FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT 17 MARCH 2024

We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather, the Cammeraygal and the Wallumedegal peoples, who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to this Country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

MISSION - “Together, in Christ’s love, for others” VISION - “To know and love God, and to be Christ to one another”

This weekend as we read the Word of God in Jeremia, Hebrews, and the Gospel of John, we are confronted with questions that challenge us to deepen our faith and commitment to Christ. Jeremiah prophesies a new covenant, one that transcends the external observance of laws and rituals. Instead, God promises to inscribe His law upon our hearts. How does this vision of an inward transformation shape our understanding of faith and obedience? In Hebrews, we witness Christ's agonizing prayers and ultimate submission to God's will, leading to his sacrificial death for our redemption. How does Christ's obedience inspire us to surrender our own desires and submit to God's plan for our lives? In John's Gospel, Jesus speaks of his impending death as the path to abundant life. He challenges us to consider the paradoxical nature of discipleship: losing our lives to gain them. What does it mean for us to "lose our lives" for Christ's sake in our contemporary context? These passages beckon us to examine the state of our hearts and the depth of our commitment to Christ. Are we merely outwardly adhering to religious practices, or have we allowed God's word to encounter our innermost being? Are we willing to trust in God's plan even when it leads us through suffering and sacrifice? As a community, let us earnestly consider these questions and allow them to guide our spiritual journey. May we strive to cultivate hearts receptive to God's transformative love, emulate Christ's obedience and selflessness, and embrace the paradox of losing our lives to find true abundance in Him.