27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
3 October 2021
Readings for this Weekend:
First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11
Gospel: Mark 10:2-16
Welcome to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Matthew
Reflection from Fr Isaac
Compromise. I bet we would be surprised how often in a day we make compromises. Though following St Therese, it is good for us to find little ways for our will to be compromised. By remaining open to doing what others want to do, we remain open to the other. Open to dialogue. While compromising in little things we can then become more attentive to discover what is trivial, and what is not. Little compromises are the kind of offerings that are hardest for those who have particular and driven personalities; this is not a bad thing, for we ought to know ourselves. But for others who are not so driven and focused on particularities, we need help to realise what is not trivial.
Today’s Gospel is a moment where Christ in no way allows a compromise on a particular matter. The Word incarnate speaks very strongly and uncompromisingly on the covenant of marriage. No matter the millennia, this is the firm word. Strong, but beautiful! It is a dialogue between Jesus and some Pharisees who seek to test him. They question Christ on the Law of Moses in an attempt to draw him into a disagreement which they have amongst themselves. Christ immediately responds by asking the question: “What did Moses command you?” He begins by appealing to that same law. Remember this though it’s not just ordinary law, but divine law. This is where things change for us Christians. The divine law is unchanging. Christ, for our sake, draws upon Sacred Scripture in order to explain this divine law, the covenant of marriage. Drawing upon sacred Scripture and His own Word, Christ raises the natural gift of marriage to a sacrament: a means of grace through a visible sign. This sign also acts for us a symbol for the way in which Christ loves us, his Church. Mark and Matthew’s Gospel narratives on this encounter in Jesus’ ministry are the foundation of Catholic Marriage, solidifying the Genesis account. Thus through his Word we are given divine law, an uncompromising understanding of this sacrament, whereby, we as a church community realise we can never divide Marriage (pronounce a divorce), because of Christ’s own uncompromising Word. This sacrament of Marriage is unique, since it is through the everyday forgiveness and love of the spouses that grace is promised to abound. Coupled with Reconciliation and Eucharist, there is provision for a wealth of grace to counter the evil one seeking to divide homes and families. I offer these words as I’m sure Christ himself intends it, as a divine truth, and an encouragement for those enduring trials which strengthen and builds couples up. But not as a burden to yoke those living in oppression and abuse.
I would encourage you this week to take time and pray a Lectio Divina with this text from Genesis chapter 2. This is the most beautiful account of human anthropology – our basis as a human society and persons. Non Judeo-Christian religions have no such beautiful and intimate beginnings as this. It displays such an intimate link between the creator and the creature, God and Man. Then furthermore, between the sexes: male and female. To read these slowly and pray with them, it will be a great and fruitful exercise to help us ground ourselves in prayer, and rediscover anew, our identity, fundamentally found in being children of God.
May God bless each of you as you celebrate our Lords day, and keep it holy. Let us continue to pray for those families who struggle at this time, and know that if you need any help or support at this time, we are willing to help in prayer, and in whatever way our means can make possible. Kia kaha
Support Life Sunday 10 October
The annual Respect Life Sunday event promoted each October by the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand will be renamed Support Life Sunday. This is to better reflect the active work Catholics need to do to help people facing significant life decisions.
The country’s Catholic bishops have approved the change in name and emphasis with a call for the faithful to show their love for life in deeds as well as words.
Support Life Sunday this year is Sunday 10 October. Its theme will be Honouring and Supporting Health Carers.
Bishop of Hamilton Stephen Lowe, the Secretary of the NZ Catholic Bishops
Conference, says the term “respect life” can seem passive.
“Support Life reminds us that we are all called to both uphold the dignity of all life and be active in the practical work needed to support people facing significant life decisions,” said Bishop Lowe.
“Many Catholics are uneasy with the recent legislative changes regarding euthanasia and abortion. Coupled with the continuing threat to life posed by Covid-19, we are being told people want new ways to respond to threats to life.
“The change of name will come with an explanation that the Catholic focus needs to move beyond political debate or legal argument and extend to active, practical support for people facing a range of life challenges at the beginning of life, throughout life, and at the end of life.”
The day is formally the Day of Prayer to Support Life. Bishop Lowe said the bishops’ Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics will, as in past years, prepare a wide range of parish resources for it. The resources will give examples of how Catholics can work more actively to support people’s lives, especially in healthcare.
