In Luke 12: 51 Jesus asks a very interesting question. “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No I tell you, but rather division.”

For me why would Jesus say he has come to bring division?

I often think people like to hear someone expressing an opinion they agree with however when it is contrary to their beliefs it creates conflict. Jesus challenged the authority of the leader of the synagogue. Their laws and teachings he questioned, did they truly reflect proclaiming God’s Kingdom? Sometimes I wonder if I too get caught up in enforcing the laws without allowing a broader interpretation of the rules that is inclusive of everyone.

Furthermore, do we seek to meet with as many like-minded people because it gives us a stronger voice? A voice due to it’s numbers is listened to more than a lone voice delivering a polarising opinion. Thus a decision has to be made do we state what we truly believe in or hide behind the view of the masses? A dilemma if you don’t agree with masses but maybe fear of reprisals for declaring an opposing perspective.

Likewise, do we pursue other people’s outlooks until we find someone that tells us what we want to hear. Is it because people’s words are conflicting and we want reassurance for our actions. I would rather have the courage of my own convictions and communicating what I truly believe.

Ultimately, we are called to never compromise ourselves but imitate Jesus who never lived in fear of repercussions for his words and actions but inspired communities to build a better world for everyone.

Psalm 34: 18 says:

 “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.”

 Recently I went to the funeral of a friend who died suddenly. I got quite emotional because when someone dies without warning there is never time to say goodbye.

 At first I felt angry seeing her two young sons and husband grieving for the loss of their mother and wife. Why had this happened and what good could possibly come from it?

 For my friend who passed as the ceremony went on my anger subsided as I could see that the people who gathered wanted her memories to be a celebration of her life. A life remembered for kindness and giving which is the cornerstone of every relationship.

 Sometimes I realise it is okay to question situations but more importantly I need to come to an understanding of what actually occurred. Such a consideration helps me comprehend the difficulties I may experience in my life and assist me in focussing on the future.

 Hence it is essential that we celebrate life as I am reminded that it is a gift from God and to be cherished for every special moment and person we meet along the way. They will always continue to live in our memories.

In Matthew 8:20 Jesus asks those who wish to make the commitment to follow him that: Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.

 Then a disciple asks Jesus if he can go and bury his father. However, Jesus counters in verse 22 with: “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

 The question I ask myself is does following Jesus require never having control of what lies in the future and additionally never having the time to do the things you desire? My comment on the first question is there are many situations that test us in our lives. We also are taken to places we don’t always want to go to. What is important is how we deal with those difficult situations when confronted with them.

I believe Jesus is asking us when faced with trying circumstances to act calmly and find a solution that will benefit all the people involved. Furthermore, it would be impossible to go throughout life without encountering a challenging issue at some time so you need to have patience and flexibility to cope with the problem.

The second question is that in today’s society we are so busy therefore how do we find the time to do everything? What I think Jesus is saying to us is that there is a need to prioritize what is important in our lives. Additionally, in all that we do in our lives we ensure that we live according to God’s will. Consequently, when we don’t include God in our lives we are perhaps acting in self interest. Hence, God is asking us to do his work before we pursue our own concerns.

Thus for me the Gospel message is about facing the challenges in our life. Looking for solutions that require flexibility, patience and implement God’s will. Accordingly, it necessitates us being responsible for the choices we make, confronting the issues and developing our relationships with people, the environment and God. This is how we build community.

In Luke 7:36 a “sinful woman” uninvited enters a Pharisee’s House an anoints and kisses Jesus’s hair and feet with perfumed oil.

 The first question that I would ask is did the woman have any preconceived ideas about what would happen when she entered the house?

I believe should would have known that the Pharisee would have been hostile to her presence. So what could she expect?

  Firstly, she knew entering house uninvited when the Pharisee had a special guest would make him furious. Secondly, she anticipated that the Pharisee would tell Jesus that this woman was of disreputable character.

So why enter the house?

 I believe her motive for entering the house was to be forgiven for her sins and upon receiving knowledge that Jesus was going to be in that house that night nothing was going to stop her from entering.

