Good afternoon,
I have just returned from being away for the last week so further preparation is unavailable as I want to get this newsletter out today. There is a link below that is worth listening to and many of you who read it will find this message challenging but more so a great reminder of what the gospel calls us to.
We do not have to feel guilty from this week’s gospel of the rich man’s feasting and poor Lazarus in pain at his gate. Just remind ourselves that no matter what age we are each is called to follow Jesus in acts of kindness, service and outreach to our neighbour. Basically, what our motto calls us to do in our Passionist Family Groups, to be a ‘Family for All’.
It is a healthy reminder that the failure of the rich man was that ‘he did nothing’ or he didn’t ‘see’ Lazarus. In Jesus, we witness how he opened the eyes of the blind and set people free. We too can do this through forgiveness, empathy, kindness, mercy and compassion.
Spring at home in Greytown
Have a good week – God go with you,
Paul
Scripture reflection: Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 28 September 2025.
There was a rich man . . .
O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Amos 6:1, 4-7
Responsorial psalm: Ps 145(146):6-10
Second reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Link to readings – click here
Today’s readings remind us of the dangers of becoming complacent in the privileged lifestyles with which we are blessed. Just as the Lord shows compassion and love for all those who are in need, so must we, as people of faith, try to do the same. The prophet Amos (First Reading) speaks to those who relish their lives in the lap of luxury. In the final reckoning, he foretells how they will be first to be exiled.
The Psalm is a hymn of praise to the Lord, whose compassion and love are showered upon those who are downtrodden or in need. Our faith demands that we must follow his example. The Second Reading urges Timothy, and us, to live our lives with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness. Jesus reiterates the message of Amos in the Gospel, warning of the torment that will face those with wealth and privilege who ignore the plight of the poor.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we pray that we will be ever more attentive to the needs of those around us. We ask the Lord to help us see more clearly where we can use our gifts, and to respond with kindness and generosity.
This is worth listening to and reflecting on:
James Talarico was Texas’ youngest statewide elected official when he entered the Texas House in 2019. His mixture of bona fides — Democrat, devout Christian, former school teacher, Presbyterian seminarian — quickly attracted national attention, and many of his speeches and sermons have since gone viral. What appeals to so many — including people outside Texas and outside the church — is that Rep. Talarico calls out the moral failings of Christian nationalism and reminds us of our Christian responsibilities to our neighbor.
https://baptistnews.com/article/politics-faith-and-mission-a-conversation-with-rep-james-talarico/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Talarico
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
Still to confirm:
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
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:
- Did you hear about the fire at the shoe factory? Many soles were lost.
- What kind of fish knows how to do an appendectomy? A Sturgeon.
- How do you hire a horse? Put up a ladder.
- Why did the pony ask for a glass of water? Because it was a little horse.
- Is there anything worse than when it’s raining cats and dogs? Yes, hailing taxis.
- How any apples can you grow on a tree? All of them.
- My manager told me to have a good day. So I didn’t go into work.
- What do kids play when they have nothing else to do? Bored games.
- What kind of music do elves listen to? Wrap music.
- Why aren’t lobsters generous? Because they’re shellfish.
- Where did people hang out during medieval times? At knight clubs.
- Why did the employee go work in stilts? He wanted a raise.
- What do cake and baseball have in common? They both need a batter.
- When does Friday come before Thursday? In the dictionary.
- What did the tree say when spring finally arrived? What a re-leaf.
- How can you tell if a pig is hot? It’s bacon
We are a “Family for All”