“This year’s theme of supporting and honouring health carers is timely and echoes the frequent acknowledgements that Pope Francis gives to carers of all kinds, but especially health care workers, in the context of the pandemic,” said Bishop Lowe.
The Nathaniel Centre has produced a trove of resources for Support Life Sunday. Included in these are seven personal stories of Catholics working to support others in relevant fields, such as nurses, pregnancy advocacy, the dying, and much more. https://www.catholic.org.nz/resources/support-life-sunday-2021/
Our Prayerful Sympathy
Our prayerful sympathy to the family of Taberannang Bauro who died during the week. To his wife Mirikin, his children Ariing, Aritiera, Karoua, Aidan and Arineti and his parents Fulitua & Atamai Taraora. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Taberannang’s Requiem was held at the Cathedral on Saturday. May he rest in peace.
Come to the Cathedral to listen to talks on St Joseph by Fr Carl Telford
Coming to the end of the year of St Joseph inaugurated by Pope Francis it’s an opportunity to learn more about the Patron of the Universal Church.
St Joseph Patron of the Church
7 - 8pm Tuesday 5th October
Consecration to St Joseph: What is it? Why consider it?
7 - 8pm Tuesday 12th October
Ordination to the Diaconate
Pope Francis' Monthly Intention
Missionary Disciples
We pray that every baptised person may be engaged in evangelisation, available to the mission, by being witnesses of a life that has the flavour of the Gospel.
Divine Renovation Aotearoa Virtual Conference - Saturday 16th October
Featuring:
Fr James Mallon, Divine Renovation Founder
Aux. Bishop Michael Gielen, Auckland Diocese
and Kevin Bailey, Divine Renovation Australasia Executive Director
We are excited to offer this online nationwide conference for FREE. Register via our https://events.cdh.nz
This is for anyone who is interested in Divine Renovation, Alpha and those already running these programmes in their parish. Questions? Email Brigid Conroy brigidc@cdh.org.nzWAYS TO SUPPORT THE MISSION :
. ONLINE at bishopappeal.cdh.nz
. INTERNET BANKING RC Bishop of Hamilton - 02 0342 0050008- 003
(particulars: name - code: bishop app - Reference: donor # if any)
For more information & assistance, please contact Fred: fredr@cdh.org.nz or 856 6989
Thank you for your gifts and prayers.
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
First Communion & Confirmation Programme
The next parent Input session is on Sunday 17 October at 7pm. Please keep praying for these young people who are preparing to receive the Sacraments in November.
Kete Kōrero - Special Schools Edition - Available online
To celebrate Catholic Schools’ Day we have released a special edition of the Kete Kōrero for our schools across the diocese. Available in print in schools and online at ketekorero.cdh.nz
The editor has made a digital edition available for the many people unable to get a copy in their local church because of the current Covid-19 restrictions. Read the PDF here: https://www.catholic.org.nz/.../NZ-Catholic-Issue-622-Oct...
It has been produced digitally by staff working from their homes in Auckland, under the Level 3 lockdown there. Ka pai! Some headlines: NZ bishops have say on conversion therapy ban bill; Honest talk about device use; Some elderly need practical help in lockdown; Australians look for new way of living as church.
NET Ministries Australia
Job Vacancy - Accounts Receivable Officer - Full time -
An opportunity has arisen for a full-time position within the Schools’ Office, based within the office of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. To learn more and apply visit cdh.org.nz/jobs
Applications close 4th October 2021.
Notices from Titipounamu Study & Joy
Online Sessions (Evening):
The Gospel of Luke – The Gospel of the New Church Year with Kieran Fenn fms.
Mondays, 3 and 11 October, 7-8.30pm. ZOOM.
$25/session. Topic on 03 October: The Parables.
https://www.studyjoy.nz/2021/09/02/the-gospel-of-luke/
For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz
Readings for next Weekend:
First Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11
Second Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13
Gospel: Mark 10:17-30
Contact Us
Assistant Priest: Fr Isaac Fransen frisaac@hamcathedral.co.nz
Email: newsletter@cathedral.cdh.nz
Website: https://churchwebsite.co.nz/hamcathedral/
Location: 494 Grey St, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 856 6486