Over the weekend of the Third Sunday of Easter Fr Sibusisu Dlamini OMI gave us a teaser of what we could expect during the Mission Week for which he would be the preacher.
Over the weekend of the Third Sunday of Easter Fr Sibusisu Dlamini OMI gave us a teaser of what we could expect during the Mission Week for which he would be the preacher.
From 5 – 9 May he celebrated Mass daily at 9H00 and the Mission at 19H00 with Benediction, alternating between our two churches.
REFLECTIONS FROM THE MORNING MASSES
St Stephen and his martyrdom: Stephen was a deacon but was chosen to distribute food. No matter the size of our task it does not mean that it is unimportant. It is how we execute them. We must focus on our attitude and not the magnitude of the task.
Where we are is where we must serve God.
Stephen’s life speaks of evangelising. We must be humble and gentle evangelists rather than aggressive and radical.
Jesus provides for all who follow Him. After the Resurrection Jesus convinced the Apostles and His followers of who he is. We can disbelieve due to our circumstances.
When God has a task for me am I ready to do it? We must allow the Spirit and God to lead us. We must tell others about our relationship with God and Jesus rather than quote from scripture.
What we see as coincidence is actually God at work. We recall Saul/Paul’s story. God does not look at the wrong that we have done but works in us in a new way; for a new me.
REFLECTIONS FROM THE EVENING MISSION
During a Mission we must allow ourselves to be renewed, revived and re-commit.
Exploring what is Jubilee: Using trending language a Jubilee is ‘a time to update our software’. The device, i.e. we, must however be willing. Jubilee is a time of grace; we are instruments; we must surrender to God. We need to find joy in this Jubilee Year.
The poison of materialism: We must be aware of the prosperity Gospel. We are not being judgemental when we stand for the truth. When we accept everything Christianity dies.
Reflect on the words of St Augustine: “If you are caught in the river of time and are drifting down the rapids you have a choice. Either you may drown in the water, or you can catch hold of a tree by the stream and save your life. Similarly, you have a choice in the world. Either you may love the world that passes away with time or you may hold onto Christ and live eternally with God.”
Being pilgrims : God’s call to Abram in Genesis 12: 1-8 is the first pilgrimage between a human and God. Abram and Lot journeyed together for a while, but later Lot went a different way as Abram needed to continue alone. As pilgrims we must let go of certain things and let God. We will not reach the end of the journey if we are carrying our burdens. We must allow Jesus to carry them. We can only move on when we are lighter. We are all journeying to a sacred place. Suffering is part of the journey.
The Jubilee Year of Hope: Pope Francis said there is a famine of hope. Instead of complaining we must be hopeful. Our Lady, the first pilgrim of hope, visited Elizabeth; the shepherds and the Maji were pilgrims of hope. If God has been triumphant in the past, why would He fail us now? We must be hopeful amidst the crises in the world. If we stay in hope salvation will be realised. We must have child-like hope and trust.
Before continuing with the Mission on the Thursday evening Fr Sibusisu announced that “Mother Church has a Pope”. Subsequently learning that Pope Leo is an Augustinian was it a coincidence that Fr reflected on a quote from St Augustine early in the week?
Practical ways of living out what has been preached: As pilgrims we are called to be a guiding light for others. We received the light at Baptism. We must be active in this Jubilee Year; pray for others.
Within the family doors in our homes can be Holy Doors. We must forgive so that grace can be effective. Enforce prayer time within the family; make the home a domestic church. Be a witness to joy and spirituality. Let grace be ours.
In the Synodal Church we are moving together: Everyone should feel at home in our Parish. Where the Spirit of God prevails, dignity prevails. We are called to fulfil the mission of Christ. We should be the Church that is a listening Church. We must be a humble Church, humble enough to say sorry. We can pray in different ways, but God hears all of us. The Synodal Church is changing from “I” to “we”.
Our Mission ended with Anointing and Healing which are not just for our physical needs, but for our souls too.
THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA
The celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima commenced with Fr Nkululeko Qokolo blessing and incensing the litter and then narrating the beautiful story of Fatima. Thereafter parishioners joined in praying the Rosary. A special moment was seeing ‘Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta’ reverently praying too. The fifth decade was prayed as we proceeded into church.
