THE 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B - 16th & 17th October 2021 - Holy Trinity Parish

by Cynthia White

This past week has been a week like no other with the First session of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia taking place. A historical happening and a process that seems by all accounts to be an extraordinary spiritual journey for those involved. Apart from being a technological feat connecting the participants, it is reported by many journalists, commentators and media that there was a greater movement. The movement of the Holy Spirit was well and truly felt by all the participants. Scripture scholars on hand, and a diverse range of people - who can continue to take great courage from this Sunday’s Psalm – “Lord let your mercy be on us as we place our trust in you”. Our hope is in the Lord - that this process, through spiritual discernment, will allow us to become a transparent, humble and inclusive church. Our second reading assures us that we should always hold on to the faith that we have professed, because in Christ we will find that much needed grace when we are in need of help, as our church does in today’s Australia. Our Gospel speaks to us so clearly about the direction we as a Church should take. We are the church of the baptised and we are invited to consider what we are asking for, like James and John - are we seeking for places of authority? Or as Jesus, being ready to serve rather than be served. Hopefully we can be a Syndal church that is Christ centred in word and deed.