Mass Readings
Reading 1 – Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm – Ps 24:4-9
Reading 2 – St Paul to Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel – Mark 1:14-20
Gospel Reflection
Fr Martin Ashe, Parish Priest
We sense around us that there are new beginnings taking place for many people. Our schools will open in a few days, for our staff and students. For many individuals and families, their work situation may have changed and different kinds of arrangements have been put in place. In contrast to this time last year, when bushfires were so prevalent, Covid-19 in 2021 has given us a new context in the way we live our lives.
Even in the living out of our following of Jesus, our discipleship, we do in the reality of this time and place. We notice that when Jesus called his first disciples, he did so in the midst of what they were doing, in the ordinariness of their lives. Some were repairing their fishing nets, and one collecting taxes. But Jesus met them where they were at and called them to begin a new life with him. There was an urgency in the call. The message in the Good News of God’s kingdom is near in the proclamation and the deeds of Jesus. Jesus wanted others to join him in this life giving task and mission.
We continue to be involved and challenged at this time within our Parish community and in our overall Australian community to work for a deeper sense of commitment in nurturing a more just, compassionate and reconciling community. May we allow the urgency of the invitation from Jesus to take hold of our hearts, knowing that this is the time provided for us to make the Good News of Jesus Christ practical and real, especially during this time of pandemic.