Scripture reflection: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 15 February 2026.
Lead me, guide me for the sake of your name
O God, who teach us that you abide in hearts that are just and true, grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to you.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21
Responsorial psalm: Ps 118(119):1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37
https://www.universalis.com/Australia/20260215/mass.html Copy link
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Reflection:
The readings this week emphasise that Jesus invites us into a relationship defined by love, service, and compassion. His mission is not about rigid distinctions between right and wrong, nor about exclusivity in access to God’s kingdom. Instead, it is about internalising the message and responding with sincerity. As the Little Prince reminds us, “it is only with the heart that one sees rightly – what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
We are called to foster belonging, connection, and support within our families, friendships, and communities. This open relationship requires genuine respect, care, and concern for others, moving beyond superficial gestures.
While the old law in Exodus sets minimum standards, Jesus fulfils and transcends it, as illustrated in the Beatitudes in Matthew and Luke. These teachings are limitless, urging us to reach out to those who are lost, broken, or suffering—whether from life’s challenges, mental fragility, or the consequences of conflict and crisis.
Like many figures in the Old Testament, we may experience moments of desperation as we strive to do our best with what we have. Our hope lies in choosing to follow Jesus, making decisions that bring others closer to him. Through his compassion and commitment, Jesus breaks down barriers and calls us to trust in him. Although the journey is not easy, we find strength in community and the assurance that God is with us.
The words of Passionist Founder Paul Danei, spoken on his deathbed, encapsulate this message: “If I had my life over again, I would only preach one sermon, and that would be on the overwhelming power of God’s love in the Passion of Jesus.” This statement places love at the centre of our faith. Without love and service, our gatherings and prayers lose their meaning.
Our challenge is to build a community rooted in love, always seeking to welcome others. A true ‘home’ is one where we are accepted as we are and where God’s love and mercy are evident and lived. We can make a difference by engaging with others, learning their names and stories, and fostering genuine connections.
This approach is grounded in humility and unity, breaking down barriers as God’s word is revealed. ‘The Word became flesh for the life of the world’.
Key Takeaways
•Jesus’ Invitation: The core message is to embrace a relationship defined by love, service, and compassion, rather than strict rules or exclusivity.
•True Understanding: What matters most is internalising Jesus’ message and responding sincerely, as highlighted by the quote from the Little Prince: “it is only with the heart that one sees rightly – what is essential is invisible to the eye”.
•Community and Belonging: We are committed to fostering belonging, connection, and support within our families and communities, demonstrating genuine respect and care.
•Beyond Minimum Standards: While the old law sets minimum standards, Jesus’ teachings (especially the Beatitudes) urge us to go further, reaching out to those who are suffering or lost.
•Hope and Trust: Even in moments of struggle, our hope lies in following Jesus, whose compassion breaks down barriers and calls us to trust in him.
•Centrality of Love: Love must be at the centre of our faith; without it, gatherings and prayers lose their meaning. This is echoed in Paul Danei’s statement about the overwhelming power of God’s love.
•Building Community: The challenge is to create a loving, welcoming community where God’s mercy is lived out, engaging with others and learning their stories
•Humility and Unity: The approach is grounded in humility and unity, reflecting God’s word made flesh for the life of the world.
Formation:
There will be Formations offered in 2026. The Theme is Nurturing and Nourishment. Hugh McKay prefers 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
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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
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Five Ways to Well Being
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Prayer
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1. 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
2. We pray for all leaders, political and other, that they lead with wisdom, honesty and integrity.
3. We remember that God calls on us, as people of faith, to offer our voices to help those who have none.
4. Keep in mind all those who continue to struggle with mental health challenges, and their families who support them in their daily lives.
5. Please remember Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family, Norma Bellamy and family and Linsay Penman in your prayers
6. Also, please remember Margaret and Graeme Armstrong, Tim and Elizabeth Walsh, Pat Carson, Graeme Matthews, Di Buckley, Adrian van de Pas and her son Robert, Tim Bartells & family, Linda Darbyshire and family in your prayer, Christine Geoghegan’s daughter Kate and extended families, Pauline Prendergast, Robyn Burns (Hill)
7. Keep in mind all those who are struggling with decisions made by leaders that are causing harm, fear, injustice and separation of families.
8. Pray for peace and thank those monks who crossed the USA over the past 15 weeks – walking for peace, let’s walk with them.
9. Your own intentions
Humour:
•Why did the snail paint a giant S on his car? So when he drove by, people could say: “Look at that S car go!”
•What subject do cats like best in school? Hiss-tory.
•Why can’t you make a dinosaur omelet? Because they’re egg-stinct.
•How many goats does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one, but you have to goat them into it.
•Did you hear about the new squirrel diet? It’s just nuts.
•When does a hippo have a tusk? After some rhino-plasty.
•What did the snail who was riding on the turtle’s back say? Wheeeee!
•What do you call a lazy kangaroo? A pouch potato.
•What does a pig put on dry skin? Oinkment.
•How do you organise a space party? You planet.
•Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself? It was two tired.
•Why did the student eat his homework? Because his teacher told him it was a piece of cake.
•What did one hat say to the other? You wait here, I’ll go on ahead.
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