Good evening – Ngā mihi o te pō
Today I share a breakdown of the reading from this 33 Sunday of ordinary time and some practical lessons we can take into our lives from these readings.
In the First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20
- The passage urges humility and reverence for God, reminding us that our actions have lasting consequences and that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97(98):5-9
- The psalm encourages us to reflect God’s character by living justly and righteously. A call back to Micah’s Theme – “To act justly, to love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
In the Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
- Paul urges the community to follow his example of hard work and self-sufficiency, This Paul highlights is the value to personal responsibility.
- Believers are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good, but to remain steadfast and industrious.
In the Gospel from Luke 21:5-19:
- Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple, warning that even the most impressive human achievements are temporary.
- That as followers of Jesus we too will face trials, persecution, and betrayal, but are called to endure faithfully. Jesus promises wisdom and strength to those who remain steadfast. This living is the foundation of Hope and underlines the need to trust in God’s presence.
- These readings collectively invite us to trust in God’s justice, inviting us to live responsibly and faithfully, and persevere through trials, knowing that God’s presence and promises endure beyond all earthly circumstances.
Here are several practical lessons we can apply today:
1. Embrace Accountability and Hope
- Recognize that our actions have consequences. Living with integrity and faithfulness, even when it’s challenging, brings hope and assurance that justice will ultimately prevail.
2. Celebrate and Pursue Justice
- Like the psalmist, rejoice in the reality that justice and equity are central to God’s character. Strive to reflect these values in your interactions—be fair, compassionate, and advocate for what is right in your community.
3. Practice Responsible Living
- Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians is highly relevant: avoid idleness, work diligently, and contribute positively to those around you. Responsible living is a daily expression of faith.
4. Persevere in Doing Good
- Don’t grow weary in doing good, even when results aren’t immediate. Faithfulness and perseverance are valued, and small acts of goodness can have lasting impact.
5. Integrate Faith into Daily Life
- Faith isn’t just about waiting for future rewards; it’s about how we live now. Let your beliefs shape your choices, relationships, and work ethic.
Much to contemplate. However, there are some practical suggestions of how we implement messages into our lives and add to our being a community focus on the message of Jesus.
“There are three values Faith, Hope and Charity/Love. The greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinithians13:13
https://youtu.be/tlZnKiQz2_I?si=dzW_2yrJVMv1r84b I Believe – Dana Winner- Click on Link
Have a good week. God go with you, Paul
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 other “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.
Formation Coming up:
Otaki on 24th November at St Joseph’s Levin
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
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
2. Protect the at risk and vulnerable within our communities.
There is no blame or 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.
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 example to children
Please remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Please remember Ollie Schmanski and his parents Brad and Charlotte
- Please keep in your prayer Billy Uasaki – also Jocelyn and Family
- 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 his wife Viv and all the family and extended family.
- Please remember Clare, Daryl Pritchard and family
- Please remember Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family in your prayer.
- 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:
- What do you call a cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!
- What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? Supplies!
- Why did the girl bring a ladder on the bus? She wanted to go to high school.
- Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? Just in case he got a hole in one.
- Why did the cowboy adopt a wiener dog? He wanted to get a long little doggie.
- Have you ever had a bad sausage? It’s the wurst.
- What’s more unbelievable than a talking dog? A spelling bee.
- What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.
- How do you fix a broken tomato? With tomato paste.
- Why did the orange stop halfway across the road? It ran out of juice.
- Why did the Oreo go to the dentist? It lost its filling.
- Why did the whale blush? It saw the ocean’s bottom.
- How do you get an astronaut’s baby to stop crying? You rocket.
- Why shouldn’t you play poker in the jungle? Too many cheetahs.
“We Are a “Family for All”