
- Please remember Elizabeth Walsh and husband Tim
- Please keep Bev Postmaa in your prayer and thoughts
- Please remember Ollie Schmanski and his parents Brad and Charlotte
- Please keep Jill Graves and family in your prayer. Also pray for her daughter in law who is in hospital and whose mum died recently.
- 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 Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family in your prayer.
- Please remember, Tim and Elizabeth Walsh, Barry Straight his wife Viv, Clare, Daryl Pritchard and family, Pat Carson; Graeme Matthews; Di Buckley Adrian van de Pas and her son Robert ; Tim Bartells & family, 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 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:
- Why did Beethoven get rid of his chickens? All they ever said was, “Bach, Bach, Bach!”
- What did 20 do when it was hungry? Twenty-eight.
- Why is grass so dangerous? Because it’s full of blades!
- Why are mountains so funny? They’re hill areas.
- Why wasn’t the cactus invited to hang out with the mushrooms? He wasn’t a fungi.
- Why shouldn’t you fundraise for marathons? They just take the money and run.
- Why does it take pirates a long time to learn the alphabet? Because they can spendyears at C!
- What is the most popular fish in the ocean? The starfish.
- What’s the difference between ducks and dine-and-dashers? Ducks take care of their bills.
- I found a lion in my closet the other day! When I asked what it was doing there, it said “Narnia business.”
- What’s the difference in an alligator and a crocodile? You’ll see one later and one in a while.
- I went to the aquarium this weekend, but I didn’t stay long. There’s something fishy about that place.
“We Are a “Family for All”