This Week's Reflection
Today we reflect on the first and most important responsibility of discipleship, namely, evangelisation, the goal of which is the proclamation of the reign of God. God seems to choose the most unlikely people to preach to others. It does not matter who brings the good news, but who receives it. Jonah the prophet was sent to outsiders, even enemies. The disciples were fishermen who spoke to the people of their own country. God's salvation is intended for all, and it seems to make little difference who brings this good news.
Today’s readings call for repentance. The grace of God requires a new way of living, a life of faith and commitment. The gospel invites us into the age of fulfilment, a salvific reign of truth, compassion and kindness. It is a way of life that leads to justice.
There is an urgency in these readings. This world in its present form is passing away, and God's call demands a total response. Like the disciples, we must leave the familiarity of our former ways and follow the call that we have heard in the depths of our hearts. We are called first to enter the reign of God and then to spread it. As ambassadors of God, we bring the good news of salvation wherever we are and in whatever we do. Called by God, we now begin to live in a totally different way, guided by the values of the reign of God rather than those of the world that is passing away.
REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA.
Rev Prof Michael Tate graduated in Law from the University of Tasmania in 1968, and in Theology from Oxford University in 1971. He lectured at the University of Tasmania from 1972-78, being Dean of the Faculty of Law in 1977-78. He was a Senator for Tasmania from 1978-93, being Federal Minister for Justice from 1987-93. He served as Ambassador to The Hague and the Holy See from 1993-96. He then returned to Australia and was ordained in May 2000 and has been a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Hobart since then. He is an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Tasmania where he lectures in International Humanitarian Law.
Today’s readings call for repentance. The grace of God requires a new way of living, a life of faith and commitment. The gospel invites us into the age of fulfilment, a salvific reign of truth, compassion and kindness. It is a way of life that leads to justice.
There is an urgency in these readings. This world in its present form is passing away, and God's call demands a total response. Like the disciples, we must leave the familiarity of our former ways and follow the call that we have heard in the depths of our hearts. We are called first to enter the reign of God and then to spread it. As ambassadors of God, we bring the good news of salvation wherever we are and in whatever we do. Called by God, we now begin to live in a totally different way, guided by the values of the reign of God rather than those of the world that is passing away.
REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA.
Rev Prof Michael Tate graduated in Law from the University of Tasmania in 1968, and in Theology from Oxford University in 1971. He lectured at the University of Tasmania from 1972-78, being Dean of the Faculty of Law in 1977-78. He was a Senator for Tasmania from 1978-93, being Federal Minister for Justice from 1987-93. He served as Ambassador to The Hague and the Holy See from 1993-96. He then returned to Australia and was ordained in May 2000 and has been a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Hobart since then. He is an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Tasmania where he lectures in International Humanitarian Law.