 Furthermore, I believe Jesus is the key and the woman went into the house knowing that he had the power to forgive her sins. Regardless of what other obstacles may be in way her sole goal was to seek Jesus’ forgiveness.

 What I find intriguing is how she sought Jesus’ forgiveness. The woman did this through her actions of anointing and kissing his hair and feet. She didn’t presume that Jesus would forgive her through a request and was determined to demonstrate her contrition through her actions towards the very person she knew could forgive her.

 So what is the message for us?

 Initially if we are the Pharisee not be quick to judge but be inclusive and most importantly never presume someone’s motives.

 Primarily if we are the sinful woman we must be fearless particularly if we seek forgiveness for our past mistakes. We must look to the source, (Jesus) that can begin the healing process. A process that not only reconciles us with others but also ourselves. Thus giving us greater self worth through knowing we are forgiven.

 Finally, if we are Jesus we need to always forgive unconditionally no matter the circumstances of any hurt we may feel as been inflicted by others towards us. Furthermore, when we have wronged others we need to seek Jesus and ask forgiveness.  I believe it requires great courage to pursue forgiveness from others but we need to be fearless both in actions and words so we able to forgive ourselves.

 As Jesus said, “Her sins which were many have been forgiven: hence she has shown great love.” Luke 7:47

Thus if we are fearless in our forgiveness how great would be our love for others.

Recently I travelled through Austria, Germany and Scandinavia marvelling at the beauty of God’s creation. From the snow capped mountains in Salzburg, to the waterfalls in Germany and the lakes and fjords in Scandinavia I could delight in the untouched magnificence of what God had made.  When reflecting on these geographical features I was overwhelmed as they were so stunning, absolute perfection.

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5.48”

What does that mean?

 When I write an assignment, organise a mass or run a prayer service I glimpse perfection for a moment but it is only a moment. At the end of the day I never am totally satisfied I always feeling there are parts that could be improved. Thus, I believe that attempting to be perfect is something that continues to evolve rather than being an end point.

Perfection to me is always striving to be perfect.  I would question myself if I thought I did something perfect would I can become complacent and self satisfied.  I have come to the conclusion that perhaps there is no such thing has perfection but there are moments when everything goes perfectly. What I would call seeing a glimpse of perfection.

I wonder in John 21: 15-19 Jesus is questioning Peter’s integrity when he asks him if he loves him.

The first time Peter replies,

“Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

For me these words have had me reflect on how have I fed my family and friends?                                                                   Have my words and actions been positive and nurturing making them feel comfortable about who they are and leading them to make responsible choices in their lives. Additionally, when I have been negative have I chosen to be conciliatory and done everything in power to build and maintain healthy relationships?  Thus feeding my lambs.

The second time Peter replies,

“Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.

In my role of education, I often thought my task was to engage people to think and never give up on the dreams. If I could empower them to be independent learners and be passionate about their learning hopefully I would be giving meaning and purpose to their lives.  Hence tending my sheep.

The third time Peter replies,

And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”                                                 Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.  Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.”

As a human being to be a good person as a Son, Father, Friend and Educator I am challenged in my faith through my words and actions to do everything with integrity and without judgement.

As Pope Francis says, Jesus’ peculiar message is that God wants to liberate and forgive us, not leave us suffering or impose his will or power on us.  Furthermore, to accompany people, dialogue with them, share their pain, and help them to be free in love.

Consequently, to witness Jesus’ gospel message will mean I will be always acting with integrity.

In John 20:24-29 we read about Thomas who required proof of Jesus’ resurrection doubting the disciples recount of having seen him.   My first question is why was Thomas sceptical about the disciple’s story why wasn’t thrilled and looking forward to seeing Jesus again?

 My own interpretation is that maybe for Thomas it was too much to hope for and he didn’t want to be disappointed if it wasn’t true. Sometimes I think I deny myself the more difficult opportunities and go for the safe option because I know that will be achievable.For Thomas was it easier not to believe than to believe?

