There is one parish in particular, Palar, where I had an amazing experience of transformation. It happened while I had undertaken a special meditation prayer for the parish. The social profile of the area was an epitome of hopelessness. They were high of illegal cannabis growing and distilling local rum; but dry on peace and joy in life.

Recent floods in many parts of the state and beyond isolated some communities and people in the submerged areas like Lismore were forced to leave their homes for refuge centres. Another heart-breaking news is the war in Ukraine.  Our concern for these situations are heightened even before our memory of volcanic disaster in Tonga and that of the war torn Lebanon.  And the whole world is yet to recover from the COVID pandemic.

There is a story about a boy in grade four caught stealing.  His dad was called into the school office and told that his son has got a habit of stealing pencils from other students.  His parent was disgusted at this and said, “Why did he do it? He shouldn’t be needing any more pencil. I bring him pencils from my office each week.”

Being at home with my mother and siblings, especially the sick ones, was good. Sr Tomsy, the one you all have been praying for, continues to be in need of it. But I could not be away from my adopted home, my parish, for long. Many of you have commented on the cheerful presence of Fr Mirko. He in turn also feels very much welcome to the parish. Thanks to all parishioners for making him feel so.

Did any dove come down on you when you were baptised? I suspect not. But it did for Jesus. The image of the dove reminds of Noah testing whether the flood was receding.  He sent out a dove to see whether the water has receded anywhere.  The dove came back because there was no dry land for it to set foot

Last year the Christmas celebrations were in disarray.  But this year we could get together for a good celebration, though many parishioners were a bit apprehensive of crowding.  A couple of times, after the Carols and the Christmas Vigil Mass, NSW Health informed of one COVID positive person visiting the church each time. Therefore, NSW Health advised to clean the church and continue the “business”, and we did precisely that.  I myself went for a PCR test before Christmas to make sure I will not be exposing COVID to the parishioners.  So far my tests have been negative.  But it is important for all of us to keep up the safety protocols and hygiene practices.  I believe that two factors, the high vaccination rate and the mildness of the variant spreading now, COVID is on its way out.  In any case let us reclaim the usual routine of life, as much as we can.

With or without a house, children are normally reared in families.  We all are, to a great extent, products of our own families.  I remember, my parents’ insistence on an hour of family prayer each evening.  They also made sure their children did not missed the Sunday Masses.  Walking about two kilometres to and from the parish church in the tropical sun was not an issue then

You don’t have to have any school going children to be reminded that it is the end of the school year now.  As long as you are on social media, you see heaps of graduation photos posted on it by proud mums.  Children and the futuristic hope in them are the joy and pride of the parents.  Mothers see God’s blessings in their children.  Two such mothers who were blessed by the fruit of their wombs meet according to today’s Gospel.

The Report of the Plenary Council of Australia which assembled in Adelaide recently was discussed in last week’s Catholic Weekly.  Adam Wesselinoff highlighted Francis Sullivan and his team’s frustrations and scepticism, while on the other hand, Greg Craven in his article warned that people with their own agenda are trying to demolish the Church.  Though these critiques hold very diverse views, both articles were asking the same question, “How do we reform?” Israelites asked the same question to John the Baptist (Ref Lk3:10).

many of the professions there are mentors, especially for beginners.  But you may have never suspected of Jesus having one.  John the Baptist was Jesus’ mentor.  Jesus received baptism from John.  From the Gospels we know that John was an important person both historically and religiously.  On these accounts John was also part of the story of Jesus. Today’s gospel reading from Luke is about the role of John in the mission of Jesus.