Parish Bulletin
PARISH NEWS
GOD FIGURED OUT
Jesus is asked in today’s gospel (Luke 13:22-30) “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He doesn’t directly answer this impertinent question and his response, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate,’ needs some un-packing. Entering by the narrow door might suggest that only an elite group can be saved, as some Christians over the centuries have chosen to interpret the passage. Jesus life and mission, his teaching of God’s unfathomable goodness, forgiveness and the salvation offered to all, says otherwise.
“Sinners are filled with joy to hear him speak of God’s unfathomable goodness: even they can hope for salvation. In the Pharisee camp, however, they criticize his message and also his welcoming of tax-collectors, prostitutes and sinners: isn’t Jesus opening up a road to the watering-down of religion and to unacceptable morals? [Pagola, 2016]
In order to correctly understand the invitation to «enter by the narrow door» we need to remember Jesus’ words that we read in John’s Gospel: «I am the door; the one who enters through me, will be saved» (John 10:9). So, far from watering down or inviting laxity, Jesus mission has been to point to the Father and to himself as the means to the Father. Relationship is everything: Jesus relationship with the Father and our relationship with the Father through Jesus.
Whilst assuring us of the boundless love of our merciful father, Jesus demands greater rather than lower standards. He calls us to «Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate»; «Don’t judge and you will not be judged»; «Forgive seventy times seven»; «Seek God’s Reign and God’s justice». Particularly he warns against those who figure they are an elect or elite who tick all the boxes so they are the winners and everybody else is damned.
No one owns or controls God, and we are on shaky ground when we claim to have God figured out.
Deacon Mark Kelly
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION UPDATE
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
2nd Rite of Reconciliation for preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Wednesday, 31st August at 7pm in St Ita’s Church, Drouin and on Thursday 1st September at 7pm in St Joseph’s Church, Warragul. All candidates are required to go to Reconciliation before they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Friday, 9th September at 7pm in Marist-Sion College Hall. 165 Burke St, Warragul. Please arrive 15 minutes before the starting time so everyone is seated for a 7pm start.
We are very much looking forwarded to sharing this next special step in your child’s faith journey.
We ask our school communities to please keep these children and families in your prayers as they continue their faith journey together.
PARISH SACRAMENT ENQUIRIES
Sacrament Enquiries: Mrs Therese Meggetto
Mobile: 0439 306 642 Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
