This Sunday’s Gospel is from Mark, 3:2-35. Reflecting on this Gospel, Pope Francis says that ‘Jesus’ response was not a lack of respect for his mother and his brethren.’ He was not turning away from family, but rather widening the very concept.

‘Jesus formed a new family,’ the Pope explains, ‘no longer based on natural ties, but on faith in him, on his love which welcomes us and unites us to each other, in the Holy Spirit.’

This is especially poignant when we remember that Jesus was just accused of being devilish. While Jesus’ clever riposte turns the logic of the scribes upside down and puts them on the backfoot, the Pope suggests that ‘this episode contains an admonishment which is useful to all of us.’

He points out that ‘it can happen that deep envy of a person’s goodness and good works can drive one to falsely accuse him or her.’ This, after all, was the root of the accusation against Jesus. We must be alert to this temptation ourselves, especially in the Church.

We should also be alert to a little detail in this Gospel which is easily overlooked. Pope Francis draws our attention to it, because it highlights why Jesus attracted both accusations and concerns in the first place.

Jesus, the Pope points out, ‘did not even have time to eat.’ He was too busy encountering people and encouraging them. ‘Jesus,’ the Pope says, ‘was like that: people first; serving people; helping people; teaching people; healing people. He was for the people. He did not even have time to eat.’

Adapted from Nick Brodie.

Confirmation

Please continue to keep our Confirmation candidates in your prayers, as they prepare for their Confirmation in Week 8.

Vinnies

Thank you so much for your generosity with our collections for the Winter Appeal. We will continue to collect items through until Week 9.

Save the date!

We will celebrate our end of semester Mass here at SCA on Friday 28^th June at 9:15am.

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Rachel Kennedy

Religious Education Coordinator