Liturgies

The act of remembering is central to the Christian Story and story of our nation. Which is why Anzac Day is such an important day in Australia and why it is important we remember not only the valiant men and women who gave their lives and fought in overseas wars but also the brave Aboriginal Warriors who gave their lives and fought for their country in the 140 year Frontier War.

This week we will be listening to a homily by Fr. Richard Rohr via video entitled "Resurrection: Not a one-time miracle". Richard speaks of how Christ preceded Jesus. He goes on to explain how Christ is that divine presence that existed before the beginning of time. And that presence is available to each of us in every moment of our lives offering peace, love and new hope.

Liz Little talks about how Jesus empowered the disciples to take over the ministry. He inspired them to challenge structural and institutional control and take responsibility for creating a better world. We can learn much from this about listening and giving voice and self determination to our own indigenous people.

As the First Nations people gathered at Uluru to draft a Statement from the Heart, they were like the prophets of old who went into the desert to listen to that deep voice of wisdom from the depths of the land... And from the desert sprang new life, a new way forward. A Statement from the Heart. It is the Easter story. Like Yahweh speaking to the prophet Isaiah, "I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Is 4; 3-19)

As Jesus invited his disciples to die to themselves like the grain of wheat in order for new life to emerge, so the majority of Australians are invited into this death.

The story of the Lord’s Supper illustrates how Jesus empowered the disciples to take over the ministry. He inspired them to challenge structural and institutional control and take responsibility for creating a better world. We can learn much from this about listening and giving voice and self determination to our own indigenous people.

On this 5th Sunday of Lent, we continue with the program, Voice in the Wilderness: Listening to the Statement from the Heart. The theme this week is Helping Is Not Always Helpful. Homilist: Margaret Clifford