Morena,/ Good morning,
Many thanks for the reflections offered by Murray Straight, Pauline Prendergast and John Kleinsman who shared their faith, belief and insights into the gospel of the day while I was away. They, along with their input and generosity, is greatly appreciated. Thank you also for your thoughts, best wishes and prayers while I was overseas.
Sam and I returned from our pilgrimage and week in Rome last Saturday, 12 July. We had a truly amazing time and completed our Camino in 32 days where we averaged 25kms walking per day. We had been invited to spent 6 days in Rome post Camino and stay with the Passionist community there. We really appreciated their hospitality and kindness. A highlight for me was visiting the first retreat house in Monte Argentario where the ministry and life of the Passionists started with their founder, St Paul of the Cross (1694-1775).
The Camino is a special experience. Part of its ‘specialness’ is undoubtedly the other people you meet and engage with along the way. Sam and I started our journey as father and son with our family friend Corinne Martinez from California but were so fortunate to share and finish our journey with many others from all over the world. In walking, talking, sharing stories, laughter, challenges with each other for many, many days (some were weeks) we morphed into a ‘family’ looking after, supporting and encouraging one another. I think you continue to discover ‘life’ on an individual level but also in a communal setting with people who start as strangers but very quickly become friends. Certainly, for Sam and myself, our Camino experiences and memories were and will always be intertwined with the ‘family’ we had to say a very sad good-bye to in Santiago de Compostela.
I will keep this short as my brain is still suffering the effects of jet lag!
The reflection below highlights the messages we can take from our three readings. Listening and caring for others through hospitality, staying in the moment or the present, and keeping a sense of balance. My Camino experience showed these elements in many forms and through many people. I am ever grateful for the gifts received.
Have a good week – God go with you,
Paul
Scripture reflection: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 20 July 2025.
Jesus our guest
Show favour, O Lord, to your servants and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace, that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity, they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Genesis 18:1-10
Responsorial psalm: Ps 14(15):2-5
Second reading: Colossians 1:24-28
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Link to readings – click here
This week’s readings highlight the qualities that help nourish our relationship with God and one another: openness, hospitality and joy. Abraham recognises God in the three men who appear at the door of his tent (First Reading). He eagerly invites God to be a dinner guest with him and his wife, Sarah, as they set about preparing a fine feast. The passage reminds us to respond to God’s constant invitation to welcome him into our lives through the various people we encounter, so that we may receive the many blessings he has to offer.
The Psalm encourages us to reflect on what values we should live by to follow God’s will: being truthful and authentic, not speaking badly of others or spreading harmful gossip, and acting with financial integrity. In the Second Reading, Paul takes great joy that he can share in Christ’s suffering for the sake of the Church. He recognises that he has been assigned by God to reveal the word to everyone, including the Gentiles.
In the Gospel, Jesus visits his good friends, Martha and Mary. Jesus gently encourages Martha to be more present in the moment, not allowing her endless ‘to do’ list to keep her from developing her relationship with God and with others.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year, we pray that we will truly see and be open to receiving God in every living moment. We ask that our everyday decisions and behaviour are always guided by the desire to draw closer to him.
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”.
Waihi-KatiKati-Paeroa August 2 Hamilton August 3 Cambridge August 4th,
Ashburton August 9th Christchurch August 10th and New Plymouth Sept 13.for Formation
At this stage Mt Maunganui and Whakatane now in late Sep-or Oct;
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
Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals
- 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 Pauline Prendergast
- Remember Tim Bartells & family
- Please keep Linda Darbyshire and family in your prayer.
- Please remember Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family in your prayer.
- Robyn Burns (Hill;)
- Remember Rencha who is dealing with cancer.
- Please remember Sean and Ann Mulcahy who are both battling major health issues
- Pease keep Di Buckley in your prayer
- Christine Geoghegan’s daughter Kate and extended families
- 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 Paul Davenport and his wife Jill;
- 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.
- Please pray for Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill)
.
- Your own intentions
Humour:
- Why shouldn’t you tell secrets in a cornfield? There are too many ears around.
- What kind of underpants do lawyers wear? Briefs.
- What do you call it when a cow grows facial hair? A moo-stache.
- Did you hear about the two rowboats that got into an argument? It was an oar-deal.
- Did you hear about the cleaners who went to space? They ended up scrubbing the mission.
- Two ants In a saucer were kicking around what to them was a small soccer ball.
After a while one of the ants said, “George, you don’t seem to be yourself today;
there’s no go in you.” The other ant replied, “It’s OK Bill, I saving my energy for
tomorrow. I’m playing in the cup in the afternoon”.
- A Protest minister commended on the Catholic priest’s beautiful presbytery. “It
s much more elaborate than my parsonage” the minister said. The priest replied,
you have the better half and I have my better quarters”.
- Grandad is 97 years old and he never uses glasses. He always drinks straight
rom the bottle!
We are a “Family for All”