Weekly Bulletin

Today we encounter a striking moment in the trial of Jesus. Pilate, the powerful Roman governor, questions Jesus about his identity, asking, "Are you the king of the Jews?" But Jesus’ response shifts the conversation from earthly power to a deeper, spiritual realm. He says that his kingdom is "not of this world" and that he came into the world "to bear witness to the truth."

The truth that Jesus speaks of is not just a set of doctrines or moral teachings. It is the truth of his life – a life that reveals the very heart of God. Jesus’ entire mission, his healings, his teachings, his compassion for the marginalized, all bear witness to a God who is love, who desires reconciliation with humanity. This truth, which transcends human understanding and the power structures of the world, is so radical that it leads Jesus to this moment – on trial, facing the power of the Roman Empire.

When Pilate asks, "What is truth?" the question is left unanswered in the gospel, but the answer has already been given. Jesus himself is the embodiment of truth. He is the living revelation of God’s love, a love that challenges human notions of power and control, a love that is willing to sacrifice itself for the sake of others.

Pilate’s inability to grasp this truth reflects the struggle of many who encounter Jesus. His kingdom does not conform to worldly expectations, and his message calls for a transformation of the heart. Those who are "on the side of truth" are those who are willing to listen to Jesus’ voice, to allow his life and teaching to shape their own. To listen to his voice means to recognize that the truth Jesus offers is not an abstract idea, but a way of living rooted in love, service, and sacrifice.

In our own lives, we are invited to consider where we stand in relation to this truth. Are we on the side of truth, listening to Jesus’ voice? Or are we, like Pilate, caught in the tension between worldly power and the deeper truth of God’s love? The challenge of this passage is to align our lives with the truth Jesus has borne witness to – the truth of God’s love, which calls us to love one another and to seek justice and peace in our world.

Based on: Gospel Focus–Truth, by Greg Sunter  

 May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved……….forever!  
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God does not create from a distance, sending existence to us like the sun its rays. God is in us, in our most intimated depths more present to us than we are to ourselves.
Our God is everywhere; equally everywhere; fully present in an angel and a grain of sand. He could not be more present in one than the other. But God is not active in all beings equally. His intimate, creative action gives existence with a variety of characteristics. To the plant, it gives life; to the animal, a more perfect life; to a human being and to an angel, intelligence in various degrees.
Creation is a divine discourse expressing in space all the perfections of God. Blessed are those who listen to this discourse and understand something of it. 

Jules Chevalier msc - Le Sacré-Coeur de Jésus, p. 281f Paris, 1900

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Today’s feast is needed now more than ever for all people and for us especially, as Christian stewards. It reminds us of three vital truths.
First, even when it seems the world is spinning out of control, we need not fear because we have a King of kings who is very much in charge and who is loving, merciful and just.
Second, if Christ is king of all, then He is also king of me, personally. I am not “lord” of my time, talents, and treasure. He is. I am a servant of the King and a steward of His gifts to me.
Third, as His disciple, I am called to imitate my King. Christ’s kingship is characterized by humble service, by emptying Himself for the good of others. The Scriptures tell us He went about doing good and He says of Himself, “I came not to be served but to serve.” How can I live in any other way than as a humble servant like my King? 

www.catholicsteward.com  
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Stay for a cuppa

Join us in the parish foyer after the 10:00am mass on Sunday 24 November for a cuppa. While you indulge in a coffee catch up with parishioners or introduce yourself to someone you do not know. Feel free to bring something to share. All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you there.

Anyone wanting help please leave a message for Jenny McGee on 0481 706 966

By remembering your faith community in your Will, you contribute to the spiritual legacy that has enriched your life. Your bequest ensures the continuation of the traditions, teachings, and support that have shaped your journey.

John Welfare, John Patterson, Allan Cockroft, Winifred O’Neill, John Burns,
John Costelloe, Susan Sutch, Darren O’Brien, Leslie Lincoln, Conelly Andrae,
Paul Wilson, Alexandre Arekion, Vin Stewart, Nancy Selvatino, John Soetens,
Kane Cahill, Lola Boer, Peter Needham, John Martin, Martina Forjanic, Adam Suckling,
Brodie McMahon.