Fifth Sunday of Lent
Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11
One of God’s main policies in governing the universe is that he always gives us another chance. This is what the prophet Isaiah tells us. Through him, God explains: “Remember not the events of the past… see, I am doing something new!” God is inviting his people to look to the future with hope. God reminds them that he has done wonders for his people in the past, and promises to do so again. It’s God’s policy to give his people another chance, to bring them back from exile even though they don’t really deserve it.
Jesus follows the same policy with the adulterous woman. Notice that he doesn’t ignore or excuse her sin – he acknowledges it and actually tells her to “go and sin no more.” But at the same time, he doesn’t condemn her. He gives her another chance.
Giving us another chance is one of God’s main policies. It’s called mercy. It’s called forgiveness. It’s called real love in a sinful, fallen world. The Pharisees wanted to destroy the sinful woman. Jesus wanted to give her another chance.
This was Jesus’ mission. He came to earth to overcome sin and death with mercy and resurrection; to lead each one of us out of exile and into eternal life, just as God had led Israel out of Babylon and back to Jerusalem.
We are Christians. We are Christ’s followers. We are Christ’s representatives in the world. If his mission was to give people another chance, then our mission has to be the same.
Etnic Festival in Auburne
Last Sunday of February 24.2.13 we were invited to an ethnic/multicultural festival organised by Auburn City Council. Read more →
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Readings: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (33)
“Now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again.”
The parable in today’s Gospel reading is one of the best known stories in all of human literature. But what does it really mean? We call it the parable of the prodigal son, but should we? Is it primarily about that younger son, who abandons his father and squanders his life in extreme self-indulgence and sensuality Or is the focus on somebody else?
Jesus told the parable to tax collectors and sinners, but also to Pharisees and Scribes. In fact, he told it in response to some of their questions. Now the Pharisees and Scribes were considered the experts in religion; the ones who avoided sin and followed the law perfectly. They were like the other brother in the parable, the older brother. So maybe we should call this the parable of the arrogant son instead of the parable of the prodigal son? The older brother was arrogant: his heart was like a rock, judging everyone and considering himself superior to everyone, just like the Pharisees.
God never gives up on us. He is always taking the first step, reaching out to us, inviting us to trust and follow him. Isn’t that the message of the sacrament of the Eucharist? Jesus is always here with us, in the tabernacle, waiting, eager to spend time with us, no matter how confused and wounded we may be. Isn’t that the message of the sacrament of confession? God’s door is always open – we can always come to him and ask for forgiveness, renewed strength, and a power-wash of mercy. God will never turn us away.
Third Sunday of Lent
Readings: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12; Luke 13:1-9 (30)
“I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish.”
The process of repentance is described in Christian scripture with the Greek word metanoia, which can be understood to mean “a change of heart or mind” or a rethinking of priorities. While sackcloth and ashes might help drive the point home, the real action of repentance happens in the deepest recesses of heart and mind, as you ponder your actions, recognize your shortcomings, and resolve to act in a new way in the future. That is the kind of careful self-scrutiny the church encourages this Sunday in those preparing to be baptized at Easter, but the same scrutiny is expected of those already baptized. So put on your rethinking cap today and settle in for some heartfelt repentance!
Sport afternoon at Licombe
Soccer for grownups, young and the youngest ones. You come – we prepare a lots of fun and games for children, BBQ and great atmosphere for adults.
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