 Another possible reason is Thomas may have been let down when building his hopes up about successful outcomes and couldn’t face the prospect of it not being a reality.I wonder if this is why the gospel writer John wrote about Thomas needing to see the wounds to believe that Jesus had risen. Is it because of the previous wounds, (hurt and disappointment) that are the stumbling block to Thomas recognising the triumph of Jesus’ resurrection?

I would argue that at the times I feel like being Thomas I need to reflect on my faith to do the impossible and never look back at past failures but at future successes. Consequently, that will enable me to believe in not only the Risen Jesus but also in myself.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” (John 20:29)

 I wonder if Jesus was into popularity contests how would his mission to preach the Good News of the Kingdom would be undertaken? Would he have chosen to be friends with the Jewish priests and scribes and loyal to the Romans rather than the sinners, the infirmed and the poor?

 I think Jesus made the choices he did based on what was the best outcome for everyone not just a chosen few. This was evident when the decisions Jesus made ultimately led to his death. He showed he would not have compromised no matter the consequences.

 So when we make decisions do we make them to be popular or do we make them for the success of all? Do we fail to make the harder choices because of the consequences and harsh criticism that may result in a falling out with family, friends and other people within our community?

 Hence being popular requires hard work in keeping everyone satisfied. Contrast that with being true to your own values and acting selflessly which demands living without fear, and facing the consequences that your words and actions have on others.

 Today Jesus has many more followers than he did when he was alive and his mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom lives on. He accepted adversity without complaint because he knew the prize, his resurrection will be the inspiration on which Christianity would continue to evolve. Perhaps that is why the Good News is for everyone not just a select few.

In Luke 15:4, Jesus tells them a parable about a Lost Sheep.

He says,“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?”

 Now I have always wondered why the sheep got lost in the first place?

 I asked a group of Year 2 students and they gave me the following answers,

 “Maybe he was looking for a pasture with more grass.”

“Perhaps he was being bullied by the other sheep.”

“Possibly a wolf had infiltrated the flock and he was escaping.”

Interpreting the answers, the students gave me I will attempt to put it in a modern context.

Firstly, the sheep looking for a better pasture is not happy with the shepherd and thinks he can do better on his own.  However, has the parable points out the sheep fails to realise how important the guidance and wisdom of the shepherd is and his inability to make the right decisions leads him to being lost. Thus it  is the shepherd that guides the sheep leading them to a field of green grass and along the right paths through his knowledge and his teachings.

 Secondly, the sheep being bullied is also plausible because in a flock of one hundred sheep not everyone is going to get along. Maybe the falling out with another sheep or even more dramatically a sheep gang caused the sheep to be fearful of his every movement and uncomfortable in his decision making has he was unsure of what to do next. Hence, no real sense of belonging to that flock of sheep.

 Finally, the wolf infiltrating the flock is an interesting idea.  Could it be a sheep proposing they have seen a wolf amongst their flock and sending everyone into a state of panic? Conversely, is a wolf really inside their flock and threatening their very existence. Either way the Shepherd through his leadership can alleviate their fears by demonstrating he has the power to deal with the wolf no matter what menace the wolf poses. Furthermore,       imparting on the sheep that if they follow him there is nothing they shall want.

 As Pope Francis says a true leader must “smell of the sheep” they listen, relate to our experiences and inspire us to believe that anything is possible. Furthermore, they are courageous and fearless and are prepared to take risks even if comes at a personal cost since their decisions are made for the greater good. Consequently, their vision lives on because their goal was to create an environment where everyone is special, thrives and feels happy.

John 14:2 says’, “In my Father’s house there are many rooms if it were not so, I would not have told you.” In the same way I believe at Holy Family we prepare rooms for our entire community and by inviting them in we Make God Visible.

 So how do we make God’s presence a reality?

 I think God’s presence becomes real when we are welcoming and invitational. This is achieved by making people feel special through listening  and also giving them the opportunity to contribute to our community.

 Our willingness to listen is evident through an acceptance of their diversity and allowing them to showcase their creativity through culture, the arts and their different customs.

 I believe that is through creativity we learn not only about cultures but about their stories and symbols that give meaning and purpose to their lives.

At Holy Family where we stewards over the Earth and celebrate our Catholic Identity.

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